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Definition of duplicity

duplicity

/duːˈplɪs.ɪ.ti/
du · plic · i · ty

Adverb:duplicitously
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Plural:duplicities
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Adjective:duplicitous
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duplicity Lexical Profile

duplicity Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Deceitfulness in speech or conduct; speaking or acting in two different ways to different people concerning the same matter with the intent to deceive.

Example

"The diplomat's duplicity was finally exposed when conflicting letters he had written to both rival factions were published."


2

In law, the procedural error of joining two or more distinct offenses in a single count of an indictment, or two or more causes of action in a single plea.

Example

"Defense counsel moved to dismiss the first count of the indictment on the grounds of duplicity."


3

The state or quality of being double or twofold.

Example

"Philosophers of the period often debated the fundamental duplicity of human nature, divided between spirit and matter."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for duplicity

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Old French duplicite, from Late Latin duplicitatem ('a doubling'), derived from Latin duplex ('twofold', from duo 'two' and plicare 'to fold').

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Duplicity. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/duplicity
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