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Definition of hypocrite

hypocrite

/ˈhɪp.ə.krɪt/
hyp · o · crite

Adverb:hypocritically
•
Plural:hypocrites
•
Adjective:hypocritical
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hypocrite Lexical Profile

hypocrite Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who professes high moral standards, beliefs, or virtues that they do not actually hold or practice in their own behavior.

Example

"The politician was labeled a hypocrite after campaigning on environmental conservation while investing heavily in coal."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hypocrite

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Old French and Ecclesiastical Latin from Ancient Greek 'hypokrites', meaning a stage actor or pretender, from 'hypokrinesthai' (to play a part or interpret from underneath a theatrical mask).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


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