Hypocrisy

Definitions

1. The contrivance of a false appearance of virtue or goodness, while concealing real character or inclinations, especially with respect to religious and moral beliefs; hence in general sense, dissimulation, pretence, sham.
   countable, uncountable
2. The claim or pretense of having beliefs, standards, qualities, behaviours, virtues, motivations, etc. which one does not really have.
   countable, uncountable
3. The practice of engaging in the same behaviour or activity for which one criticises another; moral self-contradiction whereby the behavior of one or more people belies their own claimed or implied possession of certain beliefs, standards or virtues.
   countable, uncountable
4. An instance of hypocrisy.
   countable, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“political hypocrisy”

“He condemned the hypocrisy of politicians who broke their own⟳ laws.”

“rank hypocrisy”

“charge of hypocrisy”

CEFR level