HYPOCRISY

hypocrisy

(noun) insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have

hypocrisy, lip service

(noun) an expression of agreement that is not supported by real conviction

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

hypocrisy (countable and uncountable, plural hypocrisies)

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.

The claim or pretense of having beliefs, standards, qualities, behaviours, virtues, motivations, etc. which one does not really have. [from early 13th c.]

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.

An instance of any or all of the above.

Synonyms

• hypocriticality

• hypocriticalness

Source: Wiktionary

Hy*poc"ri*sy, n.; pl. Hypocrisies. Etym: [OE. hypocrisie, ypocrisie, OF. hypocrisie, ypocrisie, F. hypocrisie, L. hypocrisis, fr. Gr. Hypo-, and Critic.]

Definition: The act or practice of a hypocrite; a feigning to be what one is not, or to feel what one does not feel; a dissimulation, or a concealment of one's real character, disposition, or motives; especially, the assuming of false appearance of virtue or religion; a simulation of goodness. Hypocrisy is the necessary burden of villainy. Rambler. Hypocrisy is the homage vice pays to virtue. La Rochefoucauld (Trans. ).

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition