Basic Details
Word: Hypocrisy
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Saying one thing but doing another; pretending to have beliefs or morals that one does not actually hold.
Synonyms: Duplicity, insincerity, two-facedness
Antonyms: Honesty, sincerity, truthfulness
Idioms and Phrases
- Practice what you preach: This means you should act according to the principles you advocate. Example: "If you want others to be honest, you must practice what you preach."
- Two-faced: Referring to someone who is insincere or deceitful, presenting one persona to one group and another to a different group. Example: "We cannot trust him; he’s two-faced and often changes his story."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She accused him of hypocrisy when he criticised others for being late while he often arrived after the agreed time.
Example 2: The politician’s hypocrisy became evident when his actions contradicted his promises during the campaign.
Example 3: It is frustrating to witness hypocrisy in those who claim to support environmental causes yet drive gas-guzzling cars.
Fun Fact
The word "hypocrisy" comes from the Greek word "hypokrisis," which means "to act" or "to play a part." The term originally referred to the acting profession, where actors depicted characters that may not reflect their true selves.
Famous Quote
"Hypocrisy is the homage vice pays to virtue." - François de La Rochefoucauld
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "hypocrisy" mean?
a) Acting with integrity
b) Saying one thing but doing another
c) Being truthful at all times
d) Showing kindness to others
Answer: b) Saying one thing but doing another
2. Which of these is a synonym of "hypocrisy"?
a) Honesty
b) Insincerity
c) Truthfulness
d) Loyalty
Answer: b) Insincerity
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "hypocrisy"?
a) Duplicity
b) Dishonesty
c) Sincerity
d) Deceit
Answer: c) Sincerity
4. Which sentence uses "hypocrisy" correctly?
a) His hypocrisy was clear when he didn’t prepare for the exam but expected others to do well.
b) She shows hypocrisy by working hard all the time.
c) The hypocrisy of the athlete was admired by all.
d) There was hypocrisy in the room during the team meeting.
Answer: a) His hypocrisy was clear when he didn’t prepare for the exam but expected others to do well.
5. Which idiom means to act according to one's stated beliefs?
a) Two-faced
b) Give someone the cold shoulder
c) Practice what you preach
d) Play it by ear
Answer: c) Practice what you preach
