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noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

hypocrite

HIH-puh-kriht

Hypocrite (noun) means someone whose actions contradict the beliefs or values they claim to hold. Example: “He called out his coworker as a hypocrite for breaking the very rules he enforced.”

noun
1
Someone whose actions contradict the beliefs or values they claim to hold.
"He called out his coworker as a hypocrite for breaking the very rules he enforced."

How to use hypocrite

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA person who preaches one thing but does another.

Common pairings
call someone a hypocrite total hypocrite

Word forms

hypocrites plural

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He called out his coworker as a _____ for breaking the very rules he enforced.

Etymology

From Greek hypokritēs, originally meaning "stage actor" — someone playing a part rather than being genuine.

Origin: Greek

phony pretender phoney dissembler dissimulator

Related words

Rhymes for hypocrite

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Frequently asked questions

What does “hypocrite” mean?

The word “hypocrite” means someone whose actions contradict the beliefs or values they claim to hold. In plain terms, a person who preaches one thing but does another.

How do you pronounce “hypocrite”?

“Hypocrite” is pronounced HIH-puh-kriht (/ˈhɪ.pə.kɹɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “hypocrite” in a sentence?

Here is “hypocrite” used in a sentence: “He called out his coworker as a hypocrite for breaking the very rules he enforced.”

What part of speech is “hypocrite”?

“Hypocrite” is a noun.

Where does the word “hypocrite” come from?

The word “hypocrite” comes from Greek. From Greek hypokritēs, originally meaning "stage actor" — someone playing a part rather than being genuine.

Is “hypocrite” a common word?

“Hypocrite” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial