For the death metal band, see Hypocrisy (band).

Hypocrisy is the act of pretending to have morals or virtues that one does not truly possess or practice. The word derives from the late Latin hypocrisis and Greek hupokrisis both meaning play-acting or pretence. The word is arguably derived from hypo- meaning under, + krinein meaning to decide/to dispute. A classic example of a hypocritical act is to denounce another for carrying out some action while carrying out the same action oneself.

The term hypocrisy is also commonly used in a way which should be more specifically termed a double standard, bias, or inconsistency. An example would be when one honestly believes that one group of individuals should be held to a different set of morals than another group.

Hypocrisy also refers to the act of criticizing others for behavior which one engages in as well, or in other words, not practising what you preach. Some people believe that most people, if not all, are hypocrites; they tend to criticize what they perceive to be bad behaviour in others, yet will justify it when they are inclined to peform the same action.

References

External links

• The Different Types of Hypocrites
• Naves Topical Bible Index for Hypocrisy

Sociology | Pejorative terms for people

Heuchelei | Hipocresía | Álszenteskedés | 偽善 | Hipokryzja | Hipocrisia