noun
hypocrite
HIP-uh-krit/ˈhɪpəkrɪt/
A person whose behavior contradicts professed beliefs or standards.
The hypocrite scolds another man for littering while dropping his own wrapper.
Etymology
Greek hypokritēs named a stage actor and also a pretender. The moral sense treats people claiming virtues or beliefs they lack as actors playing a part.
In context
at the worst the hypocrite who pretends to be good does less harm than the open sinner.
More examples
- She called him a hypocrite for ignoring the rule he demanded others follow.
- The novel exposes a group of self-righteous hypocrites.
- He feared becoming a hypocrite by preaching honesty while lying.
Forms
hypocrite · hypocrites
hypocrisy noun — Pretending to uphold standards one violates.