The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs while acting in ways that contradict those standards. The quality of being a hypocrite.
From Greek 'hypokrisis' meaning 'acting on stage, pretense'. From 'hypo-' (under) plus 'krinein' (to judge or decide). Originally referred to theatrical performance before acquiring its moral meaning.
The word hypocrisy literally means 'acting under' - originally describing actors wearing masks in Greek theater. This theatrical origin is fitting, as hypocrisy involves performing a role that doesn't match one's true character, making life itself a kind of stage performance.
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