The terms “hypocrite” and “hypocrisy” are related but refer to different things:
Hypocrite
- A hypocrite is a person who pretends to have certain moral standards, beliefs, or values but behaves in a way that contradicts those principles. In other words, a hypocrite says one thing but does another, often in a way that reveals insincerity or dishonesty.
- Example: If someone constantly tells others to be honest but is caught lying themselves, they are a hypocrite.
Hypocrisy
- Hypocrisy is the behavior or practice of being a hypocrite. It refers to the act of pretending to have higher moral standards, beliefs, or virtues than one actually does.
- Example: When a person criticizes others for not helping the poor but never contributes to charity themselves, their hypocrisy is evident.
Summary:
- Hypocrite = A person who acts in a hypocritical way.
- Hypocrisy = The act or practice of pretending to be morally upright or virtuous while not actually living by those principles.
So, a hypocrite is the person, and hypocrisy is the behavior they display.