Hypocrisy vs. Hypocricy – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is hypocrisy. The word hypocricy is a common misspelling and does not exist in standard English. Hypocrisy refers to the practice of claiming to have higher moral standards or beliefs than is the case, or behaving in a way that suggests one has different moral standards or beliefs from what one actually possesses.
Hypocrisy or Hypocricy – Which is Correct?
When faced with the choice between “hypocrisy” and “hypocricy,” the answer is straightforward: hypocrisy is the only correct spelling. “Hypocricy” is a common misspelling, likely stemming from phonetic confusion. The ‘s’ in “hypocrisy” often sounds like a ‘c’ when pronounced, leading many to incorrectly assume the ‘c’ spelling.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To easily remember the correct spelling, focus on the ‘s’ in the middle of the word. Think of “hypocrisy” as having an ‘s’ for “sham” or “secret” – words that evoke the deceptive nature of hypocrisy. The correct spelling includes this ‘s’, not a ‘c’.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypocrisy | Noun | The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform; pretense. | His constant lectures on honesty were seen as pure hypocrisy given his own dishonest dealings. |
| Hypocricy | Incorrect | This is a misspelling and has no meaning in standard English. | Using “hypocricy” instead of “hypocrisy” is an error. |
How to Use Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy is a noun that refers to the behavior of people who say they have certain moral beliefs or principles but then act in a way that shows they do not. It implies a lack of sincerity and often carries a negative, critical tone. It is commonly used in formal and informal contexts to criticize someone’s inconsistent behavior or stated beliefs, particularly in moral or ethical matters.
Example 1: The politician’s speech about fiscal responsibility was met with accusations of hypocrisy after reports surfaced of his extravagant spending.
Example 2: It’s an act of pure hypocrisy to demand loyalty from others when you yourself are constantly disloyal.
Example 3: Critics pointed out the hypocrisy of the company’s “green” initiatives while its factories continued to pollute local rivers.
What are the different forms of Hypocrisy?
As a noun, “hypocrisy” itself primarily functions in singular and plural forms. Its plural form is hypocrisies. However, the concept extends to related word forms:
- Noun (person): Hypocrite (a person who practices hypocrisy).
- Adjective: Hypocritical (behaving in a way that suggests higher standards than are the case).
- Adverb: Hypocritically (in a hypocritical manner).
Etymology of the word Hypocrisy
The word “hypocrisy” originates from the Old French ypocrisie, which itself came from the Latin hypocrisis. The Latin term was derived from the Ancient Greek hypokrisis (ὑπόκρισις), meaning “acting on the stage,” “play-acting,” or “feigning.” In Greek, hypokritēs (ὑποκριτής) referred to an actor or one who answers, eventually evolving to mean a dissembler or pretender. Over time, the theatrical sense of assuming a role shifted to the moral sense of pretending to be what one is not, particularly in virtue.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader linguistic concepts can help clarify why certain words are spelled or used in particular ways, and why misspellings like “hypocricy” occur.
- Common Misspellings: Many words are frequently misspelled due to phonetic similarities, silent letters, or unusual letter combinations. “Hypocricy” is a prime example where the ‘s’ sound is mistakenly replaced with a ‘c’.
- Abstract Nouns: “Hypocrisy” is an abstract noun, representing a concept, quality, or idea rather than a tangible object. Other examples include justice, freedom, and love. Understanding abstract nouns helps in recognizing their typical usage and forms.
- Etymology: The study of word origins often reveals why words are spelled a certain way, even if their pronunciation has changed over time. The Greek roots of “hypocrisy” highlight its historical connection to “acting” or “pretending.”
Examples from Media and Literature
- In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the pigs’ gradual adoption of human vices, despite their initial revolutionary ideals, is a powerful depiction of hypocrisy.
- The film The Social Network subtly explores the hypocrisy of its protagonist, Mark Zuckerberg, who built a platform for connection while often alienating those closest to him.
- News reports frequently highlight political hypocrisy, such as officials advocating for public austerity while enjoying lavish personal benefits.
- Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice often exposes the social hypocrisy of the upper classes through characters like Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
- An article in The New York Times on June 2, 2026, discussed the hypocrisy of companies touting diversity while their executive boards remain homogenous.
Hypocrisy Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Pretense | An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true. |
| Deception | The action of deceiving someone. |
| Insincerity | The quality of not being sincere; lack of honesty or genuineness. |
| Duplicity | Deceitfulness; double-dealing. |
| Sanctimony | The pretense of being morally superior to other people. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is the most common mistake when spelling “hypocrisy”?
The most common mistake is replacing the ‘s’ with a ‘c’, leading to the incorrect spelling “hypocricy.” This often happens because the ‘s’ sound in the word can be confused with a ‘c’ sound.
Question 2: How can I remember the correct spelling of “hypocrisy”?
A helpful trick is to associate the ‘s’ in “hypocrisy” with words like “sham” or “secret,” which reflect the deceptive nature of the concept. Always remember it’s “hypocrisy,” not “hypocricy.”
Question 3: Are there any words similar to “hypocrisy” that are spelled with a ‘c’ in that position?
While there are many words with ‘c’ sounds, none are directly interchangeable or commonly confused with “hypocrisy” in a similar position. The ‘s’ in “hypocrisy” is unique to its correct spelling.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct spelling is unequivocally hypocrisy, referring to the practice of claiming moral standards that one’s own behavior contradicts. The spelling “hypocricy” is an error and should be avoided. Remembering the ‘s’ in the middle of the word can help you consistently use the correct form. Precision in language, especially with words like “hypocrisy” that carry significant meaning, reflects careful communication.
Pro Tip: Always double-check spellings of words that sound similar to others or have unusual letter combinations. Using the correct terminology, especially in professional or academic contexts, reinforces your credibility and attention to detail.
