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Duplicitous
Given to, marked by, or characterized by deception and double-dealing; presenting one set of truths to some people and a different set to others.
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Imagine This
Imagine a politician who tells voters in one city one version of a policy, then tells a different version to supporters in another city, as if wearing two masks. That contrast in stories is duplicitous.
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Sounds Like
doo-PLIS-i-tuhs
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Looks Like
Looks like related words such as duplicate or duplicity (root dupli- for double).
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Remember This
The root 'dupli-' means double; duplicity (the noun) is the practice of being double-dealing, and duplicitous is the adjective describing that behavior.
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Other Forms
duplicitousnessnoun
duplicitouslyadverb
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Connect With
duplicity, deceit, two-faced, hypocritical, deceitful, double-dealing
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Note
Duplicitous emphasizes intentional and systematic deceit (two-facedness). It is stronger than simply 'deceptive' and often implies contradictory statements or hidden agendas. Do not confuse with 'duplicit' (obsolete) or with 'duplicated' (copied).
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The senator's duplicitous statements earned him a reputation for promising one thing to constituents while planning something else in secret.
- A duplicitous employer claimed to value employee welfare but cut health benefits without notice.
Synonyms
deceitfultwo-faceddishonestdeviousfraudulenthypocritical
Antonyms
honestsincereforthrighttransparent
Etymology
From Latin duplicitas 'doubleness, deceit' from duplicus 'double'; via Old French duplicité to English duplicity, with the suffix -ous forming the adjective.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: Double-dealings. Duplicitous = someone who engages in double dealings (two-faced deception).
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Curative
adjectiveHaving the power to cure; providing a remedy or healing effect.
Vindicate
verbTo clear someone of blame or suspicion; to justify or prove something to be right or valid.
Cathartic
adjectiveProviding psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions; causing a sense of cleansing or release.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Duplicity
nounDeceitfulness; the practice of acting with two-faced or deliberate deception.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
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