Hypocritic vs. Hypocritical: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 22, 2024
Hypocritic refers to someone who is a hypocrite, while hypocritical describes the behavior of being hypocritical, insincere, or deceitful in actions or beliefs.
Key Differences
Hypocritic is a noun used to describe a person who practices hypocrisy. A hypocrite professes beliefs, feelings, or virtues that they do not truly hold or practice. For instance, a hypocritic might preach honesty while frequently lying. Hypocritical, on the other hand, is an adjective that describes actions or behavior that are hypocritical. If someone’s actions do not align with their stated beliefs, their behavior can be termed hypocritical. For example, it’s hypocritical for someone to condemn cheating but then cheat themselves.
A hypocritic embodies hypocrisy through their persona, while hypocritical qualifies the nature of the actions or words. A person can be labeled a hypocritic if they consistently engage in hypocritical behavior.
Whereas hypocritic directly labels a person, hypocritical pertains to specific instances or patterns of behavior. It's possible to describe someone’s statements or actions as hypocritical without necessarily calling the person a hypocrite.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Adjective
Definition
A person who practices hypocrisy
Actions or behavior marked by hypocrisy
ADVERTISEMENT
Usage
Describes a person
Describes behavior or actions
Example Sentence
He is a hypocritic.
His promises were hypocritical.
Focus
The person themselves
The nature of actions or words
Hypocritic and Hypocritical Definitions
Hypocritic
A person who claims to have moral standards but behaves otherwise.
The politician turned out to be a hypocritic, preaching family values while engaging in scandalous affairs.
Hypocritical
Marked by insincerity or deceit.
Her hypocritical smile fooled no one.
ADVERTISEMENT
Hypocritic
An individual who deceives others about their true intentions.
His friends realized he was a hypocritic, as his kindness was a façade for personal gain.
Hypocritical
Characterized by actions that are not genuinely reflective of one's beliefs.
His public persona was hypocritical compared to his private life.
Hypocritic
Someone who pretends to be something they are not.
The leader was seen as a hypocritic for advocating environmentalism but investing in oil companies.
Hypocritical
Having behaviors that contradict stated beliefs.
It's hypocritical to advocate for health while smoking.
Hypocritic
A person exhibiting hypocrisy in their actions.
She was labeled a hypocritic for criticizing others' spending while living extravagantly.
Hypocritical
Exhibiting behavior that does not align with claimed principles.
The company's hypocritical stance on labor rights was exposed.
Hypocritic
Someone whose actions do not match their stated beliefs.
The teacher was a hypocritic, demanding punctuality but always arriving late.
Hypocritical
Demonstrating a double standard.
Calling out others for gossiping was hypocritical, considering his own habits.
Hypocritic
Synonym of hypocritical
Hypocritical
Characterized by hypocrisy
Hypocritical praise.
Hypocritic
A hypocrite.
Hypocritical
Being a hypocrite
A hypocritical rogue.
Hypocritic
See Hypocritical.
Hypocritical
Characterized by hypocrisy or being a hypocrite.
Hypocritical
Of or pertaining to a hypocrite, or to hypocrisy; as, a hypocriticalperson; a hypocritical look; a hypocritical action.
Hypocritical professions of friendship and of pacific intentions were not spared.
Hypocritical
Professing feelings or virtues one does not have;
Hypocritical praise
FAQs
What would be a hypocritical action?
A hypocritical action could be criticizing others for not recycling while personally never recycling.
What is the main difference between hypocritic and hypocritical?
Hypocritic is a noun referring to a person who practices hypocrisy, while hypocritical is an adjective describing actions or behaviors that are hypocritical.
Can you give an example of a hypocritic?
A hypocritic might be someone who advocates for honesty but frequently lies themselves.
Can a person be both a hypocritic and hypocritical?
Yes, a person who consistently exhibits hypocritical behavior can be labeled as a hypocritic.
What does hypocritic imply about a person?
It implies that the person consistently practices hypocrisy.
Is hypocritical a commonly used term?
Yes, hypocritical is commonly used to describe insincere or deceitful behavior.
What is the adjective form of hypocritic?
The adjective form is hypocritical.
Can hypocritical behavior be unintentional?
Yes, sometimes people may act hypocritically without realizing it.
How does hypocritical relate to morality?
Hypocritical actions often involve a discrepancy between stated moral values and actual behavior.
Is hypocritical used to describe people or actions?
Hypocritical is primarily used to describe actions, behaviors, or statements.
How do you pronounce hypocritic?
Hypocritic is pronounced as /ˌhɪpəˈkrɪtɪk/.
What’s a synonym for hypocritical?
A synonym for hypocritical is insincere.
Is it correct to say someone is a hypocritic?
Yes, it is correct to say someone is a hypocritic if they exhibit hypocrisy.
How would you use hypocritical in a sentence?
e.g., It was hypocritical of him to advise frugality while splurging on luxury items.
Is being hypocritic considered a negative trait?
Yes, being hypocritic is generally viewed negatively as it involves deceit and insincerity.
What’s an example of a hypocritical statement?
e.g., A hypocritical statement could be someone claiming to value honesty while frequently lying.
Can an action be both hypocritical and hypocritic?
An action itself is hypocritical, while the person performing it may be labeled as hypocritic.
Can you use hypocritic in a formal context?
Yes, hypocritic can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a person exhibiting hypocrisy.
How do you pronounce hypocritical?
Hypocritical is pronounced as /ˌhɪpəˈkrɪtɪkəl/.
What’s a synonym for hypocritic?
A synonym for hypocritic is hypocrite.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
