Hypocrisy + Pretence = Incredulity / What does it all mean? - Learning English with Mr Duncan

Here are three English words that have an interesting connection.

The words are hypocrisy pretence and incredulity.

You might find that the state of the first two words will lead to an occurrence of the third.

The first word is hypocrisy.

The word hypocrisy is a noun that means the practice of claiming to have

higher standards and more noble beliefs than is the case.

The action of placing yourself high up on a moral pedestal above other people is hypocrisy.

To falsely preach your own assumed high morals

whilst berating those around you for their perceived failings is hypocrisy.

The action of holding oneself up as an example of a moral or noble person that later proves to be false

will most likely leave that person open to accusations of hypocrisy.

The word 'hypocritical' is the adjective that describes the person being accused of hypocrisy.

A politician might tell others to obey certain rules whilst breaking them themselves.

A hypocritical person is a hypocrite. That person has been accused of hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy is a noun. Hypocrite is also a noun.

Hypocritical is an adjective.

Extreme examples include an alcoholic telling others not to drink alcohol.

A sex addict telling others to abstain from promiscuity.

A wealthy celebrity with a private jet who criticizes others for taking commercial flights.

If you don't practice what you preach

then you might find yourself being accused of being a hypocrite.

The second word on my list is 'pretence'.

The word pretence is a noun that names the action of making something that is unreal or untrue appear real and a statement of fact.

To falsely put something forward either in words or as an action can be described as pretence.

A person might attempt to appear more worthy, more intelligent,

or more sophisticated than they actually are.

Pretence is the projection of false morals overstated abilities or the act of being grandiose as a means to impress others.

Then we have the word pretentious

A pretentious person uses pretence to establish a false image.

You are overstating your own status, abilities, wealth, or intellect.

A pretentious person might overstate one or more of these personal attributes so as to gain respect, trust, admiration, or even envy from those around them.

Pretence is a noun.

Pretentious is an adjective.

The action of being pretentious might lead to accusations of having delusions of grandeur.

Ostentatious behaviour can be described as 'pretentious'.

The state of displaying pretension names the action of claiming something as a personal attribute,

or asserting an ability or aspiration in a certain field.

Pretence might also refer to the plot of a staged performance.

Finally we have the word 'incredulous'.

This word might be the result of a person's hypocrisy and pretentiousness.

A false front or the action of appearing better than you really are will lead to incredulity from those around you.

The word incredulous means 'disbelieving' or 'distrusting'.

To lose faith in someone due to their false morals or self-proclaimed overstatements of their own abilities will often lead to incredulity from others.

Incredulous is an adjective, whilst incredulity is a noun.

The word hypocrisy derives from the Greek word for 'act' or 'play' a theatrical part.

Pretence derives from the Latin word for 'pretend'.

Pretension derives from the Latin word for alleged'.

Incredulous derives from the Latin word for 'not believing'.