Duplicity is a noun for deceitful behavior or language used to hide true intentions, derived from the Latin word for 'double.'
Duplicity (doo-PLISS-uh-tee) is a noun that means deception through words or actions, disguising one's true intentions. The word comes from the Latin "duplex," meaning "double."
| Word | duplicity |
|---|---|
| Date | July 6, 2014 |
| Type | noun |
| Syllables | doo-PLISS-uh-tee |
| Etymology | If someone's duplicity has left you feeling like you're seeing double, take heart in the word's etymology. "Duplicity" comes from a long line of "double" talk, starting with its Latin grandparent "duplex," which means "double" or "twofold." As you might expect, "duplex" is also the parent of another term for doubling it up, "duplicate." And of course, the English "duplex" (which can be a noun meaning "a two-family house" or an adjective meaning "double") comes from the Latin word of the same spelling. |
| Examples | In a shameful act of duplicity, Jerry took the money he was entrusted to donate to the homeless shelter and instead used it to buy drugs. "Duplicity abounds in the Athenian Berean Community Players production of Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest.' That duplicity extends to the play's title, and how one chooses to read 'Earnest' will determine its meaning." - Gary L. Molina, Athensnews.com, May 7, 2012 |
| Definition | : the disguising of true intentions by deceptive words or action |
Tags: wordoftheday::noun
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