duplicity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "duplicity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe deceitfulness or double-dealing, often in the context of someone's actions or intentions being contradictory or dishonest. Example: "Her duplicity became evident when she was caught lying to both her friends and her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The story's pretty much the same, of course – criminals posing as musicians in a little old lady's guesthouse, as they plot a bank job; little old lady finds the loot; duplicity and betrayals and deaths ensue, just not in the way you'd think.

The Guardian

Few Tunisians were surprised at this French duplicity.

The Guardian

He wasn't able to drive it and remember his lines at the same time, and after an hour of lurching stops and grinding gears he had to admit his duplicity.

The Guardian

"The contrasting emotions, the duplicity, it's all pure stagecraft, up to us to get it right and to Sean to make sure the audience gets the right view every second".

The Guardian

She comes across as an entirely self-created being, a triumph of mind over matter, duplicity over emotion, a cold, hard surface, reflecting back whatever she thinks her audience is looking for.

The Guardian

He's a character of that era, the 50s, when there was quite a lot of… moral duplicity.

The Guardian

Mr Lenihan's emphatic denials of duplicity have failed to repair the damage.

The Economist

Time and again in negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme, America and its allies assumed Iranian duplicity and insincerity.

The Economist

Bodo Hombach, former head of Mr Schröder's chancellery with whom Mr Lafontaine constantly clashed, was unqualified for the job and steeped in duplicity and intrigue (no examples given).Mr Lafontaine allows his thirst for revenge to show through more when talking of Mr Schröder, his one-time friend, turned deadly rival.

The Economist

WHEREAS Palestinian negotiators have been reviled for their alleged weakness and duplicity by many Arab commentators following the publication by the Al Jazeera television channel of leaked documents concerning negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians mainly between 2007 and 2008, peace-mongers in Israel have been boosted by them.

The Economist

Distracted by wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and repelled by the duplicity of Yasser Arafat, he gave Mr Sharon a free pass, extracting nothing more than Israel's unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, a gamble that backfired.In January, however, a new president will have a chance to push for peace.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "duplicity", ensure the context clearly demonstrates intentional deceit or a contradiction in someone's actions or words. Clarity is key to conveying the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "duplicity" when a simpler word like "deceit" or "dishonesty" suffices. "Duplicity" carries a stronger connotation of betrayal and calculated deception, so reserve it for situations where this level of intent is evident.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "duplicity" is as a noun. It refers to the quality or state of being deceptive or double-dealing. Ludwig examples show it functioning as the object of verbs (e.g., "denials of duplicity") or as a descriptive attribute (e.g., "a triumph of duplicity over emotion").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "duplicity" is a noun that describes intentional deceit or double-dealing. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While synonyms like "deceit" or "hypocrisy" exist, "duplicity" carries a stronger connotation of betrayal. When using "duplicity", ensure that the context accurately reflects deliberate deception to effectively convey your intended meaning. The phrase is suitable for neutral to formal registers and should be used judiciously to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Deceit

A general term for misleading or hiding the truth.

Double-dealing

Implies acting in bad faith with two parties.

Deception

The act of intentionally misleading someone.

Treachery

Betrayal of trust; deceptive action.

Fraudulence

Involves deceitful actions for personal gain.

Insincerity

Lack of genuine feeling or belief.

Hypocrisy

Claiming to have moral standards one's own behavior does not conform to.

Guile

Cunning intelligence; artful deception.

Underhandedness

Acting in a secretive and dishonest manner.

Deviousness

Willingness to use dishonest tactics to achieve goals.

FAQs

How can I use "duplicity" in a sentence?

You can use "duplicity" to describe someone's intentional deceptiveness or double-dealing. For example, "The politician's "duplicity" was revealed when it was discovered he had been secretly working against his own party".

What are some synonyms for "duplicity"?

Some synonyms for "duplicity" include "deceit", "double-dealing", "deception", and "hypocrisy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "duplicity" and "hypocrisy"?

"Duplicity" refers to the act of being intentionally deceptive or double-dealing, while "hypocrisy" refers to claiming to have certain beliefs or virtues that one's own actions contradict. "Duplicity" is a broader term encompassing various forms of deceit, whereas "hypocrisy" specifically involves a discrepancy between stated beliefs and actual behavior.

Is "duplicity" a formal or informal word?

"Duplicity" is generally considered a more formal word. In informal contexts, words like "lying" or "deceit" might be more appropriate. However, "duplicity" is suitable for formal writing and speech where a more precise and impactful term is desired.