the height of hypocrisy

USAGE SUMMARY

"the height of hypocrisy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is especially hypocritical or morally unjust. For example, "The mayor's decision to advocate for strict environmental regulation while continuing to invest in petroleum companies was the height of hypocrisy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Isn't this the height of hypocrisy?

The New York Times

"It is the height of hypocrisy".

The New York Times

It's the height of hypocrisy.

The New York Times

The advertisements are "the height of hypocrisy," Mr. Sanford said.

The New York Times

Lord Oakeshott, a former Lib Dem Treasury spokesman, said Schmidt's position was "the height of hypocrisy".

The Guardian - Tech

They took turns deriding the Republican opposition as "a disgrace" and "the height of hypocrisy".

The New York Times

Of course, that would be considered the height of hypocrisy at an H.R. Happy company.

The New York Times

For Mr. Boehner to call for a conference near midnight was the height of hypocrisy.

The New York Times

"It's the height of hypocrisy for her to do this," he told the Los Angeles Times.

The New Yorker

It would be the height of hypocrisy, not to mention cowardly, to publish this article while not disclosing my identity.

Independent

Mr. Romney's claim that he is tough on illegal immigration is "the height of hypocrisy," Mr. Perry said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the height of hypocrisy" to call out situations where someone's actions directly contradict their stated beliefs or values. It's most effective when the inconsistency is clear and significant.

Common error

Avoid using "the height of hypocrisy" in situations where there's simply a difference of opinion or a minor inconsistency. The phrase carries a strong accusatory tone and should be reserved for clear-cut cases of hypocrisy.

Linguistic Context

The height of hypocrisy functions as a noun phrase that serves to express strong disapproval or condemnation of a situation or action. It is typically used to highlight a blatant contradiction between someone's words or beliefs and their actual behavior. Ludwig AI confirms this function, providing numerous examples of its usage in similar contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the height of hypocrisy" is a common and readily understood phrase used to denote situations characterized by a stark contradiction between professed beliefs and actual behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various reputable sources, predominantly within News & Media. When employing this phrase, consider the potential alternatives and the severity of the inconsistency you aim to address. Remember, this phrase works best when calling out instances of blatant contradiction and should not be diluted in mild situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the epitome of hypocrisy

Replaces "height" with "epitome", emphasizing the perfect example of hypocrisy.

the ultimate hypocrisy

Substitutes "height" with "ultimate", highlighting the extreme or final nature of the hypocrisy.

sheer hypocrisy

Uses "sheer" to intensify the hypocrisy, focusing on its unadulterated nature.

blatant hypocrisy

Emphasizes the obvious and unconcealed nature of the hypocrisy.

rank hypocrisy

Indicates a particularly offensive or egregious form of hypocrisy.

downright hypocrisy

Highlights the undeniable and absolute nature of the hypocrisy.

monumental hypocrisy

Focuses on the grand scale or significant impact of the hypocrisy.

unmitigated hypocrisy

Stresses that the hypocrisy is not lessened or excused in any way.

a complete contradiction

Shifts the focus to the contradictory nature of the actions or statements.

hypocrisy at its finest

Uses a more ironic tone to express the exceptional level of hypocrisy.

FAQs

How can I use "the height of hypocrisy" in a sentence?

Use "the height of hypocrisy" to describe a situation where someone's actions or statements sharply contradict their professed beliefs or values. For example, "For a politician to accept large donations from oil companies while publicly advocating for environmental protection is "the height of hypocrisy"".

What are some alternatives to "the height of hypocrisy"?

Alternatives include "the epitome of hypocrisy", "blatant hypocrisy", or "a complete contradiction". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "the height of hypocrisy"?

It is appropriate when there is a clear and significant discrepancy between someone's words and actions, particularly when those actions undermine their stated beliefs or moral principles. Use it when the contradiction is so egregious as to be almost unbelievable.

What's the difference between "the height of hypocrisy" and simply calling something "hypocritical"?

"The height of hypocrisy" implies an extreme level of insincerity or contradiction. Calling something "hypocritical" is a more general statement, whereas "the height of hypocrisy" suggests that the act is a particularly egregious example.