Hypocrite vs. Sanctimonious: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on December 20, 2023
A hypocrite acts contrary to their stated beliefs, while someone sanctimonious feigns moral superiority insincerely.
Difference Between Hypocrite and Sanctimonious
A hypocrite is an individual who portrays a false image of their actual beliefs or feelings. This term is usually used to describe someone who outwardly promotes a set of standards, values, or beliefs but behaves in ways contrary to them. On the other hand, a person who is sanctimonious tends to project a sense of moral superiority, often in an insincere manner, suggesting they believe they are more righteous than others.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 20, 2023
The root of the term "hypocrite" comes from a Greek word that originally referred to actors on a stage, emphasizing the pretense or the act they put on. In essence, a hypocrite puts on a 'performance' in real life, acting in a way that contradicts their true feelings or beliefs. Conversely, the term "sanctimonious" has origins in the Latin word "sanctus," meaning holy. When someone is sanctimonious, they feign holiness or righteousness, often to an excessive or showy degree.
Muazma Batool
Dec 20, 2023
The distinction between being a hypocrite and being sanctimonious can sometimes be subtle because both involve some level of insincerity. A hypocrite might advocate for honesty while secretly engaging in deceitful behaviors. In contrast, a sanctimonious individual might constantly highlight their own virtuous actions, aiming to elevate themselves above others, regardless of whether their actions align with their proclamations.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 20, 2023
Both terms, hypocrite and sanctimonious, carry negative connotations and are generally used to criticize or denounce someone's behavior. They pinpoint insincerity in different ways: hypocrisy focuses on the gap between one's declared beliefs and actual behavior, while sanctimony centers on feigned or exaggerated righteousness. It's worth noting that while all sanctimonious individuals can be seen as hypocrites due to their insincere display of virtue, not all hypocrites are sanctimonious, as some might not boast about their moral standing.
Elijah
Dec 20, 2023
Hypocrite vs. Sanctimonious Comparison Chart
Definition
Someone who acts contrary to their stated beliefs
Someone who feigns moral superiority insincerely
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 20, 2023
Focus
Discrepancy between beliefs and behavior
Feigned or exaggerated righteousness
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 20, 2023
Relation
Can exist without being sanctimonious
Always exhibits hypocrisy but focuses on a show of righteousness
Kaitlyn
Dec 20, 2023
Hypocrite vs. Sanctimonious Definitions
◉Hypocrite
A person who claims to have certain beliefs but acts in a way that contradicts them.
He was a hypocrite, preaching kindness but often resorting to cruel words.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Sanctimonious
Pretentiously showing a holier-than-thou attitude.
His sanctimonious speeches were more about boosting his image than helping others.
Levi
Sep 26, 2023
◉Hypocrite
An individual who feigns qualities or feelings they do not possess.
She played the role of a concerned friend, but her actions revealed her as a hypocrite.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Sanctimonious
Affectedly pious or devout.
She had a sanctimonious way of emphasizing her charitable acts.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
◉Hypocrite
Someone who masks their real intentions or character.
As a hypocrite, he portrayed himself as a philanthropist while embezzling funds.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Sanctimonious
Feigning righteousness or moral superiority.
Her sanctimonious attitude was off-putting to those who knew her true nature.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Hypocrite
One who practices deceit under the guise of virtue.
The politician was a hypocrite, promoting transparency while hiding his own wrongdoings.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
◉Sanctimonious
Exhibiting insincere moral superiority.
The sanctimonious critic often overlooked his own shortcomings.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
◉Hypocrite
A person engaging in the same behaviors they condemn in others.
Calling her lazy was hypocritical, given his own tendency to procrastinate.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Sanctimonious
Making a hypocritical show of religious devotion.
His sanctimonious expressions during prayer did not fool those aware of his misdeeds.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
◉Sanctimonious
Behaving with sanctimony
a sanctimonious politician who was proven to be a hypocrite.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Hypocrite
Someone who practices hypocrisy, who pretends to hold beliefs, or whose actions are not consistent with their claimed beliefs.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Sanctimonious
Characterized by sanctimony
"The history we brandish as a light to nations is largely a sanctimonious tissue of myth and self-infatuation" (Benjamin Schwartz).
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Hypocrite
One who plays a part; especially, one who, for the purpose of winning approbation of favor, puts on a fair outside seeming; one who feigns to be other and better than he is; a false pretender to virtue or piety; one who simulates virtue or piety.
The hypocrite's hope shall perish.
I dare swear he is no hypocrite, but prays from his heart.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Sanctimonious
Making a show of being morally better than others, especially hypocritically pious.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Hypocrite
a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he does not hold
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Sanctimonious
Making a show of sanctity; affecting saintliness; hypocritically devout or pious.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Sanctimonious
excessively or hypocritically pious;
a sickening sanctimonious smile
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Hypocrite vs. Sanctimonious Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone be both a hypocrite and sanctimonious?
Yes, if someone flaunts moral values they don't genuinely practice, they exhibit both traits.
Henry
Dec 20, 2023
Why are both terms seen negatively?
Both terms indicate a form of insincerity or deception in behavior or attitude.
Olivia
Dec 20, 2023
Is being sanctimonious the same as being genuinely religious?
No, being sanctimonious is showing false or exaggerated piety, which can be insincere.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 20, 2023
What's the primary behavior of a hypocrite?
A hypocrite often acts in contradiction to their proclaimed values.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 20, 2023
What's the root of the word "hypocrite"?
The word "hypocrite" originates from the Greek word "hypokrites," meaning "an actor."
Jonathan
Dec 20, 2023
What does sanctimonious imply about a person's demeanor?
Sanctimonious implies a holier-than-thou or insincerely pious demeanor.
Elijah
Dec 20, 2023
How does a sanctimonious person typically act?
A sanctimonious person usually flaunts their morals with a sense of exaggerated piety.
Muazma Batool
Dec 20, 2023
Are all hypocrites sanctimonious?
No, not all hypocrites flaunt moral superiority, making them distinct from the sanctimonious.
William
Dec 20, 2023
How do the two terms differ in focus?
While hypocrite focuses on mismatched actions and words, sanctimonious centers on attitude.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 20, 2023
How can one avoid being perceived as sanctimonious?
Genuine humility and ensuring one's intentions match their actions can prevent such perceptions.
Elijah
Dec 20, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
