Definition

A person who pretends to be morally or religiously good but is actually insincere or hypocritical.

Example

In the play, Tartuffe deceives the family with his false piety.

Conversation

Have you ever read Molière's play about Tartuffe?

Yeah, I remember it! It's all about hypocrisy, right?

Exactly! The character of Tartuffe is such a good example of that.

For sure, it really makes you think about people who pretend to be something they're not.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tartuffe is derived from the French word 'tartuffe', which is a proper noun referring to a character in Molière's play of the same name. The term has come to symbolize a hypocrite or someone who pretends to be virtuous or pious while being morally corrupt. The name itself does not have a clear etymological breakdown into Latin or Greek roots, as it is a fictional character's name.

Memory Tip

Think of the character Tartuffe as a representation of hypocrisy, helping you remember that the word refers to someone who pretends to be virtuous while hiding their true nature.

Visually Confused Words