Basic Details
Word: Duplicity
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Saying one thing and doing another; being dishonest or deceitful.
Synonyms: Deceit, deception, dishonesty
Antonyms: Honesty, openness, sincerity
Idioms and Phrases
- Speak with a forked tongue: To be deceitful or say one thing while meaning another. Example: "He speaks with a forked tongue, promising to help but never does."
- Two-faced: To be insincere or acting differently in front of different people. Example: "It's hard to trust her because she is often two-faced with her friends."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The politician was accused of duplicity when he promised tax cuts only to raise them later.
Example 2: Her duplicity was revealed when her friends found out she was badmouthing them behind their backs.
Example 3: Trust is hard to build when there is duplicity in a relationship.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "duplicity" comes from the Latin word "duplicitas," which means "twofold" or "double"? It reflects the idea of having a double nature or double dealing.
Famous Quote
"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." Oscar Wilde This quote highlights the idea that not everyone is honest about their intentions, just as duplicity can mask true motives.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "duplicity" mean?
a) Honesty and integrity
b) A form of teamwork
c) Saying one thing and doing another
d) Being generous and kind
Answer: c) Saying one thing and doing another
2. Which of these is a synonym of "duplicity"?
a) Honesty
b) Deceit
c) Clarity
d) Loyalty
Answer: b) Deceit
3. Which word is the opposite of "duplicity"?
a) Sincerity
b) Trickery
c) Deceit
d) Insincerity
Answer: a) Sincerity
4. Which sentence uses "duplicity" correctly?
a) Her duplicity showed when she failed her maths test.
b) He felt sad due to her duplicity in their friendship.
c) The duplicity of the kitten was charming.
d) The duplicity of the game was exciting.
Answer: b) He felt sad due to her duplicity in their friendship.
5. Which idiom reflects the meaning of "duplicity"?
a) Speak with a forked tongue
b) As clear as mud
c) A bird in the hand
d) On the same page
Answer: a) Speak with a forked tongue
