Master confusing words with ease
Hypercritical vs. Hypocritical
Hypercritical
/hʌɪpəˈkrɪtɪk(ə)l/Examples:
His hypercritical nature often caused tension in meetings.She was hypercritical of every decision, slowing progress.Being hypercritical can drive a wedge between colleagues.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Hypocritical
Examples:
She criticized his hypocritical stance on climate change.His hypocritical persona masked his true intentions.The company's policies were seen as hypocritical by employees.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Hypercritical has the word hyper, which means overly or excessively. It's about being excessively critical of something or someone.
- Hypocritical includes the root hypo, which implies something deceitful or insincere, linking it to hypocrisy.
- Think of hyper in hypercritical as being hyper-aware of flaws, while hypo in hypocritical hides true intentions.
- Both words are negative, but hypercritical implies an overtly harsh evaluation, whereas hypocritical indicates a false facade or pretense.
- Remember hyper for overly harsh and hypo for pretending to be something one is not.
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