duplicitous
UK[djuːˈplɪsɪtəs]US[duːˈplɪsɪtəs]
adj
Deceitful; marked by deliberate deceptiveness in behavior or speech.
Morpheme Breakdown
duplic
itous
duplic
twofold
itous
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'duplicitous' originates from the Latin root duplex, meaning "twofold" or "double," which itself is a combination of duo- ("two") and -plex ("fold"). This concept of doubleness evolved metaphorically in Late Latin duplicitas to signify "deceptiveness," the state of being of two minds or presenting two faces. Entering English via French, the term 'duplicity' and its adjective form 'duplicitous' thus capture the essence of deception through the literal imagery of doubleness, where one's outward appearance contradicts a hidden, inner reality.
Analysis
Structure: duplic (twofold) + itous (adjective suffix)
- duplic: From Latin duplic-, meaning "twofold, double."
- itous: An English adjectival suffix derived from Latin -itus, indicating a state or condition.
Examples
He was exposed as a duplicitous diplomat, secretly working against his own country's interests.
Her duplicitous nature made it impossible to trust anything she said.
The company's duplicitous advertising claimed environmental benefits while polluting the river.