duplicity
Meaning
Deceitfulness in speech or conduct, as by speaking or acting in two different ways concerning the same matter with intent to deceive; double-dealing.
The quality or state of being twofold or double.
Structure
Usage
His duplicity was revealed when he promised support to both sides of the conflict.
She was shocked by the duplicity of her trusted colleague, who had been sharing secrets with a competitor.
The agent's life was one of danger and duplicity, constantly maintaining a false identity.
Etymology
The word 'duplicity' traces its lineage to the Latin duplicitas, meaning "doubleness," which itself derives from duplex (twofold). The core root duplic- originates from the Proto-Indo-European compound dwo- (two) and plek- (to fold), literally meaning "twofold." This concrete notion of physical doubling evolved in Latin to encompass a metaphorical sense of deceptive doubleness of mind or character. In English, this abstract meaning of deceitful double-mindedness became the primary sense, while the original sense of simple doubleness became archaic, illustrating how a literal physical description transformed into a psychological and moral concept.
Analysis
- duplic: From Latin duplic-, meaning "twofold, double." It functions as the core root conveying the sense of doubleness. - ity: A suffix of Latin origin (-itas) used to form nouns expressing a state, condition, or quality.