- Today's Word
Duplicity
doo-PLIS-uh-tee (or dyoo-PLIS-uh-tee)
Definition
- (Noun) Deceptiveness in speech or conduct; acting in two different ways to different people.
Example
His duplicity became clear when we realized he had told each side a different version of the story.
Fun Fact
“Duplicity” comes from the Latin duplex, meaning “double”—a fitting root for someone who presents two faces to the world. The word is often associated with spies, politicians, and backstabbers in history and literature, proving that trust is a valuable (and fragile) commodity.
(adjective) Showy but cheap and of poor quality; lacking good taste.
The room was filled with tawdry decorations that looked like they came from a discount bin.
Mid 17th century: contraction of St. Audrey’s lace, which referred to cheap lace sold at fairs in honor of St. Audrey. Over time, the lace was seen as gaudy and tasteless, and St. Audrey became tawdry.