Duplicity vs. deceit: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Duplicity specifically denotes deceitfulness by acting in two contradictory ways towards different people about the same matter, emphasizing double-dealing or being two-faced. Deceit is a broader term that refers to any act of misleading or deceiving someone, without necessarily involving contradictory behavior.
What they have in common
Both duplicity and deceit refer to acts of dishonesty and deception intended to mislead others.
Examples
duplicity
- The executive’s duplicity was exposed when confidential information was leaked to competitors.
- She couldn’t trust him anymore after discovering his duplicity in handling the negotiations.
- The spy’s duplicity made it difficult to determine his true allegiance.
deceit
- His deceit was uncovered when the stolen goods were found in his possession.
- She was hurt by his deceit after learning he had lied about his past.
- The company’s deceit led to a loss of consumer trust and a drop in sales.
Which one is more common?
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