What is hypocrisy?

Hypocrisy refers to the behavior of individuals who claim to uphold certain beliefs, values, or principles but do not act in accordance with them. This concept involves a disconnect between what one professes to believe and how one actually behaves in practice. For example, a person might advocate for environmental sustainability yet engage in practices that harm the environment. The key aspect that defines hypocrisy is this discrepancy between words and actions, highlighting a lack of authenticity or sincerity.

In contrast, the other choices present concepts that do not align with the definition of hypocrisy. Practicing virtues sincerely and displaying genuine feelings denote alignment between one's beliefs and actions. A commitment to honesty also signifies a congruence between what one asserts and how one behaves. Therefore, the recognition of hypocrisy specifically emphasizes the inconsistency between professed ideals and actual conduct.