duplicitous

/djuːˈplɪsɪtəs/ (bre, ipa) · /duːˈplɪsɪtəs/ (ame, ipa) · /du̇-ˈpli-sə-təs also dyu̇-/ (ame, mw)

duplicitous — 形容詞

  • duplicitouspositive
  • more duplicitouscomparative
  • most duplicitoussuperlative

1. behaving in a dishonest way by showing one intention while secretly following an

1.形容詞C1
釋義

兩面三刀

表面一套、私下另一套，故意欺瞞

behaving in a dishonest way by showing one intention while secretly following another, so different people are misled.

例句

Jason gave duplicitous advice to both teams so each side thought he was loyal.

Jason 對兩隊都給出兩面三刀的建議，讓雙方都以為他站在自己這邊。

be duplicitous with two sides at once

Rania's duplicitous text praised Marta in public but mocked her in a private group chat.

Rania 那則兩面三刀的訊息在公開場合稱讚 Marta，私下卻在群組裡嘲笑她。

duplicitous + noun for words that hide the opposite intention

同義詞
  • deceitful

    broader and more direct about lying; 'duplicitous' especially suggests playing two sides against each other

  • disingenuous

    often about pretending innocence or openness; 'duplicitous' is stronger and more calculating

  • two-faced

    informal and personal; usually about acting friendly to someone's face while being hostile behind their back

反義詞
  • honest

    says the same thing to everyone and does not hide the truth

  • straightforward

    open and direct, without hidden plans or double meanings

  • loyal

    does not secretly work against the person or group they support

文法句型

be duplicitous

duplicitous + noun

be duplicitous with + person

be duplicitous about + noun

用法筆記

Usually describes people, messages, or actions where someone presents one story to one side and a different intention to another. Common in political, business, or personal-conflict contexts where loyalty and trust are in question.

常見錯誤

❌The exam question was duplicitous.
✅The exam question was misleading.
💡'duplicitous' usually describes a person, statement, or action with hidden intent, not a thing with no motive.
❌Marta duplicitous to her manager about the budget.
✅Marta was duplicitous with her manager about the budget.
💡use 'be duplicitous', often followed by 'with' or 'about'.