Duplicity
/djuːˈplɪs.ɪ.ti/noun
The quality of being double or twofold, especially in terms of deceptive behavior.
Did you know?In ancient times, duplicity was often associated with the dual nature of deities, reflecting the belief that gods could embody both good and evil.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dwo-
“two”
Latin
Latin
duplicitas
“the state of being double, deceitfulness”
Old French
Old French
duplicité
“deception, double dealing”
14th Century
Middle English
duplicite
“deceitfulness, double dealing”
Modern English
English
duplicity
“the quality of being deceitful or double-faced”