double-faced
|dou-ble-faced|
/ˌdʌb.əlˈfeɪst/
two-faced; hypocritical
Etymology
'double-faced' is a modern English compound formed from 'double' + 'face', where 'double' meant 'twofold' and 'face' meant 'the front or surface (of a person or object)'.
'double' comes from Old French 'double' (from Latin 'duplus'), and 'face' comes from Old French 'face' (from Latin 'facies'); the compound 'double-faced' developed in English by combining these elements to describe something with two faces, later extended figuratively.
Initially it referred to something having two literal faces or sides; over time the phrase acquired the figurative meaning of 'hypocritical' or 'insincere', which is common in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
noun form of 'double-faced' (the quality or state of being double-faced; hypocrisy or duplicity).
Being double-faced cost him the trust of his colleagues.
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Adjective 1
having two faces in a literal sense (e.g., an object or mask with two faces).
The ancient statue appeared double-faced when viewed from different angles.
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Adjective 2
deceitful or hypocritical; saying or behaving one way but meaning or doing another.
He was praised in public but was double-faced in private, criticizing everyone behind their backs.
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Adverb 1
adverb form of 'double-faced' (in a double-faced manner).
He spoke double-faced during negotiations, praising them publicly while undermining them privately.
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Last updated: 2025/10/08 14:26