'hypocritical' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'hypokritikos,' where 'hypo-' meant 'under' and 'krinein' meant 'to judge.'

'hypokritikos' transformed into the Latin word 'hypocriticus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'hypocritical' through Old French 'ypocritique.'

Initially, it meant 'acting a part on stage,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'pretending to have virtues or beliefs that one does not actually possess.'