Tartufe

/tɑ:'tuf/ Cách viết khác : (Tartuffe) /tɑ:'tuf/
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Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: A person who hypocritically pretends to possess high religious or moral principles; a religious hypocrite. The term originates from the title character, Tartuffe, in Molière's 1664 comedy of the same name, who feigns extreme piety to manipulate others.

Usage

The word is used as a common noun to label someone whose actions contradict their professed beliefs, particularly in matters of religion or morality. It is a literary and somewhat formal term, often implying a deliberate and calculated deception.

Examples
  • The politician was exposed as a tartufe when his private dealings contradicted his public sermons on charity.
  • She saw through his pious declarations, recognizing him for the tartufe he was.
  • The novel's villain is a classic tartufe, using religion as a cloak for his greed.
Advanced Usage
  • As a cultural reference: The term is often capitalized as Tartuffe when referring specifically to Molière's character or adaptations of the play. When used generically, it is often lowercase ( or ).
    • The performance of Tartuffe was brilliant. (Referring to the play or character.)
    • He is a modern-day tartuffe. (Referring to a hypocritical person.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Tartuffe: The original French spelling and the name of Molière's play and its main character. This is the more common spelling in English for the proper noun.
  • Tartuffery (noun): Hypocritical behavior or character; the actions typical of a tartufe.
    • His entire public persona was an exercise in tartuffery.
Synonyms
  • Hypocrite: A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that they do not actually possess.
  • Pharisee (often lowercase): A self-righteous or hypocritical person (from a historical Jewish sect often portrayed as hypocritical in the New Testament).
  • Dissembler: A person who conceals their true motives or feelings under a false appearance.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • To play the tartuffe: To act with hypocritical piety. (This is a direct reference to the character's behavior.)
    • He is not sincere; he's just playing the tartuffe to gain their trust.
Noun
  1. a hypocrite who pretends to religious piety (after the protagonist in a play by Moliere)

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