double-faced
/'dʌblfeist/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Deceitful or hypocritical: Characterized by pretending to have one set of feelings or intentions while acting under the influence of another; insincere and two-faced.
- Having two usable sides: (Of fabrics or materials) having finished surfaces or faces on both sides.
Usage and Examples
- Adjective (Deceitful):
- He was exposed as a double-faced politician who promised tax cuts but planned to raise them.
- I can't trust her; her double-faced compliments are always followed by criticism behind my back.
- Adjective (Fabric):
- The blanket is made from a warm, double-faced wool, so either side can be used as the top.
- Damask is a classic example of a double-faced fabric with intricate patterns visible on both surfaces.
Advanced Usage
- In a metaphorical sense: Used to describe objects, systems, or concepts that have two opposing aspects or functions.
- The agreement was a double-faced document, promoting peace publicly while secretly outlining plans for escalation.
- Literary/Formal Context: Often used in formal accusations or character descriptions to emphasize betrayal.
- The historian described the informant as a double-faced villain in the court's history.
Variants and Related Words
- Double-dealing (adj/n): Engaging in deceitful or treacherous behavior. (e.g., )
- Two-faced (adj): Closely synonymous with the deceitful meaning of 'double-faced,' implying duplicity. (e.g., )
- Reversible (adj): Related to the fabric meaning, describing something that can be used with either side out. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Deceitful: Acting to mislead or conceal the truth.
- Duplicitous: Deceitful in a more calculated or deliberate manner.
- Hypocritical: Behaving in a way that suggests one has higher standards or beliefs than is the case.
- Janus-faced: (Formal/literary) Having two contrasting aspects, often referring to deceit.
Antonyms
- Genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic.
- Sincere: Free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings.
- Honest: Truthful and straightforward.
- Single-faced: (For fabric) Having only one finished or usable side.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To wear two faces: To be deceitful or hypocritical. (Similar in meaning to the adjective's first sense).
- In the business, he was known to wear two faces, charming clients while sabotaging competitors.
- A double-edged sword: Something having both positive and negative consequences. (Note: This idiom is related in structure but differs in meaning, focusing on mixed effects rather than deceit).
Adjective
- marked by deliberate deceptiveness especially by pretending one set of feelings and acting under the influence of another
- she was a deceitful scheming little thing- Israel Zangwill
- a double-dealing double agent
- a double-faced infernal traitor and schemer- W.M.Thackeray
- (of fabrics) having faces on both sides
- damask is a double-faced fabric