tartuffe

[tahr-toof]

tartuffe Definition

a hypocritical person who pretends to be religious or virtuous.

Using tartuffe: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tartuffe" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He was exposed as a tartuffe when his scandalous behavior was revealed.

  • Example

    The politician was accused of being a tartuffe, pretending to care about the people while only pursuing his own interests.

  • Example

    She saw through the tartuffe's facade and refused to be taken in by his false piety.

tartuffe Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with tartuffe

  • to pretend to be virtuous or pious in order to deceive others

    Example

    He played the tartuffe so well that no one suspected his true motives.

  • to reveal someone's true character or motives, especially if they are hypocritical or deceitful

    Example

    It took years, but eventually the press was able to unmask the tartuffe and expose his corruption.

  • the practice of pretending to be virtuous or pious in order to deceive others

    Example

    The politician's tartuffery was exposed when he was caught accepting bribes.

Origins of tartuffe

from French 'Tartuffe ou l'Imposteur', a play by Molière

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Summary: tartuffe in Brief

'Tartuffe' [tahr-toof] is a noun that refers to a hypocritical person who pretends to be religious or virtuous. It is often used to describe someone who deceives others by pretending to have high moral standards. The phrase 'play the tartuffe' means to pretend to be virtuous or pious in order to deceive others, while 'unmask the tartuffe' means to reveal someone's true character or motives, especially if they are hypocritical or deceitful.