Tartufe - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A tartufe is a hypocritical person who pretends to be virtuous or religious but behaves deceitfully. The term originates from Molière’s play Tartuffe, depicting such a character.
Definition:
A hypocrite who pretends to be pious or virtuous, often for self-serving reasons.
Synonyms:
hypocrite, fraud, charlatan, impostor
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
sincere person, honest individual
Common Collocations:
religious tartufe, political tartufe, exposed as a tartufe
Derivatives:
tartufish, tartufery
Usage Tips:
Use "tartufe" to describe someone feigning virtue while acting deceitfully, often in religious or moral contexts.
Common Phrases:
unmask the tartufe, play the tartufe, tartufe's hypocrisy
Etymology:
Derived from French "Tartuffe," a character in Molière's play representing religious hypocrisy.
Examples:
- 1. The politician was exposed as a tartufe after his scandalous dealings came to light.
- 2. She saw through his pious act and called him a tartufe.
- 3. The novel’s villain is a classic tartufe, preaching morality while committing crimes.
- 4. Don’t be fooled by his humble words—he’s nothing but a tartufe.