Pronunciation: [tˈɑːtəfəɹi] (IPA) 
Tartuffery is a word that refers to the act of hypocrisy or pretense. Its spelling can be a bit tricky, as it is not a commonly used word. The IPA phonetic transcription for tartuffery is tɑrtʌfəri. The word has its roots in the French language, where it originally came from the name of the main character in Molière's play "Tartuffe." In English, it typically has negative connotations, implying insincere or deceitful behavior.
Tartuffery is a noun that refers to the act of pretending to be virtuous or pious in order to deceive others, usually for personal gain or to conceal one's true intentions. It is derived from the French play "Tartuffe" written by Molière in 1664. In the play, Tartuffe is a religious hypocrite who feigns righteousness to win the trust and support of others while engaging in deceitful and immoral activities.
The term tartuffery has since been adopted into the English language to describe similar behavior exhibited by individuals in various domains. It signifies the act of presenting oneself as morally upright or devout while engaging in deceptive practices or manipulation. Tartuffery often involves the use of religious, moral, or ethical rhetoric to manipulate others and gain advantage.
This term is typically used in a negative connotation, highlighting the hypocrisy and dishonesty of those who engage in such behavior. It implies a sense of betrayal and the exploitation of others' trust. Tartuffery can manifest itself in numerous settings such as politics, religion, or interpersonal relationships, where individuals may manipulate and deceive others by pretending to possess virtuous qualities that they do not genuinely embody.
Overall, tartuffery is the deceptive act of pretending to be virtuous or pious, often for personal advantage, while concealing one's true motives and intentions.
The word "tartuffery" is derived from the French term "Tartuffe", which is the title of a famous play written by Molière in 1664. The play revolves around a hypocritical and deceitful character named Tartuffe, who pretends to be pious and religious but is ultimately revealed as a fraud. Over time, the term "Tartuffe" came to represent hypocrisy and religious imposture. Consequently, "tartuffery" emerged as a noun in the English language, specifically referring to the act or behavior of hypocrisy and deceit.
