age, an actor,
especially a mimic actor) is one who acts a false part, or assumes a
character other than the real. _Deceiver_ is the most comprehensive
term, including all the other words of the group. The _deceiver_ seeks
to give false impressions of any matter where he has an end to gain; the
_dissembler_ or _hypocrite_ seeks to give false impressions in regard to
himself. The _dissembler_ is content if he can keep some base conduct or
evil purpose from being discovered; the _hypocrite_ seeks not merely to
cover his vices, but to gain credit for virtue. The _cheat_ and
_impostor_ endeavor to make something out of those they may deceive. The
_cheat_ is the inferior and more mercenary, as the thimble-rig gambler;
the _impostor_ may aspire to a fortune or a throne. Compare HYPOCRISY.

Antonyms:

The antonyms of _hypocrite_ are to be found only in phrases embodying
the adjectives candid, honest, ingenuous, sincere, true, etc.

* * * * *

HYPOTHESIS.

Synonyms:

conjecture, scheme, supposition, system,
guess, speculation, surmise, theory.

A _hypothesis_ is a statement of what is deemed possibly true, assumed
and reasoned upon as if certainly true, with a view of reaching truth
not yet surely known; especially, in the sciences, a _hypothesis_ is a
comprehensive tentative explanation of certain phenomena, which is meant
to include all other facts of the same class, and which is assumed as
true till there has been opportunity to bring all related facts into
comparison; if the _hypothesis_ explains all the facts, it is regarded
as verified; till then it is regarded as a working _hypothesis_, that
is, one that may answer for present practical purposes. A _hypothesis_
may be termed a comprehensive _guess_. A _guess_ is a swift conclusion
from data directly at hand, and held as probable or tentative, while one
confessedly lacks material for absolute certainty. A _conjecture_ is
more methodical than a _guess_, while a _supposition_ is still slower
and more settled; a _conjecture_, like a _guess_, is preliminary and
tentative; a _supposition_ is more nearly final; a _surmise_ is more
floating and visionary, and often sinister; as, a _surmise_ that a
stranger may be a pickpocket. _Theory_ is used of the mental
coordination of facts and principles, that may or may not prove correct;
a machine may be perfect in _theory_, but useless in fact. _Scheme_ may
be used as nea