This valuable discussion applies to every general term used for a particular kind within its scope, whether because of predominant usage or because of a verbal indication restricting it to that kind, such as definiteness conferred by a genitive construction or the definite article.

If this results from predominant usage, it is valid to say that the term is equivocal. If it results from a verbal indication, the term remains univocal. Thus, it is valid to say that “hypocrisy” is a generic term encompassing two kinds, since the term is originally general and univocal.

It is also valid to say that it is equivocal between hypocrisy concerning the very foundation of religion and hypocrisy in religion in general, since, in established religious usage, it has come to refer predominantly to hypocrisy involving disbelief.