Cynic: meaning, definitions and examples

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cynic

[ˈsɪnɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

person

A cynic is someone who believes that people are only motivated by self-interest rather than acting out of concern for others.

Synonyms

doubter, pessimist, skeptic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cynic	Used when referring to someone who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest and often questions the sincerity or integrity of others. It has a negative connotation. He's such a cynic; he doesn't believe anyone does anything out of kindness. The cynic in her doubted the charity's intentions.
skeptic	Used for someone who habitually doubts accepted beliefs or commonly held opinions, and often requires strong evidence before accepting any claim. This word is typically neutral, but can sometimes be slightly negative depending on the context. As a skeptic, he questioned the validity of the new scientific findings. She looked at the proposal with a skeptic's eye, unwilling to commit without proof.
doubter	Refers to someone who tends to be uncertain or skeptical about things or who seldom takes things at face value. This word is neutral. He's a natural doubter and always needs more evidence before believing anything. Even the biggest doubters couldn't deny the success of the project.
pessimist	Describes someone who expects the worst outcome or believes that the worst will happen. It generally carries a negative connotation. She's a pessimist and always expects things to go wrong. Every discussion with him ends on a pessimistic note.

Examples of usage

The cynic in me thinks that his offer to help is just a ploy to get something in return.
Don't be such a cynic, sometimes people do good things out of the kindness of their hearts.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

philosophy

In ancient philosophy, a cynic is a person who believes that life is full of corruption and hypocrisy, and who rejects conventional values and practices.

Synonyms

ascetic, rebel, stoic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cynic	Use this word when referring to someone who believes that people are primarily motivated by self-interest, often with a negative connotation. He's such a cynic that he doesn't believe anyone does good things without expecting something in return
stoic	Used to describe someone who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. Despite the tough times, he remained stoic, never letting his emotions show
ascetic	This word is used when describing someone who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. The monk led an ascetic life, spending his days in meditation and fasting
rebel	This term is appropriate for a person who opposes or resists authority, control, or tradition. As a teenager, she was always a rebel, often challenging school rules and societal norms

Examples of usage

The cynic philosopher Diogenes lived in a barrel and rejected material possessions.
The cynics emphasized living in accordance with nature and rejecting social norms.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Greek word 'kynikos,' which means 'dog-like,' referencing the Cynics, a group of philosophers who rejected societal norms.
Cynicism as a philosophy began in the 4th century BCE and was popularized by philosophers like Diogenes of Sinope.
Originally, Cynics advocated for living a life in accordance with nature and rejecting material possessions and social conventions.

Pop Culture

The character of the cynic often appears in literature and film, portraying a world-weary perspective on life, such as Holden Caulfield in 'The Catcher in the Rye.'
'Cynical' characters in sitcoms often provide humor through their sarcastic wit, like Chandler Bing from ‘Friends’.
Cynicism is frequently explored in modern media, reflecting societal skepticism regarding institutions like government and corporations.

Psychology

Cynicism can stem from experiences of betrayal or disappointment, causing individuals to become distrustful of others' motives.
While it may serve as a defense mechanism, chronic cynicism can lead to isolation and problems in relationships.
Research suggests that a high level of cynicism can correlate with health issues, including cardiovascular diseases.

Philosophy

Cynics often criticize social conventions and advocate for a simpler, more authentic way of living.
The philosophy emphasizes the importance of virtue and the pursuit of moral integrity over material wealth.
Though often misunderstood, Cynicism challenges people to think critically about societal norms and their impact on individuals.

Literature

Cynical characters are common in literature, often serving as a voice of reason or realism amidst idealistic plots.
Notable works like 'Cynic in the Theatre' explore the role of the cynic in social commentary and critique.
Literature frequently juxtaposes cynicism with optimism, showcasing the struggle between hope and despair in human experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "cynic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cínico

🇮🇳 निंदक

🇩🇪 Zyniker

🇮🇩 sinis

🇺🇦 цинік

🇵🇱 cynik

🇯🇵 シニック (shinikku)

🇫🇷 cynique

🇪🇸 cínico

🇹🇷 sinik

🇰🇷 냉소가 (naengsoga)

🇸🇦 ساخر

🇨🇿 cynik

🇸🇰 cynik

🇨🇳 愤世嫉俗者 (fènshìjísúzhě)

🇸🇮 ciničen

🇮🇸 kaldhæðinn

🇰🇿 циник

🇬🇪 ცინიკოსი

🇦🇿 kinik

🇲🇽 cínico

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,558, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
25555 scoff
25556 faked
25557 haphazardly
25558 cynic
25559 puritan
25560 hippie
25561 imago
...