Cynical: meaning, definitions and examples
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cynical
[ ˈsɪnɪk(ə)l ]
attitude towards society
believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.
Synonyms
distrustful, pessimistic, skeptical
Examples of usage
- Her cynical attitude towards politics is evident in her refusal to vote.
- He has a cynical view of human nature, always assuming the worst in people.
- The politician's cynical manipulation of the media was exposed during the scandal.
Translations
Translations of the word "cynical" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cínico
🇮🇳 निंदक
🇩🇪 zynisch
🇮🇩 sinis
🇺🇦 цинічний
🇵🇱 cyniczny
🇯🇵 皮肉な (ひにくな)
🇫🇷 cynique
🇪🇸 cínico
🇹🇷 alaycı
🇰🇷 냉소적인 (naengsojeogin)
🇸🇦 ساخر
🇨🇿 cynický
🇸🇰 cynický
🇨🇳 愤世嫉俗的 (fènshì jísú de)
🇸🇮 ciničen
🇮🇸 kaldhæðinn
🇰🇿 циникалық
🇬🇪 ცინიკური (ts'inik'uri)
🇦🇿 kinik
🇲🇽 cínico
Word origin
The word 'cynical' originated from the Greek word 'kynikos', meaning 'dog-like' or 'cynic'. This term was used to describe the philosophical beliefs of the Cynics, a school of ancient Greek philosophers who believed in living a simple life in accordance with nature. Over time, the word developed a more negative connotation, referring to a distrustful or skeptical attitude towards society and human nature.