Cynically: meaning, definitions and examples

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cynically

 

[ ˈsɪnɪk(ə)li ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

in a cynical manner

Distrustful of human sincerity or integrity; believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest. Cynically can also refer to an attitude or viewpoint that is scornful or mocking.

Synonyms

disbelieving, distrustfully, skeptically

Examples of usage

  • He smiled cynically, as if he had seen it all before.
  • She responded to his compliments cynically, not believing a word he said.
  • The politician cynically promised to lower taxes, knowing full well he had no intention of doing so.

Translations

Translations of the word "cynically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cinicamente

🇮🇳 कुटिलतापूर्वक

🇩🇪 zynisch

🇮🇩 sinis

🇺🇦 цинічно

🇵🇱 cynicznie

🇯🇵 皮肉に (ひにくに)

🇫🇷 cyniquement

🇪🇸 cínicamente

🇹🇷 alaycı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 냉소적으로

🇸🇦 بسخرية

🇨🇿 cynicky

🇸🇰 cynicky

🇨🇳 愤世嫉俗地 (fèn shì jí sú de)

🇸🇮 cinično

🇮🇸 kaldhæðnislega

🇰🇿 циникалық түрде

🇬🇪 ცინიკურად

🇦🇿 siniq şəkildə

🇲🇽 cínicamente

Etymology

The word 'cynically' originates from the Greek word 'kunikos', meaning 'dog-like'. The term was first used in the 16th century to describe someone who held a belief that people were motivated by self-interest. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a broader sense of distrust and skepticism towards human nature.

See also: cynical, cynicism.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,484, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.