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cynical

 - 4 dictionary results

cyn⋅i⋅cal

  [sin-i-kuhl]
Use cynical in a Sentence
–adjective
1. like or characteristic of a cynic; distrusting or disparaging the motives of others.
2. showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one's actions, esp. by actions that exploit the scruples of others.
3. bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic.
4. (initial capital letter) cynic (def. 5).
Origin:
1580–90; cynic + -al 1

Related forms:
cyn⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
cyn⋅i⋅cal⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1, 3. Cynical, pessimistic, sarcastic, satirical imply holding a low opinion of humanity. Cynical suggests a disbelief in the sincerity of human motives: cynical about honesty. Pessimistic implies a more or less habitual disposition to look on the dark side of things, and to believe that the worst will happen: pessimistic as to the future. Sarcastic refers to sneering or making cutting jibes: sarcastic about a profession of faith. Satirical suggests expressing scorn or ridicule by saying the opposite of what one means: a satirical attack on his political promises.

Antonyms:
1, 3. optimistic.

cyn⋅ic

  [sin-ik]
–noun
1. a person who believes that only selfishness motivates human actions and who disbelieves in or minimizes selfless acts or disinterested points of view.
2. (initial capital letter) one of a sect of Greek philosophers, 4th century b.c., who advocated the doctrines that virtue is the only good, that the essence of virtue is self-control, and that surrender to any external influence is beneath human dignity.
3. a person who shows or expresses a bitterly or sneeringly cynical attitude.
–adjective
4. cynical.
5. (initial capital letter) Also, Cynical. of or pertaining to the Cynics or their doctrines.
6. Medicine/Medical Now Rare. resembling the actions of a snarling dog.
Origin:
1540–50; < L Cynicus < Gk Kynikós Cynic, lit., doglike, currish, equiv. to kyn- (s. of kýōn) dog + -ikos - ic

Synonyms:
1, 3. skeptic, pessimist, misanthrope.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To cynical
cyn·i·cal   (sĭn'ĭ-kəl)   
adj.  

  1. Believing or showing the belief that people are motivated chiefly by base or selfish concerns; skeptical of the motives of others: a cynical dismissal of the politician's promise to reform the campaign finance system.

  2. Selfishly or callously calculating: showed a cynical disregard for the safety of his troops in his efforts to advance his reputation.

  3. Negative or pessimistic, as from world-weariness: a cynical view of the average voter's intelligence.

  4. Expressing jaded or scornful skepticism or negativity: cynical laughter.

cyn'i·cal·ly adv., cyn'i·cal·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

cynic 
c.1550s, from Gk. kynikos, lit. "dog-like," from kyon (gen. kynos) "dog." Supposedly from the sneering sarcasm of the philosophers, but more likely from Kynosarge "Grey Dog," name of the gymnasium in ancient Athens where the founder, Antisthenes (a pupil of Socrates), taught. Diogenes was the most famous. Popular association even in ancient times was "dog-like." For nuances of usage of cynicism, see humor.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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