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cynicism

 - 2 dictionary results

cyn⋅i⋅cism

  [sin-uh-siz-uhm]
–noun
1. cynical disposition, character, or belief.
2. a cynical remark.
3. (initial capital letter) any of the doctrines or practices of the Cynics.
Use cynicism in a Sentence
Origin:
1665–75; cynic + -ism
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To cynicism
cyn·i·cism   (sĭn'ĭ-sĭz'əm)   
n.  

  1. An attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others: the public cynicism aroused by governmental scandals.

  2. A scornfully or jadedly negative comment or act: "She arrived at a philosophy of her own, all made up of her private notations and cynicisms" (Henry James).

  3. Cynicism The beliefs of the ancient Cynics.

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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