Cynic
/ˈsɪnɪk/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest; skeptical.
/ˈsɪnɪk/
A person who believes that people are motivated by self-interest and are generally selfish.
Her cynical view of the world made it difficult for her to form close relationships.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who always expects the worst in people. They don't trust anyone's good intentions and think everyone's secretly out for themselves. That's a cynic!
👶 For kids: Someone who thinks people only care about themselves and don't really mean the nice things they say.
More Examples
The cynic scoffed at the idea of world peace, believing it was an impossible dream.
Despite the challenges, she refused to become cynical and maintained her optimism.
How It's Used
"The cynical observer dismissed the politician's promises as empty rhetoric."
"Hamlet displays cynicism towards the world and human nature."
Believing or showing the belief that people are motivated by self-interest.
/ˈsɪnɪk/
Relating to or characteristic of the beliefs of cynics.
The cynical tone of the article reflected the author's disillusionment.
💡 Simply: Describing someone or something that shows a lack of trust in people's honesty or goodness, especially when they seem nice or good. It's like suspecting there's always a hidden selfish motive.
👶 For kids: Like being a cynic, but describing something, like a movie that's about people only caring about themselves.
More Examples
Her cynical comments about marriage revealed her underlying distrust.
The film offered a cynical portrayal of modern society.
How It's Used
"The film offered a cynical portrayal of modern relationships."
"The politician's cynical manipulation of public opinion was widely criticized."
Idioms & expressions
a cynical smile
A smile that expresses skepticism, disbelief, or a lack of faith in someone's sincerity.
"He gave a cynical smile when she said she wasn't interested in his money."
From the Greek word *kynikos* (κυνικός), meaning 'dog-like,' referring to the Cynic philosophers of ancient Greece who lived simple, unconventional lives, often rejecting social norms and values.
The term has roots in ancient Greek philosophy. The Cynics were a school of thought emphasizing simplicity, virtue, and rejection of conventional social norms. The modern usage evolved to describe a general skepticism toward human behavior.
Memory tip
Think of a dog (kynikos). Dogs might seem loyal, but a cynic believes that even loyalty is based on self-interest (food, attention).