Search results
- DictionaryCyn·i·cal/ˈsinək(ə)l/
adjective
- 1. believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity: "he was brutally cynical and hardened to every sob story under the sun"
- 2. concerned only with one's own interests and typically disregarding accepted or appropriate standards in order to achieve them: "a cynical manipulation of public opinion"
The meaning of CYNICAL is having or showing the attitude or temper of a cynic. How to use cynical in a sentence. Out of the Kennel: The History of Cynical Synonym Discussion of Cynical.
distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp that all acts are selfish. sarcastic; mocking. showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, esp of honesty or morality. the politician betrayed his promises in a cynical way.
Synonyms for CYNICAL: ironical, ironic, sarcastic, pessimistic, negative, misanthropic, skeptical, sardonic; Antonyms of CYNICAL: optimistic, positive, cheerful, naive, trustful, trusting, naïve, unsuspicious.
CYNICAL definition: 1. believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere: 2. used to say…. Learn more.
CYNICAL meaning: 1. believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere: 2. used to say…. Learn more.
especially : one who believes that people act only in self-interest. Etymology. from early French cynique or Latin cynicus, both meaning "cynic," from Greek kynikos, literally, "like a dog". Word Origin. In ancient Greece, a certain philosopher taught that virtue was the most important goal in life.
cynical. /ˈsɪnəkəl/ /ˈsɪnɪkəl/ IPA guide. If you think public officials are nothing but a bunch of greedy buffoons, you have a cynical attitude about politics. A cynical person has a bleak outlook about others, always imagining that people are ruled by their worst instincts.
1. distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp that all acts are selfish. 2. sarcastic; mocking. 3. showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, esp of honesty or morality. the politician betrayed his promises in a cynical way. Collins English Dictionary.
cynical (about something) not believing that something good will happen or that something is important. I'm a bit cynical about the benefits of the plan. Her experiences with men have made her thoroughly cynical about love. I'm a little cynical about her motives.
CYNICAL meaning: 1. believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere: 2. cynical beliefs. Learn more.