Meaning & Definition of Cynical in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.

  Example Sentence: His cynical attitude made it difficult for him to form genuine friendships.

• Definition: Believing that people are only motivated by self-interest.

  Example Sentence: She had a cynical view of politicians, thinking they only cared about their own agendas.

• Definition: Showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality.

  Example Sentence: The cynical remarks he made about kindness reflected his jaded view of the world.

Etymology

Origin: Derived from the late Latin 'cynicus', from Greek 'kynikos', meaning 'dog-like', originally referred to the Cynics, a philosophical sect known for their disdain for social conventions.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• cynical by nature: Naturally inclined to skepticism and distrust.
• cynical humor: Humor that mocks or questions human motives or sincerity.
• cynical outlook: A negative or distrustful perspective on people and situations.

Translations

• Spanish: cínico

• French: cinique

• German: zynisch

• Russian: циничный

Related Words

• skeptic: A person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions.

• pessimist: A person who tends to see the worst aspect of things.

• misanthrope: A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society.

Slang Meanings of cynical

• Meaning: Cynically sarcastic or mocking.

  Example Sentence: His comments were so cynical that they turned the atmosphere sour.

• Meaning: Being pessimistically humorous.

  Example Sentence: She always gives a cynical laugh when discussing serious topics.