cynical
SIN-ih-kuhl
/ˈsɪn.ɪ.kəl/
Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest rather than altruism or honor.
Focuses on deep distrust of human motives and moral sincerity.
The story behind the word. The term stems from the Cynics, an ancient school of Greek philosophers who rejected social conventions, wealth, and status to live simply like dogs. Over centuries, their intense criticism of human hypocrisy morphed in popular usage into a general distrust of human sincerity.
Word relationships
- skeptical: Skeptical means doubting truth or facts, whereas cynical assumes selfish or dishonest motives.
- sardonic: Sardonic refers to mocking humor, while cynical refers to underlying distrust.
- naive: Naive implies overly trusting or innocent.
- idealistic: Idealistic refers to believing in high moral principles and noble human motives.
Commonly confused with
- pessimistic: Pessimistic predicts bad events; cynical suspects human dishonesty.
Word family
- cynic (noun): A person who believes humans are selfish.
- cynicism (noun): An inclination to distrust human sincerity.
- cynically (adverb): In a distrustful or self-serving manner.
Collocations
- cynical view
- cynical attitude
- cynical ploy
- grow cynical
Idioms & expressions
- take with a grain of salt
Example sentences
- "Voters have grown cynical after years of unfulfilled campaign promises." Political commentary
- "He gave a cynical laugh, convinced that every charitable deed was merely a publicity stunt." Classic literature
Memory hook
A cynic thinks every 'SIN' is disguised as kindness. Snarling like a dog at noble motives.
When not to use
Do not confuse with pessimistic; pessimism expects bad outcomes, while cynicism suspects bad motives.
Fun facts
- Diogenes the Cynic famously walked through Athens in broad daylight carrying a lighted lantern, claiming he was searching for an honest man.
Related words
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