cynicism
SIN-uh-siz-uhm
/ˈsɪn.ɪ.sɪ.zəm/
An attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others.
Directly targets human motives and social institutions, suspecting self-interest behind every good deed.
The story behind the word. Cynicism originates from the Greek 'Kynikos', meaning 'dog-like', named after the Cynic philosophers of ancient Athens who rejected worldly wealth and conventions. Over time, the term shifted from radical asceticism to a deep mistrust of human motives.
Word relationships
- distrust: Distrust is lack of trust in a specific situation, while cynicism is a broad worldview suspecting human nature overall.
- misanthropy: Misanthropy is hatred or dislike of mankind, whereas cynicism is mistrust of human motives.
- naivety: Naivety is innocent, unsophisticated trust in others.
- idealism: Idealism believes in high moral principles and noble human motives.
Commonly confused with
- skepticism: Skepticism demands evidence before believing; cynicism assumes self-interested corruption behind everything.
Word family
- cynic (noun): A person who believes that people are motivated by self-interest.
- cynical (adjective): Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest.
Collocations
- deepening cynicism
- cynicism towards politics
- healthy skepticism vs cynicism
- cynicism and fatigue
Example sentences
- "Repeated scandals and unfulfilled campaign promises served only to deepen voter cynicism across the country." Political Science
- "Oscar Wilde famously defined a cynic as a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing, illustrating pure cynicism." Cultural Commentary (Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde)
Memory hook
CYNIC sounds like 'SIN-ic' — believing everyone is naturally sinful and selfish. Snarling at human motives like a dog.
When not to use
Do not confuse with skepticism; skepticism doubts claims until proven, while cynicism assumes bad motives automatically.
Fun facts
- Diogenes of Sinope, the most famous Cynic philosopher, lived in a large clay wine jar in Athens and carried a lamp in broad daylight claiming to search for 'an honest man'.
Explore more words
cynical, sardonic, jaundiced, skepticism, embittered, derisive
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