cynical
/'sinik/
Definition
Adjective: 1. Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity. This describes a person who doubts or denies the existence of genuine altruism, kindness, or virtue in others, often attributing such actions to hidden, selfish motives. 2. Contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives. This sense emphasizes a scornful or sneering attitude that accompanies the disbelief in the goodness of others.
Usage
The word "cynical" describes a deeply skeptical and negative worldview regarding human nature. It is used to characterize a person's attitude, perspective, or specific remarks.
Examples
- Describing a person's attitude:
- After being betrayed so many times, he became deeply cynical about politics.
- She has a cynical view of charity, believing most organizations are corrupt.
- Describing a remark or action:
- His cynical laugh made it clear he didn't believe her story of helping a stranger.
- It was a cynical attempt to win votes just before the election.
Advanced Usage
- Cynical realism: A perspective that claims to see the world "as it really is," often justifying selfish or unethical behavior as the only rational response to a corrupt world.
- His philosophy wasn't idealism; it was a form of cynical realism.
- To take a cynical view of something: To interpret an event or action in the most negative, self-interested light possible.
- One could take a cynical view of the company's sudden environmental campaign.
Variants and Related Words
- Cynic (noun): A person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest.
- He was a cynic who thought every act of kindness had a price.
- Cynicism (noun): The general attitude or philosophy of a cynical person.
- Her constant cynicism made it difficult to have an optimistic conversation.
Synonyms
- Distrustful: Lacking trust.
- Skeptical: Not easily convinced; having doubts.
- Misanthropic: Disliking humankind and avoiding human society. (This is stronger and broader than cynical.)
- Jaded: Tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm after having had too much of something, often leading to a cynical outlook.
- Sardonic: Grimly mocking or cynical. (Emphasizes the mocking tone.)
Antonyms
- Idealistic: Characterized by high ideals, often unrealistically.
- Optimistic: Hopeful and confident about the future.
- Trusting: Showing a willingness to trust others.
- Naive: Showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment, often implying excessive trust.
Idioms and Phrases
- Cynical ploy: A calculated action or strategy that is transparently self-serving and manipulative.
- The last-minute tax cut was seen as a cynical ploy to gain popularity.
- Cynical smile/laugh: A smile or laugh that expresses disbelief and scorn.
- He gave a cynical smile when they promised "transparency and change."
Adjective
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believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a sneering disbelief in e.g. selflessness of others
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