Cynicism
Definition & Meaning
Pronunciation /ˈsɪn.ɪˌsɪzəm/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Cynicism is a noun meaning (uncountable) A distrustful attitude.
Meaning
(uncountable) A distrustful attitude.
More Meanings
- (countable) A scornfully pessimistic comment or act.
- (uncountable, philosophy) A school of thought in the philosophy of Ancient Greece.
- (uncountable) An emotion of jaded negativity, or a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of other people. Cynicism can manifest itself by frustration, disillusionment and distrust in regard to organizations, authorities and other aspects of society, often due to previous bad experience. Cynics often view others as motivated solely by disguised self-interest.
Word Forms
- cynicisms
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include cynic, skepticism, scepticism, hypocrisy, distrust, incredulity.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.