counter-cynicism
|coun-ter-cyn-i-cism|
🇺🇸
/ˈkaʊntərˌsɪnɪsɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˈkaʊntə(r)ˌsɪnɪsɪzəm/
opposition to cynicism
Etymology
'counter-cynicism' is a modern English compound formed from 'counter-' (meaning 'against' or 'opposing') + 'cynicism' (the noun).
'cynicism' originates from Greek 'kynismos' (related to 'kynikos', meaning 'dog-like'), passed into Latin and French (e.g. Old French 'cinisme'), and then into English; 'counter-' is a Latin-derived prefix used in English to form compounds meaning 'against' or 'opposite'. The compound 'counter-cynicism' is a recent English formation combining these elements.
Initially, 'cynicism' referred specifically to the ancient Cynic philosophical school; over time it came to mean a general distrustful or sarcastic attitude, and 'counter-cynicism' has emerged to denote opposition to that modern sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an attitude or stance that opposes or pushes back against cynicism, often promoting trust, hope, or constructive engagement.
Her speeches were a call to counter-cynicism, urging people to believe in collective action again.
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Noun 2
a deliberate effort, program, or strategy designed to reduce public cynicism (for example, in politics, media, or institutions).
The nonprofit launched a campaign of counter-cynicism to rebuild trust in local government.
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Noun 3
the act of rebutting cynical claims by providing evidence of sincerity, good faith, or positive intent.
Journalists practiced counter-cynicism by highlighting concrete reforms rather than just exposing failures.
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Last updated: 2025/10/20 09:51