cynicism
|cyn/i/cism|
/ˈsɪnɪˌsɪzəm/
skepticism about motives
Etymology
'cynicism' originates from the Greek word 'kynismos', where 'kyn-' meant 'dog' and '-ismos' was a suffix indicating a practice or philosophy.
'kynismos' transformed into the Latin word 'cynismus', and eventually became the modern English word 'cynicism'.
Initially, it meant 'dog-like behavior' in reference to the Cynics' disdain for social conventions, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'skepticism about human motives'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest; skepticism.
His cynicism about politics was evident in his sarcastic remarks.
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Noun 2
a school of ancient Greek philosophers, the Cynics, who believed that virtue was the only good and that self-control was the only means of achieving virtue.
Cynicism as a philosophy was founded by Antisthenes in the 4th century BC.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41