noncynical
|non-cyn-i-cal|
🇺🇸
/nɑnˈsɪnɪkəl/
🇬🇧
/nɒnˈsɪnɪkəl/
not cynical; trusting/optimistic
Etymology
'noncynical' is a Modern English formation from the negative prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non' meaning 'not') combined with 'cynical' (from Greek 'kynikos' via Latin 'cynicus'), where 'kynikos' originally meant 'dog-like'.
'cynical' changed from Greek 'kynikos' to Latin 'cynicus', entered Old French/Medieval Latin forms and then Middle English as 'cynical'; the prefix 'non-' was later attached in Modern English to produce 'noncynical'.
Initially 'kynikos' meant 'dog-like'; over time 'cynical' evolved to mean 'distrustful or contemptuous of human motives', and 'noncynical' now means 'not cynical; trusting or optimistic.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not cynical; showing or characterized by a lack of cynicism — trusting, hopeful, or inclined to believe in the sincerity or goodness of people or motives.
Her noncynical attitude toward the charity surprised her colleagues.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/20 08:24