uncynical
|un-cyn-i-cal|
/ʌnˈsɪnɪkəl/
not cynical; trusting
Etymology
'uncynical' originates from English, specifically formed by the negative prefix 'un-' attached to the adjective 'cynical'.
'cynical' entered English via French 'cynique' and Latin 'cynicus', ultimately from Greek 'kynikos' (κυνικός), meaning 'dog-like' and referring to the Cynic philosophical school.
Initially the Greek root meant 'dog-like' and referred to members of the Cynic school; over time 'cynic'/'cynical' came to mean 'skeptical, distrustful or contemptuous', and 'uncynical' developed as the negation meaning 'not cynical' or 'not distrustful'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not cynical; not inclined to distrust or doubt people's motives — showing belief in sincerity or goodness.
Her uncynical view of politics surprised her colleagues, who expected more skepticism.
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Adjective 2
showing innocent or naive idealism; not marked by world-weariness or jaded skepticism.
The essay's uncynical tone appealed to readers who were tired of sarcastic commentary.
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Last updated: 2025/10/20 08:58