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cynicism — an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsɪnɪsɪzəm/

Example Sentences

  • After being scammed three times online, Sarah's cynicism toward internet shopping reached new heights.
  • His cynicism was so intense that he questioned whether free samples at the grocery store were really free.
  • The teacher's cynicism about student excuses was well-founded after hearing 'my dog ate my homework' for the fifth time.

cynicism

NOUN

[/ˈsɪnɪsɪzəm/]

an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others

a scowling customer rolls their eyes and waves dismissively at a cheerful barista who is offering a free sample pastry with a genuine smile. The customer crosses their arms and turns away, convinced the barista has ulterior motives for the kind gesture. The barista's face falls with disappointment as their sincere offer gets rejected with suspicion. Other customers nearby look uncomfortable witnessing the harsh dismissal of genuine kindness. The barista slowly pulls back the offered pastry, confused by the hostile reaction to their goodwill. an attitude of scornful negativity and general distrust of others' genuine motives
💡 Concept

a scowling customer rolls their eyes and waves dismissively at a cheerful barista who is offering a free sample pastry with a genuine smile. The customer crosses their arms and turns away, convinced the barista has ulterior motives for the kind gesture. The barista's face falls with disappointment as their sincere offer gets rejected with suspicion. Other customers nearby look uncomfortable witnessing the harsh dismissal of genuine kindness. The barista slowly pulls back the offered pastry, confused by the hostile reaction to their goodwill. an attitude of scornful negativity and general distrust of others' genuine motives

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈsɪnɪsɪzəm/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈsɪnɪsɪzəm/

🌳Etymology

Rootcynic
Suffix--ism

Origin

From Greek 'kynikos' meaning 'dog-like,' referring to the ancient Greek Cynic philosophers who lived roughly like dogs, rejecting social conventions and material possessions.

Breakdown

kyn- (dog) + -ikos (relating to, characteristic of) → cynicism (belief that people are motivated purely by self-interest)

🎵Rhyme

criticismmechanismorganism
criticism
mechanism
organism

🔗Collocations

deep cynicism
cynicism about politics
growing cynicism
widespread cynicism
overcome cynicism

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“After being scammed three times online, Sarah's cynicism toward internet shopping reached new heights.”

😄 Fun example

“His cynicism was so intense that he questioned whether free samples at the grocery store were really free.”

😄 Fun example

“The teacher's cynicism about student excuses was well-founded after hearing 'my dog ate my homework' for the fifth time.”

“The journalist's cynicism toward corporate promises helped her uncover several major scandals.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

skepticismdistrustpessimismsuspiciondisbelief

Antonyms

optimismtrustfaith

Related

cynicalcynicskepticalpessimistic

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