What is the best definition of cynicism?
The definition of cynicism is an attitude of suspicion where you believe the future is bleak and that people are acting only out of self interest. An attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others.
What do we mean by cynicism?
1 : having or showing the attitude or temper of a cynic: such as. a : contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives … those cynical men who say that democracy cannot be honest and efficient.— Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Does cynical mean selfish?
A cynic is someone who believes that humans are selfish and that they only do something if it will benefit themselves. Cynics criticize acts of kindness and will probably tease you if you help an old lady cross the street.
What does cynicism mean in philosophy?
Emphasis on this aspect of their teachings led, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, to the modern understanding of cynicism as “an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others.” This modern definition of cynicism is in marked contrast to …
How do you say the word cynicism?
cynicism Add to list Share. Cynicism is the feeling of distrust or that something isn’t going to work out well. Some people feel cynicism when politicians make big promises. To pronounce cynicism, place the accent on the first syllable: “SIH-nuh-cih-zum.” You might associate cynicism with sarcasm.
How do you deal with a cynical person?
11 Tips to Stop Being Cynical
- Admit to yourself that you are cynical. Once you acknowledge this, it will be easier to work on changing your attitude.
- Embrace positivity.
- Practice gratitude.
- Breathe.
- Be mindful.
- Be playful, even for just five minutes every day.
- Limit your news consumption.
- Reveal your true self.
What is a another word for cynical?
Synonyms & Antonyms of cynical
- distrustful,
- mistrustful,
- negativist,
- negativistic,
- skeptical,
- suspicious.
What causes someone to become cynical?
Another cause of cynicism is pretty simple: our brains are hard-wired to pay more attention to negative experiences. The more negativity we see in the world, the more likely we are to share that disposition with others. Over time, that tends to make us more cynical.
What is the etymology of ‘cynicism’?
Etymology . From French cynisme, from Late Latin cynismus, from Ancient Greek κυνισμός (kunismós, ” philosophy of the Cynics “), from κυν-(kun-), stem of κύων (kúōn, ” dog”, “Cynic “); compare cynicism. Pronunciation (Received Pronunciation) enPR: sĭʹnĭzm, IPA : /ˈsɪnɪzm/ Noun
What does the name Cynic mean?
cynic (Noun) A person who believes that all people are motivated by selfishness. Etymology: Originated 1540-50 from Latin Cynicus (cynic philosopher), from Κυνικός (Kynikós) (literally doglike, currish), from κύων (dog) + -ικός; see kwon-. cynic (Noun) A person whose outlook is scornfully negative.
What is the plural of cynicism?
The noun cynicism can be countable or uncountable. In more general, commonly used, contexts, the plural form will also be cynicism . However, in more specific contexts, the plural form can also be cynicisms e.g. in reference to various types of cynicisms or a collection of cynicisms.