What does cynicism mean?

Definitions for cynicism
ˈsɪn əˌsɪz əmcyn·i·cism

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word cynicism.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. cynicismnoun

    a cynical feeling of distrust

Wiktionary

  1. Cynicismnoun

    the philosophy of the Greek Cynics

  2. cynicismnoun

    a distrustful attitude

    David T Wolf: "Idealism is what precedes experience; cynicism is what follows."

  3. cynicismnoun

    an emotion of jaded negativity, or a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of other people. Cynicism can manifest itself by frustration, disillusionment and distrust in regard to organizations, authorities and other aspects of society, often due to previous bad experience. Cynics often view others as motivated solely by disguised self-interest.

  4. cynicismnoun

    a skeptical, scornful or pessimistic comment or act

  5. Etymology: From Cynicism, ; compare cynism

ChatGPT

  1. cynicism

    Cynicism is a general distrust or disbelief in the sincerity or goodness of human intentions and actions. It involves being skeptical about the motives of others, often expressing this attitude through negative or critical comments and behaviors. Cynics typically question whether people act for altruistic reasons rather than for self-interest.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Cynicismnoun

    the doctrine of the Cynics; the quality of being cynical; the mental state, opinions, or conduct, of a cynic; morose and contemptuous views and opinions

Wikidata

  1. Cynicism

    Cynicism is a school of ancient Greek philosophy as practiced by the Cynics. For the Cynics, the purpose of life was to live in virtue, in agreement with nature. As reasoning creatures, people could gain happiness by rigorous training and by living in a way which was natural for humans, rejecting all conventional desires for wealth, power, sex, and fame. Instead, they were to lead a simple life free from all possessions. The first philosopher to outline these themes was Antisthenes, who had been a pupil of Socrates in the late 5th century BC. He was followed by Diogenes of Sinope, who lived in a tub on the streets of Athens. Diogenes took Cynicism to its logical extremes, and came to be seen as the archetypal Cynic philosopher. He was followed by Crates of Thebes who gave away a large fortune so he could live a life of Cynic poverty in Athens. Cynicism spread with the rise of Imperial Rome in the 1st century, and Cynics could be found begging and preaching throughout the cities of the Empire. It finally disappeared in the late 5th century, although some have claimed that early Christianity adopted many of its ascetic and rhetorical ideas.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of cynicism in Chaldean Numerology is: 3

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of cynicism in Pythagorean Numerology is: 5

Examples of cynicism in a Sentence

  1. Dinesh D'Souza:

    America is the greatest, freest and most decent society in existence. It is an oasis of goodness in a desert of cynicism and barbarism. This country, once an experiment unique in the world, is now the last best hope for the world.

  2. Drew Hammill:

    Politicians who seek to weaponize the US-Israel relationship and turn it into a wedge issue are no friends of Israel, and the transparent cynicism of their words are clear to all.

  3. Marc Randazza:

    Las Vegas residents look forward to clearing both of their names in court, las Vegas residents are not trying this matter in the press. Las Vegas residents do find it interesting that the press has the complaint before Ms. Button has even been served. Maybe Las Vegas residents should inspire some cynicism.

  4. Sokeel Park of the Liberty:

    Amongst people in cities that have more access to foreign information and are the most switched on, there is likely more ambivalence or even cynicism over the use of precious resources for things that bring no tangible benefit to the people and cause worsening relations with the outside world.

  5. President Barack Obama:

    Alternatively, fear can lead us to succumb to despair or paralysis or cynicism, fear can feed our most selfish impulses and erode the bonds of community.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

cynicism#10000#36754#100000

Translations for cynicism

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"cynicism." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/cynicism>.

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