Definitions for cynicism
ˈsɪn əˌsɪz əmcyn·i·cism

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. cynicismnoun

   a cynical feeling of distrust

WiktionaryRate this definition:1.0 / 1 vote

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

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

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 DictionaryRate this definition:4.0 / 1 vote

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

WikidataRate this definition:3.0 / 1 vote

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.

Matched Categories

1. • Pessimism

How to pronounce cynicism?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say cynicism in sign language?

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. 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.

2. President Clinton:

   To be fair, there is a case to be made for the argument Mitch McConnell made that in the middle of a presidential season, you should give the voters a say, that's what he said when it was 10 months away, but when the shoe is on the other foot and Mitch McConnell wants a judge, we're fewer than 50 days away and that argument doesn't cut any mustard. So... it's going to further spread cynicism in our system and, you know, Mitch McConnell said Mitch McConnell wouldn't do it.

3. Lillian Hellman:

   Cynicism is an unpleasant way of telling the truth.

4. Rafida Bonya Ahmed:

   While the international community has offered help with the investigation, the Bangladeshi government has failed to mention a word about Avijit’s gruesome murder since the day it occurred, this turning of a blind eye feeds both the public’s sense of cynicism and the terrorists’ sense of invincibility.

5. 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.

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References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=cynicism
2. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Cynicism
3. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
4. ^ Webster Dictionary
   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cynicism
5. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=cynicism