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cynic

cynic

39 5.8
A person who thinks people act only to help themselves
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪnɪk/
translation icon : cínico
  • People often label him as a cynic because he doubts others' intentions.
  • a cynic might suggest

So when you're when you're a cynic, you're missing the beauty of life.

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Examples

  • The cynic of Valdepinos, apart from being a cynic, is tall, thin, and closely shaved.

    Academic text (2007)
  • The people who are attacking you, critics and cynics are frustrated dreamers.

  • Would you call me a cynic, Jane?

  • When did you become such a cynic?

  • Maybe I'm just a cynic.

  • This is what the cynics used to say.

  • You are a cynic, aren't you?

  • But for Ruth, cynic though she is, the trade-off could be worth it.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Scratch any cynic and you will find a disappointed idealist.

  • The romantics would call this a love story; the cynics would call it a tragedy.

    Fiction book (1998)

Antonyms

63 3.2

A person who usually expects good things to happen

33 5.0

A person who follows strong beliefs rather than practical needs

How Cynical

misanthrope
6 9.9
cynic
39 5.8
skeptic
  • US
77 4.1
optimist
63 3.2

Surface Forms

cynic singular
cynics plural

Etymology

The word cynic comes from an old Greek word kynikos, which means 'dog-like' and comes from kyon 'dog'. Ancient Cynics lived simply and spoke bluntly, and because they often doubted people's reasons, cynic now means someone who thinks people act from 'self-interest'.