noun C1 Advanced

cynic

SIH-nihk

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Cynic (noun) means a person who habitually expects the worst of people and doubts their sincerity or motives. Example: “He's such a cynic that he assumes every gift comes with strings attached.”

noun

A person who habitually expects the worst of people and doubts their sincerity or motives.

"He's such a cynic that he assumes every gift comes with strings attached."

"The old cynic in the newsroom never trusted a politician's promise."

name

A member of an ancient Greek school of philosophy that valued virtue and self-control above material comfort.

"The Cynics rejected wealth and social convention in favour of a simple life."

How to use cynic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who distrusts other people's good intentions and expects selfishness or bad outcomes.

Common mistake

A cynic doubts people's motives (thinks everyone is secretly selfish); a skeptic doubts claims or evidence (needs proof before believing something). The two overlap but aren't the same.

Easily confused with

skeptic →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: cynics
Comparative: more cynic
Superlative: most cynic

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He's such a _____ that he assumes every gift comes with strings attached.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek kunikos, traditionally linked to kuon ("dog") because the early Cynic philosophers were mocked for their blunt, unrefined manners — though it may originally have come from the name of the gymnasium where the school first met.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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faultfinder

Related words

critic

Frequently asked questions

What does “cynic” mean?

The word “cynic” means a person who habitually expects the worst of people and doubts their sincerity or motives. In plain terms, someone who distrusts other people's good intentions and expects selfishness or bad outcomes.

How do you pronounce “cynic”?

“Cynic” is pronounced SIH-nihk (/ˈsɪnɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “cynic” in a sentence?

Here is “cynic” used in a sentence: “He's such a cynic that he assumes every gift comes with strings attached.”

What part of speech is “cynic”?

Depending on how it is used, “cynic” can be a noun and a name.

Where does the word “cynic” come from?

The word “cynic” comes from Ancient Greek.

How many meanings does “cynic” have?

“Cynic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who habitually expects the worst of people and doubts their sincerity or motives.

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