noun C1 Advanced

cynic

SIH-nihk

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 →

Word forms

more cynic comparative, cynics plural, Cynics plural, most cynic superlative

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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

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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Vocabulary lists that include cynic:

Words with Greek origins C1 vocabulary words