Is cynicism a verb or noun?
cynicism noun – Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com.
What kind of word is cynicism?
distrusting or disparaging the motives of others; like or characteristic of a cynic. showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one’s actions, especially by actions that exploit the scruples of others. bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic.
What is the root word of cynicism?
The term cynic derives from Ancient Greek κυνικός (kynikos) ‘dog-like’, and κύων (kyôn) ‘dog’ (genitive: kynos). One explanation offered in ancient times for why the Cynics were called “dogs” was because the first Cynic, Antisthenes, taught in the Cynosarges gymnasium at Athens.
What exactly is cynicism?
The definition of cynicism is an attitude of suspicion where you believe the future is bleak and that people are acting only out of self interest. An example of cynicism is when you always think the worst and have a hard time seeing the good in anyone. noun.
What is the opposite of a cynic?
Cynical -sentence usage examples. Antonyms: Credulous,gullible,hopeful,optimistic,trustful,unskeptical,unsuspecting (etc.)
What causes someone to become cynical?
Another cause of cynicism is pretty simple: our brains are hard-wired to pay more attention to negative experiences. The more negativity we see in the world, the more likely we are to share that disposition with others. Over time, that tends to make us more cynical.
What is the etymology of ‘cynicism’?
Etymology . From French cynisme, from Late Latin cynismus, from Ancient Greek κυνισμός (kunismós, ” philosophy of the Cynics “), from κυν-(kun-), stem of κύων (kúōn, ” dog”, “Cynic “); compare cynicism. Pronunciation (Received Pronunciation) enPR: sĭʹnĭzm, IPA : /ˈsɪnɪzm/ Noun
What does the name Cynic mean?
cynic (Noun) A person who believes that all people are motivated by selfishness. Etymology: Originated 1540-50 from Latin Cynicus (cynic philosopher), from Κυνικός (Kynikós) (literally doglike, currish), from κύων (dog) + -ικός; see kwon-. cynic (Noun) A person whose outlook is scornfully negative.
What is cynicism in literature?
Cynicism has come to mean sarcasm, a jaded point of view or mistrust; in literature, however, it originally indicated a much more positive philosophy. The Cynics were ancient Greeks, followers of the ideals of Socrates, who believed that challenging the status quo was the way to truth.