Cynic Meaning
/ˈsɪnɪk/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA person whose outlook is scornfully negative.
nounA person who believes that all people are motivated by selfishness.
Sentence Examples
Scratch a cynic and you'll find a disappointed idealist.
Weary of life, Tom became a cynic.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The old ____ doubted every politician's promise during the election season.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Scratch a ____ and you'll find a disappointed idealist.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English cynike, cynicke, from Middle French cynique, from Latin cynicus, from Ancient Greek κυνικός (kunikós), originally derived from the portico in Athens called Κυνόσαργες (Kunósarges), the earliest home of the Cynic school, later reinterpreted as being derived from κύων (kúōn, “dog”), in a contemptuous allusion to the uncouth and aggressive manners adopted by the members of the school.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Well, that's one in the eye for the nay-sayers, the doubters, the cynics and assorted tosspots what make up the media and that."
— 2000 June 13, Darren Tackle, The Guardian:
"The cynic surfaced, reminding him that she'd been accused of trying to spring the baby trap on Brad Comfort."
— 2010, Kathy Lynn Emerson, Family Lies:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The old ____ doubted every politician's promise during the election season.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Scratch a ____ and you'll find a disappointed idealist.