Full Definition of cynical 1 : having or showing the attitude or temper of a cynic: such as. a : contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives those cynical men who say that democracy cannot be honest and efficient.

What is cynical example?

The definition of cynical is having a belief that people only do things to serve their own needs. An example of cynical is someone who believes another only gave to charity to get a date with the person asking for the donation.

What is a cynical attitude?

Cynicism is an attitude characterized by a general distrust of others’ motives. … Modern cynicism is a distrust toward professed ethical and social values, especially when there are high expectations concerning society, institutions, and authorities that are unfulfilled.

Does cynical mean selfish?

The meaning of cynical is: Believing that only selfishness motivates human actions; not believing in disinterested points of view; feeling uncertain if something will happen or it is worth the effort spent. Showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one’s actions. Pessimistic.

What is another word for cynical?

Synonyms & Antonyms of cynical

What is a cynic Oscar Wilde?

A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing. Oscar Wilde.

What do cynical people believe?

Cynicism (pronounced SIN-niss-ism) is a dark attitude toward the world, especially toward human beings. Cynical people (also called cynics) believe that human beings are basically motivated by greed and self-interest; they are distrustful of others, usually very negative, and suspicious of sentimentality.

What does a cynical person suffer from?

Cynics are more prone to depression. In some cases, a cynical person may find that their mindset spirals out of control and their negative views of the world lead to the development of depression. Cynicism is part of a defensive stance people take to protect themselves from getting hurt.

What did cynics believe?

Cynicism is a school of philosophy from the Socratic period of ancient Greece, which holds that the purpose of life is to live a life of Virtue in agreement with Nature (which calls for only the bare necessities required for existence).

How do I know if I’m cynical?

When you have a cynical attitude, you readily expect people to behave in a negative self-serving way. You immediately focus on the worst in people, which makes you feel uncomfortable around them for no proven reason. Also, you may be very critical of others.

What is opposite of cynical?

Antonyms: Credulous,gullible,hopeful,optimistic,trustful,unskeptical,unsuspecting (etc.)

Is cynical positive or negative?

Because cynical and suspicious attitudes create a negative filter through which we observe our surroundings, when we are in this state, we tend to miss out on joys in life. We indulge in an us versus them mentality that pins us against a certain person or group.

What are cynical comments?

1 distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp. selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp. that all acts are selfish. 2 sarcastic; mocking. 3 showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, esp.

What is an outgoing person?

The adjective outgoing describes someone with a friendly, easy personality. Your outgoing friend might not understand how hard it is for shy people to speak in front of an audience. … People who are outgoing are perfectly comfortable in social situations.

Is cynical and sarcastic the same thing?

Sarcasm:Saying one thing, and actually meaning the opposite, in a mean way. Cynicism: Insulting someone in a very painful, rude way.

What does it mean to get jaded?

Full Definition of jaded 1 : fatigued by overwork : exhausted a jaded horse. 2 : made dull, apathetic, or cynical by experience or by having or seeing too much of something jaded network viewers jaded voters. Other Words from jaded Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About jaded.

What is the value of nothing?

The Price Of Everything, The Value Of Nothing. Oscar Wilde is credited with the quote The cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.

What does Lord Darlington value?

value of nothing Lord Darlington: A man who knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing. Cecil Graham: And a sentimentalist, my dear Darlington, is a man who sees an absurd value in everything and doesn’t know the market price of any single thing.

Who being loved is poor?

In the profound category, Oscar Wilde once said, Who, being loved, is poor? There’s a lot of truth in this statement. Love transcends material wealth and brings true meaning and joy into one’s life. … Sometimes the greatest expressions of love come from caring for others who are hard to love.

Why is it bad to be cynical?

Having a bad attitude about life can seem harmless, but it can have some profound effects on your wellbeing. There a number of ways being cynical can change your brain, and it can impact everything from your mood to even your risk of disease in the future.

What is cynical writing?

Cynics are fairly dismissive of everything and everyone. They don’t waste words or bother trying to explain themselves instead, they deal with everything in an offhand, devil-may-care sort of way. See sections 7 and 8 for examples of one-liners.

Is cynicism a mental illness?

In some cases, a person with a cynic mindset may find that it spirals out of control and leads to the development of depression. On the other hand, a person that has already been diagnosed with depression may find that their mental health condition causes a cynic mindset.

How do you deal with a cynical partner?

5 Steps for Dealing with Negative and Cynical People

  1. Avoid reacting. …
  2. Listen beyond the emotion to what people feel they have lost or their fears about the future. …
  3. Ask the person if they want to find a solution or just need a sounding board to safely express how they feel.

What is the difference between a realist and a cynic?

What do you think is the difference between cynicism and realism? To me, cynicism is pure negativity choosing to see all the reasons why something won’t work or why something is a stupid or bad idea. … Realism, on the other hand, is about the practical use of things, or ideas.

What is a stoic person like?

Being stoic is being calm and almost without any emotion. When you’re stoic, you don’t show what you’re feeling and you also accept whatever is happening. The noun stoic is a person who’s not very emotional. … Stoic people calmly go with the flow and don’t appear to be shook up by much.

Why are cynics called cynics?

Origin of the Cynic name The term cynic derives from Ancient Greek (kynikos) ‘dog-like’, and (kyn) ‘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.

How did the cynics define happiness?

Its goal was simply finding happiness (eudaimonia) and the central tenet of Cynic philosophy was that a life lived in accordance with nature guaranteed happiness. To live life in accordance with nature was to live in virtue.