VocabDictionary

cynics

/หˆsษชnษชks/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Plural form of cynic: people who believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest rather than acting for honorable or unselfish reasons.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe cynics in the room doubted that the new policy would ever actually help the community.โ€
  • โ€œDespite being surrounded by cynics, she remained fiercely optimistic about humanity.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œcynicsโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek word 'Kynikoi', meaning 'dog-like' (from 'kyon', meaning dog), originally applied to a school of ancient Greek philosophers founded by Antisthenes because of their unorthodox, ascetic lifestyle and rejection of conventional desires, which was likened to the shamelessness and simplicity of dogs.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'sin' inics (cynics)โ€”people who look at the sinful or negative side of everything.

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œcynicsโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œcynicsโ€ in English?

In English, cynics (noun) is defined as: โ€œPlural form of cynic: people who believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest rather than acting for honorable or unselfish reasons.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œcynicsโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œThe cynics in the room doubted that the new policy would ever actually help the community.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œcynicsโ€?

Common synonyms include:skeptics,pessimists,doubters,misanthropes

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œcynicsโ€?

Derived from the ancient Greek word 'Kynikoi', meaning 'dog-like' (from 'kyon', meaning dog), originally applied to a school of ancient Greek philosophers founded by Antisthenes because of their unorthodox, ascetic lifestyle and rejection of conventional desires, which was likened to the shamelessness and simplicity of dogs.

cynics Meaning in English - English Definition & Pronunciation | Vocab Dictionary | Vocab Dictionary