English word - CYNICAL - What is a cynic? English Word Definition - with Duncan

You don't have to look very far these day to find someone casting doubt or suspicion over something or someone.

We live in very cynical times.

but what does cynical mean?

The word cynical is an adjective which can mean the belief that something is being done for the gain of one individual or a group of people.

To doubt something because you believe that greed is the motive or reason for doing something is to be cynical.

''Some cynical people think that politicians are only interested in filling their own pockets with money.''

A cynical person might cast doubt over whether something will occur or not.

''I doubt they will come now it's raining.''

''Oh don't be so cynical!''

A person who is cynical is a 'cynic'. Cynicism is the noun for the action of being a cynic.

''There is a wave of cynicism flowing through the population.''

To question the usefulness of something or someone can also be described as being cynical.

Another word that can be used to describe a doubtful view of something is 'sceptical'. (us - Skeptical)

A sceptic is a person who assumes something is being done for a hidden reason.

To assume that there is a hidden agenda or plan surrounding a person or event is to be sceptical.

Scepticism is the noun that describes the sceptic. (eg - common scepticism)

Are you a sceptical person?

Are you a cynic?

Synonyms of cynical include - doubtful, distrustful, suspicious, disbelieving, unbelieving, scoffing, doubting, incredulous.

C Y N I C A L

CYNICAL.