cynicism
cynicism Lexical Profile
cynicism Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest; a distrustful attitude toward human sincerity or integrity.
"Years of broken political promises had fostered a deep sense of cynicism among the voters."
An ancient Greek philosophical doctrine holding that virtue is the only good and that its essence lies in self-control, independence, and the rejection of conventional desires such as wealth and power.
"In his lectures on ancient philosophy, the professor contrasted the ascetic austerity of early cynicism with modern consumer culture."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'skepticism' involves questioning claims until reliable evidence is presented, 'cynicism' specifically assumes that human actions are driven purely by selfishness or insincerity.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Ancient Greek 'Kynismos', from 'kynikos' (dog-like), from 'kyon' (dog), originally referring to a school of ancient Greek philosophers who rejected conventional social norms and material wealth.