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Definition of Cynicism
1. Noun. A cynical feeling of distrust.
Definition of Cynicism
1. n. The doctrine of the Cynics; the quality of being cynical; the mental state, opinions, or conduct, of a cynic; morose and contemptuous views and opinions.
Definition of Cynicism
1. Proper noun. the philosophy of the Greek Cynics ¹
2. Noun. a distrustful attitude ¹
3. Noun. an emotion of jaded negativity, or a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of other people. Cynicism can manifest itself by frustration, disillusionment and distrust in regard to organizations, authorities and other aspects of society, often due to previous bad experience. Cynics often view others as motivated solely by disguised self-interest. ¹
4. Noun. a skeptical, scornful or pessimistic comment or act ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Cynicism
1. cynical quality [n -S]
Lexicographical Neighbors of Cynicism
Literary usage of Cynicism
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1868)
"Not that misanthropy, which is the highest development of cynicism, ...
Even cynicism, if it be unaffected, and the natural growth of a noble mind that has ..."
2. The Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and General by Thomas Spencer Baynes (1888)
"cynicism lasted for a few centuries longer, but never contributed anything to
philosophy properly so called. It was a mode of life rather than a theory ..."
3. The Ethics of Aristotle by Aristotle (1874)
"Again, it is said that cynicism is unseemly and brutal, and tramples upon society ;
Stoicism is more gentle, and outwardly conforms with the world. ..."
4. A Brief History of Greek Philosophy by Benjamin Chapman Burt (1889)
"Their philosophy is, of course, of the Stoic type, with a tendency to simple
cynicism. Cynics. — Later came philosophers of the pure Cynical type, ..."
5. The Popular Science MonthlyScience (1893)
"cynicism opposed to progress, 19 : 78. j Evolution, The, of a new sense, 16 : 66.
Illusion, The, of chance, 24 : 209. Progress in tornado-prediction, ..."
6. The Book of Humorous Verse by Carolyn Wells (1920)
"V cynicism GOOD AND BAD LUCK GOOD LUCK is the gayest of all gay girls; Long in
one place she will not stay: Back from your brow she strokes the curls, ..."
7. Critical Miscellanies by John Morley (1908)
"combined with his inability to achieve it, to produce that cynicism which the
simple charity of vulgar opinion attributes to the possession of him by ..."
8. Letters from Australia by John Martineau (1869)
"I accept the definition of cynicism which you give in your first paragraph.
But I will add another, and a strictly etymological one. ..."
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