cynic
pronunciation
How to pronounce cynic in British English:
UK [ˈsɪnɪk]
How to pronounce cynic in American English:
US [ˈsɪnɪk]
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- Noun:
- someone who is critical of the motives of others
Word Origin
- cynic
- cynic: [16] Originally, the Cynics were a group of ascetic philosophers in ancient Greece. Their founder, around 400 BC, was Antisthenes, a follower of Socrates. They advocated the view that virtue and self-control are the highest good and, particularly under their later leader Diogenes, came to exhibit a contempt for the frailties of their fellow human beings that is traditionally said to have earned them their name: Greek kúōn meant ‘dog’ (it is related to English hound), and the philosophers were allegedly dubbed kunikós on account of their ‘dog-like’ sneering.A more prosaic but more likely explanation of the term is that it comes from the Kunósarge, the gymnasium where Antisthenes taught (perhaps later influenced by kúōn). English acquired the word via Latin cynicus.
- cynic (n.)
- mid-16c., in reference to the ancient philosophy, from Greek kynikos "a follower of Antisthenes," literally "dog-like," from kyon (genitive kynos) "dog" (see canine). Supposedly from the sneering sarcasm of the philosophers, but more likely from Kynosarge "Gray Dog," name of the gymnasium outside ancient Athens (for the use of those who were not pure Athenians) where the founder, Antisthenes (a pupil of Socrates), taught. Diogenes was the most famous. Popular association even in ancient times was "dog-like" (Lucian has kyniskos "a little cynic," literally "puppy"). Meaning "sneering sarcastic person" is from 1590s.
Antonym
Example
- 1. A cynic might reflect that this signalled how toothless the un process has become .
- 2. A cynic would say the real complaint was that he refused to meet benjamin netanyahu .
- 3. Back then to be a cynic meant to stand up for one 's convictions .
- 4. A cynic might see the festival as a prime example of how coddled the baby boomers were in an economy of abundance .
- 5. A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing .