meaning - What does cynical actually mean? - English Language
Jan 25, 2023 · The dictionary definition of cynical is: believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity. However, there is an additional bullet point under this definition that says: contemptuous; mocking. I fail to understand how these two definitions are related.
What is the difference between "skeptical" and "cynical"?
May 15, 2013 · The examples reported from the NOAD of sentences containing cynical or skeptical are the following: Most residents are cynical about efforts to clean mobsters out of their city. He gave a cynical laugh. Stalin had struck a cynical deal with Hitler. The public were deeply skeptical about some of the proposals.
How do you reconcile these definitions of the word 'cynical'?
The first definition refers to a person taking a cynical look on the world (pessimistic lucidity is unconventional). The second refers to a selfish amoral behavior (also, assumed to be non conformist). So, you may be pessimistic because others are not generous. –
meaning - What does "cynical confidence" mean? - English …
The phrase is used in To Kill a Mockingbird. The witnesses for the state, with the exception of the sheriff of Maycomb County, have presented themselves to you gentlemen, to this court, in the cynical confidence that their testimony would not be doubted, confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption— the evil assumption that all Negroes lie, that all …
american english - what is the opposite of cynical? - English …
Oct 27, 2014 · Cynical can be used in different contexts. Some example sentences of its synonyms... I’m rather skeptical about his chances of winning despite what the paper say. It is ironic that she became a teacher, she used to hate school when she was a girl. I think the original sales figures were too pessimistic.
Who is cynical? - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
Apr 6, 2019 · The definition you linked to includes two definitions of cynical, apparently from Collins English Dictionary. And it is true that people are often described as cynical when they are "showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one's actions," as in the case of the politician you described.
What is the difference between "sardonic" and "sarcastic"?
Feb 14, 2011 · The definition of the words I can read on the NOAD are: Sarcastic: marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt. Sardonic: grimly mocking or cynical. She wrote sarcastic comments on their failures. She's witty and sarcastic. Starkey attempted a sardonic smile. The differences between the words are:
Irony, Sarcasm and Cynicism - English Language & Usage Stack …
Ironically, the first three definitions given the question above now appears topmost in Google as response to the query "sarcasm vs cynicism", and "framed", too, giving official status to wrong definitions. It is 2018, indeed and John Brunner would love it (he said, sarcastically, letting us see his cynical soul) –
meaning - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
May 1, 2016 · The definition of the words you suggested to describe it rely entirely upon the intent of the message conveyed. The specific intent depends on which word is being used. In order to see how the words may or may not apply, we need to examine their meaning. Sarcasm is a sort of mean comedy: Bitterly satirical; scornfully severe; taunting.
Collective term for a group of naive people [duplicate]
Apr 2, 2016 · For cynical people, the word "cynics" is commonly used. For example, on this page at dictionary.com, one of the definitions is . cynical: (adjective) of or relating to the Cynics or their doctrines. Is there a similar term for naive that can be used in a similar fashion? For example, something like. of or relating to the Naives or their doctorines.