adjective. distrusting or disparaging the motives of others ; like or characteristic of a cynic. showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one’s actions, especially by actions that exploit the scruples of others. bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic.
What is an example of a cynical person?
An example of cynical is someone who believes another only gave to charity to get a date with the person asking for the donation . ... Believing that people are motivated in all their actions only by selfishness; denying the sincerity of people’s motives and actions, or the value of living.
What are the characteristics of a cynical person?
Cynical people (also called “cynics”) believe that human beings are basically motivated by greed and self-interest ; they are distrustful of others, usually very negative, and suspicious of sentimentality.
Is it bad to be a cynical person?
But now, an academic study has revealed that being cynical not only makes life less enjoyable – but also increases your risk of becoming ill. However, the research, from the University of Cologne, also confirmed that bad health causes people to become more cynical .
What is the opposite of cynical?
Cynical -sentence usage examples. Antonyms: Credulous ,gullible,hopeful,optimistic,trustful,unskeptical,unsuspecting (etc.)
What does it mean if someone calls you cynical?
cynical, misanthropic, pessimistic mean deeply distrustful . cynical implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity. cynical about politicians’ motives misanthropic suggests a rooted distrust and dislike of human beings and their society.
What’s the difference between a skeptic and a cynic?
A skeptic is properly understood as someone who demands evidence to support claims before he or she accepts them. A cynic is probably best described as someone who is predisposed to reject claims , either before the evidence is heard or in spite of partial evidence that ought to be convincing.
How do you live with someone who is cynical?
- Admit to yourself that you are cynical. Once you acknowledge this, it will be easier to work on changing your attitude. ...
- Embrace positivity. ...
- Practice gratitude. ...
- Breathe. ...
- Be mindful. ...
- Be playful, even for just five minutes every day. ...
- Limit your news consumption. ...
- Reveal your true self.
Is being cynical a disorder?
In some cases, a person with a cynic mindset may find that it spirals out of control and leads to the development of depression. On the other hand, a person that has already been diagnosed with depression may find that their mental health condition causes a cynic mindset.
Does cynical mean sarcastic?
1, 3. Cynical, pessimistic, sarcastic, satirical imply holding a low opinion of humanity . Cynical suggests a disbelief in the sincerity of human motives: cynical about honesty. ... Sarcastic refers to sneering or making cutting jibes: sarcastic about a profession of faith.
Is it normal to be cynical?
Of course, cynicism is neither wholly good nor bad . It’s easy to see how you can be too cynical, but it’s also possible to be not cynical enough. Indeed, although the word itself is now largely pejorative, you’ll find almost everyone revels in a certain amount of cynicism.
Is cynical the same as selfish?
is that selfish is holding one’s self-interest as the standard for decision making while cynical is of or relating to the cynics, a sect of ancient greek philosophers who believed virtue to be the only good and self-control to be the only means of achieving virtue.
How do you talk to a cynical person?
- Avoid reacting. ...
- Listen beyond the emotion to what people feel they have lost or their fears about the future. ...
- Ask the person if they want to find a solution or just need a sounding board to safely express how they feel.
What are the synonyms for cynical?
- contemptuous.
- derisive.
- ironic.
- misanthropic.
- mocking.
- pessimistic.
- sarcastic.
- sardonic.
What makes a cynic?
Cynicism is part of a defensive posture we take to protect ourselves . It’s typically triggered when we feel hurt by or angry at something, and instead of dealing with those emotions directly, we allow them to fester and skew our outlook.
What makes a person skeptical?
skeptic Add to list Share. A skeptic is a person who doesn’t believe something is true unless they see evidence . As a skeptic, you refuse to believe your sister saw a ghost — after all, she can’t prove it. Skeptics are doubters — they need to see proof before they will believe.
