Cool MateCynical
UK /["/ˈsɪnɪkl/"]/US /["/ˈsɪnɪkl/"]/
Definition
believing that people only do things to help themselves rather than for good or honest reasons
In simple words: Someone who believes people are selfish and dishonest.
Examples
- a cynical view/smile
- Do you have to be so cynical about everything?
- his deeply cynical attitude
- Her lips curled into a cynical smile.
- I'm a bit cynical about the benefits of the plan.
- Her experiences with men have made her thoroughly cynical about love.
- I'm a little cynical about her motives.
- a cynical disregard for the safety of others
- a deliberate and cynical foul
Usage notes
Use 'cynical' when discussing distrust in others' motives. It's appropriate in serious conversations but may sound too harsh in casual contexts.
Grammar pattern
cynical + about/object
Memory hint
Sounds like 'sin' — imagine a person who thinks everyone is out to sin against them.
Collocations
- be
- feel
- seem
- extremely
- fairly
- very
- about
- be
- feel
- seem
- extremely
- fairly
- very
- about
- be
- feel
- seem
- extremely
- fairly
- very
- about
Synonyms
- skeptical
- jaded
- disillusioned
- pessimistic
- misanthropic
Antonyms
- optimistic
- trusting
- hopeful
Common mistakes
- Confusing with 'sarcastic' which has a different meaning.
- Using in overly positive contexts where optimism is needed.
- Mistaking 'cynical' for 'critical' which conveys a different nuance.