The word "cynical" describes an attitude or a state of mind characterized by a general distrust of others' motives . A cynical person typically believes that people are primarily motivated by self-interest, such as greed, power, or fame, rather than by noble or altruistic reasons. CYNICAL meaning : 1. believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere: 2. used to say…. Learn more. The adjective ' cynical ' traces its origins to the ancient Greek term 'kynikos,' which is derived from 'kynos,' meaning 'dog.' This connection might seem surprising at first glance. However, it becomes clearer when we delve into the philosophy of the Cynics, a school of thought in ancient Greece founded by Diogenes of Sinope. The Cynics were known for their rejection of conventional norms and their belief in living a simple and honest life, akin to a dog's unpretentious nature. Over time, the ... Cynical means distrustful, contemptuous, or sarcastic of people's motives or actions. It comes from the word cynic, which refers to a philosophical school that rejected conventional values and morality.
