Cynic

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈsɪnɪk/
• Rhymes: -ɪnɪk
• Homophones: Sinic

Alternative forms

• cynick obsolete

Origin

From Middle English cynike, cynicke, from Middle French cinicque, from Latin cynicus, from Ancient Greek κυνικός, originally derived from the portico in Athens called Κυνόσαργες, the earliest home of the Cynic school, later reinterpreted as a derivation of κύων (kúōn, "dog"), in a contemptuous allusion to the uncouth and aggressive manners adopted by the members of the school.

Full definition of cynic

Adjective

1. cynical (in all senses)
2. (not comparable) Relating to the Dog Star.the cynic, or Sothic, year; cynic cycle

Noun

1. A person who believes that all people are motivated by selfishness.
2. A person whose outlook is scornfully negative.

Related terms

• cynical
• cynicism

Anagrams

• Cincy