cynical

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Believing that people act only out of selfishness and expecting the worst of them.

   He has a cynical view of politicians and trusts none of them.

2. 2
   adj

   Willing to do unfair or dishonest things while ignoring accepted moral standards.

   It was a cynical attempt to win votes by making promises they would never keep.

Originated 1542, from Classical Latin cynicus (“Cynic/cynic”, adjective) + -al. By surface analysis, cynic + -al. In reference to dogs, with allusion to the ultimate etymology (Ancient Greek κυνικός (kunikós, “doglike”)).

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