cynical

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Of or relating to the belief that human actions are motivated only or primarily by base desires or selfishness.

   I hope it is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligations where no benefit has been received.

2. 2
   adj

   Bitterly or jadedly distrustful or contemptuous; mocking.

   He seldom talked, and when he did, it was usually to make some cynical remark-for instance, he would say that God had given him a tail to keep the flies off, but that he would sooner have had no tail and no flies.

3. 3
   adj

   Showing contempt for accepted moral standards by one's actions.

   When he, at Neergard's cynical suggestion, had consented to exploit his own club[…]and had consented to resign from it to do so, he had every reason to believe that Neergard meant to either mulct them heavily or buy them out. In either case, having been useful to Neergard, his profits from the transaction would have been considerable.

4. 4
   adj

   Like the actions of a snarling dog, especially in reference to facial nerve paralysis.

   Towards noon, he experienced convulsive movements; the extremities became stiff, the pulse extremely small, and he died during an attack of cynical spasm.

5. 5
   adj

   believing the worst of human nature and motives

6. 6
   adj

   Skeptical of the integrity, sincerity, or motives of others.

7. 7
   adj

   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.

Etymology

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”)).