cynically C1 Topic:Describing Qualities US /ˈsɪnɪkəli/ UK /ˈsɪn.ɪk.(ə.)li/ See IPA manual Freq #70813 Meanings 1 adv In a way that shows you expect the worst of people or doubt their honesty. He smiled cynically, sure that the offer was just a trick. 2 adv In a way that ignores fairness or morals to get what you want. The company cynically raised prices the moment supplies ran short. Etymology AI details From cynical + -ly. Topics Describing Qualities Word Formation & Derivatives External links Google Images Cambridge Dictionary Wiktionary # cynically **Type:** Word **Level:** C1 **Part of speech:** adv **IPA (US):** /ˈsɪnɪkəli/ **IPA (UK):** /ˈsɪn.ɪk.(ə.)li/ **Frequency rank:** 70813 ## Meanings 1. In a way that shows you expect the worst of people or doubt their honesty. 2. In a way that ignores fairness or morals to get what you want. ## Examples - He smiled cynically, sure that the offer was just a trick. - The company cynically raised prices the moment supplies ran short. ## Etymology From cynical + -ly. ## AI Etymology Cynically is from cynical + -ly. In present-day use, it can mean in a way that shows you expect the worst of people or doubt their honesty, or in a way that ignores fairness or morals to get what you want. ## Topics - Describing Qualities - Word Formation & Derivatives markdown