Cynicism

  1. Proper noun.  the philosophy of the Greek Cynics.
  2. Noun.  (uncountable) a distrustful attitude.
  3. Noun.  (uncountable) an emotion of jaded negativity, or a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of other people. Cynicism can manifest itself by frustration, disillusionment and distrust in regard to organizations, authorities and other aspects of society, often due to previous bad experience. Cynics often view others as motivated solely by disguised self-interest.
  4. Noun.  (countable) a skeptical, scornful or pessimistic comment or act.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.