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Added 9 October 2026

cynical

/ˈsɪnɪkəl/ adjective

Latin root: cynicus Wiktionary

adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about cynical at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Of or relating to the belief that human actions are motivated only or primarily by base desires or selfishness.
Skeptical of the integrity, sincerity, or motives of others.
Bitterly or jadedly distrustful or contemptuous; mocking.

Origin

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”)).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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