cynical
UK[ˈsɪnɪkəl]US[ˈsɪnɪkəl]
adj
Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.
adj
Concerned only with one's own interests and typically disregarding accepted or appropriate standards to achieve them.
Morpheme Breakdown
cyn
ic
al
cyn
dog
ic
adjective suffix
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'cynical' originates from the ancient Greek philosophical sect known as the Cynics, founded by Antisthenes and famously embodied by Diogenes of Sinope. Their name, Kynikos, literally meant "dog-like," derived from kyōn (dog), likely a reference to their shameless, simple, and ascetic lifestyle which rejected social conventions. Over time, the association shifted from their philosophical austerity to a focus on their contempt for pleasure and their belief in exposing the selfish motives behind human virtue. This evolved into the modern meaning, describing a person who believes human actions are primarily driven by selfishness and who is scornfully distrustful of sincerity.
Analysis
Structure: cyn (dog) + ic (adjective suffix) + al (adjective suffix)
cyn: From Greek kyn- (stem of kyōn), meaning "dog." In this context, it refers to the Cynic philosophers who lived a simple, "dog-like" life.
ic: A suffix of Greek origin (-ikos) used to form adjectives meaning "of, pertaining to, or characteristic of."
al: A Latin-derived suffix (-alis) used to form adjectives meaning "of or relating to."
Examples
He has a cynical view that all politicians are only in it for power.
Her cynical laugh made it clear she didn't believe his promises.
It was a cynical attempt to manipulate public sympathy for commercial gain.