cynic

/ˈsɪnɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪnɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsi-nik/ (ame, mw)

cynic — noun

  • cynicsingular
  • cynicsplural

1. someone who thinks people usually act for their own advantage, so they doubt tha

1.名詞B2
釋義

someone who thinks people usually act for their own advantage, so they doubt that kindness or honesty is real

例句

After the fundraiser, Christopher called the donor a cynic for doubting every generous gift.

call someone a cynic

Mira sounded like a cynic when she said the apology was only for cameras.

sound like a cynic

同義詞
  • skeptic

    A skeptic doubts claims until there is evidence, while a cynic specifically distrusts people's motives.

  • pessimist

    A pessimist expects bad results, even when other people's intentions may be good.

  • critic

    A critic points out faults or weaknesses, but may not assume bad motives behind an action.

  • misanthrope

    A misanthrope dislikes people in general, whereas a cynic mainly distrusts why they act.

反義詞
  • idealist

    An idealist is more likely to believe that people can act from principle or goodwill.

  • optimist

    An optimist expects better outcomes and is less ready to assume hidden selfish motives.

文法句型

a cynic about + noun phrase

call someone a cynic

sound like a cynic

用法筆記

Often used for someone commenting on politics, advertising, or public promises. Stronger than skeptic: a cynic does not just ask for proof, but assumes that good-looking actions usually hide self-interest.

常見錯誤

❌I'm cynical that the train will be late.
✅I'm sceptical that the train will be late.
💡Cynic is usually about people's motives, not simply whether an event will happen.
❌The reviewer is a cynic because she found grammar mistakes.
✅The reviewer is a critic because she found grammar mistakes.
💡A critic points out faults; a cynic assumes selfish or dishonest motives.