cynicism

/ˈsɪnɪsɪzəm/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪnɪsɪzəm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsi-nə-ˌsi-zəm/ (ame, mw)

cynicism — noun

1. a habit of assuming that people act mainly for their own benefit and do not real

1.名詞C2
釋義

a habit of assuming that people act mainly for their own benefit and do not really mean the good things they say

例句

After years of broken campaign promises, Andres spoke about politics with cynicism.

pattern: cynicism about politics

Rania's cynicism about online dating grew after another fake profile fooled her.

pattern: cynicism about something

同義詞
  • skepticism

    less negative; it focuses on doubt rather than assumed bad motives

  • mistrust

    broader and often more personal, without the bitter tone

  • pessimism

    focuses on expecting bad results rather than selfish intentions

  • disillusionment

    suggests a loss of earlier hope after disappointment

反義詞
  • trust

    the belief that people are honest or dependable

  • idealism

    a more hopeful belief that people or systems can act for good reasons

  • sincerity

    focuses on genuine feeling rather than hidden motives

文法句型

cynicism about something

with cynicism

用法筆記

Usually uncountable and often followed by about when you name the topic. Unlike skepticism, this sense suggests that you expect hidden selfish motives, not simply that you want more proof.

常見錯誤

❌Her cynicism to politics grew after the debate.
✅Her cynicism about politics grew after the debate.
💡This noun usually takes about when you name the subject of distrust.

2. a cold readiness to use other people's feelings, trust, or suffering to get an a

2.名詞C2
釋義

a cold readiness to use other people's feelings, trust, or suffering to get an advantage for yourself

例句

The ad campaign showed cynicism by using grief to sell insurance.

pattern: use emotion for gain

Eshe called it cynicism when the host praised donors only on camera.

同義詞
  • manipulation

    broader; it covers controlling people, not only exploiting emotion

  • exploitation

    stresses taking unfair advantage, often of weakness or need

  • opportunism

    focuses on grabbing benefit when a chance appears

  • callousness

    stresses emotional hardness more than strategic advantage

反義詞
  • empathy

    showing real understanding of another person's feelings

  • integrity

    acting honestly instead of using people for gain

文法句型

cynicism in something

the cynicism of doing something

cynicism behind something

用法筆記

Often used to judge political, corporate, or media behavior harshly. It focuses on gaining an advantage by playing on people's feelings, not simply on doubting their honesty.