cynic

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

cynic — 名詞

  • cynicsingular
  • cynicsplural

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

1.名詞B2
釋義

犬儒者

總把別人的好意看成自利算計的人

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.

募款活動後，Christopher 因為不相信每一筆善意捐贈都出於真心，就把那位捐款人叫作犬儒者。

call someone a cynic

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

Mira 說那句道歉只是做給鏡頭看的，聽起來像個犬儒者。

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.