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Definitions for: Cynic
[n] someone who is critical of the motives of others
Webster (1913) Definition: Cyn"ic (s[i^]n"[i^]k), Cynical Cyn"ic*al (-[i^]*kal),
a. [L. cynicus of the sect of Cynics, fr. Gr. kyniko`s,
prop., dog-like, fr. ky`wn, kyno`s, dog. See Hound.]
1. Having the qualities of a surly dog; snarling; captious;
currish.
I hope it is no very cynical asperity not to confess
obligations where no benefit has been received.
--Johnson.
2. Pertaining to the Dog Star; as, the cynic, or Sothic,
year; cynic cycle.
3. Belonging to the sect of philosophers called cynics;
having the qualities of a cynic; pertaining to, or
resembling, the doctrines of the cynics.
4. Given to sneering at rectitude and the conduct of life by
moral principles; disbelieving in the reality of any human
purposes which are not suggested or directed by
self-interest or self-indulgence; as, a cynical man who
scoffs at pretensions of integrity; characterized by such
opinions; as, cynical views of human nature.
Note: In prose, cynical is used rather than cynic, in the
senses 1 and 4.
Cynic spasm (Med.), a convulsive contraction of the muscles
of one side of the face, producing a sort of grin,
suggesting certain movements in the upper lip of a dog.
Cyn"ic, n. (Gr. Philos)
1. One of a sect or school of philosophers founded by
Antisthenes, and of whom Diogenes was a disciple. The
first Cynics were noted for austere lives and their scorn
for social customs and current philosophical opinions.
Hence the term Cynic symbolized, in the popular judgment,
moroseness, and contempt for the views of others.
2. One who holds views resembling those of the Cynics; a
snarler; a misanthrope; particularly, a person who
believes that human conduct is directed, either
consciously or unconsciously, wholly by self-interest or
self-indulgence, and that appearances to the contrary are
superficial and untrustworthy.
He could obtain from one morose cynic, whose opinion
it was impossible to despise, scarcely any not
acidulated with scorn. --Macaulay.
Synonyms: faultfinder
See Also: depreciator, detractor, disagreeable person, disparager, knocker, unpleasant person
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