cynical
/ˈsɪnɪkəl/
CEFR level C1Topic ThinkingWord #6464 in the learning path
怀疑他人动机的；愤世嫉俗的
Definitions
adj. believing people act selfishly rather than honestly or generously
怀疑他人动机的；愤世嫉俗的
adj. using others selfishly without concern for fairness or honesty
损人利己的；不顾道义的
Example
Leah is cynical about shops offering supposedly free gifts.
莉娅对商店所谓的免费赠礼持怀疑态度。
Repeatedly broken promises can make citizens cynical about whether political leaders genuinely intend to improve public services.
一再失信会让公民怀疑政治领导人是否真心打算改善公共服务。
Collocations
- cynical about
- a cynical attitude
- a cynical attempt
Word family
- cynic (n.)
- cynicism (n.)
- cynically (adv.)
Antonyms
- idealistic
- trusting
Usage tip
常接about，侧重怀疑善意，并非单纯悲观。
FAQ
- What does cynical mean?
- believing people act selfishly rather than honestly or generously using others selfishly without concern for fairness or honesty
- How is cynical pronounced?
- UK /ˈsɪnɪkəl/, US /ˈsɪnɪkəl/. Use the audio buttons above to listen.
