Cynic

Definitions

1. A person whose outlook is scornfully negative.
2. A member of a sect of Ancient Greek philosophers who believed virtue to be the only good and self-control to be the only means of achieving virtue.
3. A person who believes that all people are motivated by selfishness.

Equivalents

Examples

“Well, that's one in the eye for the nay-sayers, the doubters, the cynics and assorted tosspots what make⟳ up the media and that.”

“"Accept⟳ your limitations," I'd warn⟳ her. "A lot of these kids are damaged beyond repair⟳." And you know⟳ what her response was? That I was cynical. Which hit a nerve, I had to admit⟳. I wasn't a cynic; I was a banged-up realist. You live⟳ to middle age, you begin⟳ to reckon with life's limits, you know⟳? You lace up your sneakers and run⟳ it out.”

“The cynic surfaced, reminding him that she'd been accused of trying to spring⟳ the baby trap⟳ on Brad Comfort.”

CEFR level