Words / C1

SIN-ikl/ˈsɪnɪkl/

Cynical means you assume selfish motives and distrust fine words: cynical about promises. Sceptical (British spelling) is milder — you want evidence, not that you assume the worst — while pessimistic is about outcomes, not motives. A cynic is the person and cynicism the noun; in speech, I do not buy it is blunter. A cynical move can also mean a calculated, unprincipled tactic.

Meaning

Believing that people are selfish and that claims cannot be trusted.

Examples

• “He is cynical about political promises.”
• “He is cynical about slogans, but he still votes.”
• “Dropping the fee the week before inspections looked cynical.”

Good to know

Distrust of motives. Milder: sceptical (want evidence). Noun: cynicism. Everyday: I do not buy it.

Near in meaning

sceptical

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