Cynic

['sɪnɪk]

Definition

(noun.) someone who is critical of the motives of others.

(noun.) a member of a group of ancient Greek philosophers who advocated the doctrine that virtue is the only good and that the essence of virtue is self-control.

Editor: Madge--From WordNet

Definition

(a.) Alt. of Cynical

(n.) 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.

(n.) 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.

Inputed by Eunice

Synonyms and Synonymous

n. [1]. Follower of Diogenes.[2]. Misanthrope, man-hater.

Edited by Jimmy

Definition

adj. dog-like: surly: snarling: austere; misanthropic.—ns. Cynan′thropy lycanthropy; Cyn′ic one of a sect of philosophers founded by Antisthenes of Athens (born c. 444 B.C.) characterised by an ostentatious contempt for riches arts science and amusements—so called from their morose manners: a morose man: a snarler; Cyn′icism surliness: contempt for human nature: heartlessness misanthropy.—adv. Cyn′ically.—n. Cyn′icalness.

Checked by Debs