|
Home
|
A Random Word From the ArchivesWant another word? Refresh this pagePermanent link for this word: cynic Mar 8, 2011
This week's themeWords with hidden animals This week's words corniche cynic aegis pedigree gazette 
Diogenes of Sinope
Art: Jean-Léon Gérôme (1860)
Discuss
Feedback
RSS/XML
A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Gargcynic
PRONUNCIATION:
(SIN-ik)
MEANING:
noun:1. One who believes people are motivated by self-interest only. 2. A person with a negative outlook, one disposed to find fault. ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin cynicus, from Greek kynikos (like a dog), from kyon (dog).
Ultimately from the Indo-European root kwon- (dog), which is also the
source of canine, chenille (from French chenille: caterpillar, literally,
little dog), kennel, canary, hound, dachshund, corgi, and cynosure.
Earliest documented use: 1547.
NOTES:
Cynics was the name given to the ancient Greek philosophers who
believed in self-control, austerity, and moral virtue. The movement
was founded by Antisthenes (c. 444-365 BCE) and perfected by Diogenes
(c. 412-323 BCE). It's not clear why they were labeled cynics or dog-like,
but as often happens with such epithets, they appropriated it. Some believe
the name was given because Antisthenes taught in a gymnasium nicknamed White
Dog, but it's more likely that they were given the insulting moniker for
their rejection of society's conventions.
USAGE:
"The cynic's mantra that they [the MPs] are all bad is nonsense."The Great Shaming of Parliament; The Economist (London, UK); May 14, 2009. See more usage examples of cynic in Vocabulary.com's dictionary. A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
All men whilst they are awake are in one common world: but each of them, when he is asleep, is in a world of his own. -Plutarch, biographer (c. 46-120)
|
We need your help |
Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise
© 1994-2026 Wordsmith