CYNIC


Meaning of CYNIC in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈsi-nik ]

noun

Etymology: Middle French or Latin, Middle French cynique, from Latin cynicus, from Greek kynikos, literally, like a dog, from kyn-, kyōn dog — more at hound

Date: 1542

1. capitalized : an adherent of an ancient Greek school of philosophers who held the view that virtue is the only good and that its essence lies in self-control and independence

2. : a faultfinding captious critic ; especially : one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest

• cynic adjective

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.