Definition of Cynic. Meaning of Cynic. Synonyms of Cynic

Here you will find one or more explanations in English for the word Cynic. Also in the bottom left of the page several parts of wikipedia pages related to the word Cynic and, of course, Cynic synonyms and on the right images related to the word Cynic.

Definition of Cynic

Cynic
Cynic Cyn"ic, n. (Gr. Philos) 1. 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. 2. 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. He could obtain from one morose cynic, whose opinion it was impossible to despise, scarcely any not acidulated with scorn. --Macaulay.
Cynic
Cynic Cyn"ic (s[i^]n"[i^]k), Cynical Cyn"ic*al (-[i^]*kal), a. [L. cynicus of the sect of Cynics, fr. Gr. kyniko`s, prop., dog-like, fr. ky`wn, kyno`s, dog. See Hound.] 1. Having the qualities of a surly dog; snarling; captious; currish. I hope it is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligations where no benefit has been received. --Johnson. 2. Pertaining to the Dog Star; as, the cynic, or Sothic, year; cynic cycle. 3. Belonging to the sect of philosophers called cynics; having the qualities of a cynic; pertaining to, or resembling, the doctrines of the cynics. 4. Given to sneering at rectitude and the conduct of life by moral principles; disbelieving in the reality of any human purposes which are not suggested or directed by self-interest or self-indulgence; as, a cynical man who scoffs at pretensions of integrity; characterized by such opinions; as, cynical views of human nature. Note: In prose, cynical is used rather than cynic, in the senses 1 and 4. Cynic spasm (Med.), a convulsive contraction of the muscles of one side of the face, producing a sort of grin, suggesting certain movements in the upper lip of a dog.

Meaning of Cynic from wikipedia

- the archetypal Cynic philosopher. He was followed by Crates of Thebes, who gave away a large fortune so he could live a life of Cynic poverty in Athens...
- Look up cynic or cynicism in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Cynic or Cynicism may refer to: Cynicism (philosophy), a school of ancient Gr**** philosophy...
- Cynic is an American progressive metal band formed in Miami, Florida by Paul Masvidal in 1987. Masvidal original served solely as the band's guitarist...
- Διογένης, romanized: Diogénēs [di.oɡénɛːs]), also known as Diogenes the Cynic (Διογένης ὁ Κυνικός, Diogénēs ho Kynikós) or Diogenes of Sinope, was a Gr****...
- The Cynic epistles are a collection of letters expounding the principles and practices of Cynic philosophy mostly written, rewritten, or translated, in...
- Nicosia (/ˌnɪkəˈsiːə/), also known as Lefkosia in Gr**** (Λευκωσία; pronounced [lɛfko'siɐ]), its Turkish name Lefkoşa (pronounced [lefkoʃa]), is the capital...
- this list: c. = circa fl. = flourished List of ancient Platonists List of Cynic philosophers List of Epicurean philosophers List of Stoic philosophers Aristotle...
- and a founding member of the progressive metal band Cynic. He has remained a continual member in Cynic for nearly three decades and has developed numerous...
- Focus is the debut studio album by American metal band Cynic, released September 14, 1993, through Roadrunner Records. A remastered version of the album...
- Crates (Gr****: Κράτης ὁ Θηβαῖος; c. 365 – c. 285 BC) of Thebes was a Gr**** Cynic philosopher, the prin****l pupil of Diogenes of Sinope and the husband of...