cynicism
Significado: An inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest, and a general distrust of human sincerity and integrity.
Cynicism in its modern sense describes a pervasive scepticism about the honesty of others and the possibility of genuine goodness. A cynic assumes ulterior motives behind apparently altruistic actions and tends to dismiss idealism as naïve. The word is commonly applied in political commentary, where 'public cynicism' describes disillusionment with institutions. It can be distinguished from healthy scepticism by its blanket negativity. When capitalised, Cynicism refers to the ancient Greek philosophical school founded by Antisthenes and exemplified by Diogenes.
Ejemplos
- Years of broken promises had bred a deep cynicism among the electorate. 多年来兑现不了的承诺在选民中滋生了深深的犬儒主义。Años de promesas incumplidas habían engendrado un profundo cinismo entre el electorado.長年にわたる破られた約束が、有権者の間に深い冷笑主義を育んでいた。오랜 세월 깨진 약속들이 유권자들 사이에 깊은 냉소주의를 키워 왔다.
- His cynicism about corporate philanthropy was not entirely unjustified, given the company's track record. 鉴于该公司的过往记录,他对企业慈善事业的怀疑并非完全没有道理。Su cinismo respecto a la filantropía empresarial no era del todo injustificado, dado el historial de la compañía.企業の慈善活動に対する彼の冷笑的な見方は、その会社の過去の実績を考えれば、まったく不当とも言えなかった。기업의 자선 활동에 대한 그의 냉소적 태도는 그 회사의 과거 행적을 감안하면 완전히 부당하다고 할 수도 없었다.
- She tried to maintain her idealism in the face of the prevailing cynicism at Westminster. 面对威斯敏斯特弥漫的犬儒主义,她努力保持自己的理想主义。Intentó mantener su idealismo frente al cinismo imperante en Westminster.ウェストミンスターに蔓延する冷笑主義に立ち向かいながら、彼女は理想主義を貫こうとした。웨스트민스터에 만연한 냉소주의에 맞서면서도 그녀는 이상주의를 지키려 했다.
Pronunciación
Guía de uso
Contexto: academic, media, general
Tono: negative
Origen e historia
From Latin cynicus, from Greek kynikos (dog-like), from kyon (dog). The ancient Cynics, led by Diogenes of Sinope, rejected social conventions and lived ascetically, earning the nickname 'dog-like' for their shameless behaviour. The modern pejorative sense evolved from their contempt for human pretension.
Contexto cultural
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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