Spanish Conversation · Level 98
59 words
Spanish word
cinismo
Pronunciation
IPA/θiˈnismo/
Meaning
- masculine nouncynicism
Example
Su cinismo ante las desgracias ajenas me dolió.
His cynicism in the face of other people's misfortunes hurt me.
More examples
Contestó con cinismo cuando le señalaron el error.
He answered with cynicism when they pointed out his mistake.
Core concept
Brazen, insulting disdain directed at others.
Common phrases
mostrar cinismo
show cynicism
actitud de cinismo
cynical attitude
con cinismo
with cynicism
Similar words
ironía: Says the opposite of literal words to signal ironic intent.
sarcasmo: Delivers sharp, mocking comments meant to wound or belittle someone.
burla: Makes fun of someone to turn them into a laughingstock.
Definition in Spanish
Sentimiento o expresión de desprecio y burla fría hacia los demás, y también la actitud descarada que carece de vergüenza.
Word origin
The word comes from Greek kynikos 'doglike' through Latin cynicus and shifts from a philosophical label to the everyday sense of open scorn and shamelessness.
Usage tips
- Unlike English 'cynical', which often means skeptical, Spanish cinismo usually describes insulting, unapologetic conduct rather than mere doubt.
Other meanings
- shamelessnessnoun
Opposites
- sinceridadsinceritynoun
- ingenuidadnaivetynoun
Related words
- cínicocynicaladjective
- cínicamentecynicallyadverb