French Conversation · Level 23
90 words
French word
cyniquement
Pronunciation
IPA/sinikəmɑ̃/
Meaning
- adverbcynically
Example
Elle a souri cyniquement.
She smiled cynically.
More examples
Il a répondu cyniquement à sa remarque.
He responded cynically to her remark.
Core concept
A brief laugh or smile that looks down on someone while pretending to stay detached.
Common phrases
sourire cyniquement
smile cynically
répondre cyniquement
respond cynically
rire cyniquement
laugh cynically
Similar words
ironiquement: By suggesting a meaning different from the literal words.
sarcastiquement: With sharp, cutting mockery aimed at someone.
méprisamment: With an openly disdainful tone toward someone.
moqueusement: With cold ridicule that belittles someone.
Definition in French
D'une manière qui montre du mépris ou de la moquerie, souvent accompagnée d'un sourire ou d'un rire ironique.
Word origin
The adverb cyniquement is formed from French cynique with -ment, and cynique ultimately continues Latin cynicus, borrowed from Greek kynikos.
Usage tips
- French cynique can describe contemptuous mockery, whereas English cynical often emphasizes distrust of people's motives, so the surrounding context matters.
Other meanings
- mockinglyadverb
Opposites
- sincèrementsincerelyadverb
- franchementfranklyadverb