French Conversation · Level 30
89 words
French word
cynisme
Pronunciation
IPA/sinizm/
Meaning
- masculine nouncynicism
Example
Il a répondu avec cynisme.
He replied with cynicism.
More examples
Son regard était plein de cynisme.
His gaze was full of cynicism.
Core concept
A speaker uses a contemptuous remark to make another person seem small or unworthy.
Common phrases
faire preuve de cynisme
show cynicism
répondre avec cynisme
respond with cynicism
Similar words
ironie: An indirect expression that conveys irony by saying the opposite of what is meant.
sarcasme: Harsh, cutting irony intended to hurt someone.
dérision: Ridicule that belittles someone by making them seem foolish.
moquerie: Making fun of a person or their actions.
Definition in French
Disposition ou paroles qui cherchent à ridiculiser ou à rabaisser autrui par le dédain, la raillerie ou le sarcasme.
Word origin
The French noun cynisme comes through Latin cynismus from Greek kynismos, a name linked to the ancient Cynic school.
Usage tips
- Cynisme is masculine, so standard forms include le cynisme and avec cynisme.
Other meanings
- shamelessnessnoun
Opposites
- sincéritésinceritynoun
- bienveillancegoodwillnoun
Related words
- cyniquecynicaladjective
- cyniquementcynicallyadverb