cynic

Definition

A person whose outlook is scornfully negative.

Etymology

From Middle English cynike, cynicke, from Middle French cynique, from Latin cynicus, from Ancient Greek κυνικός (kunikós), originally derived from the portico in Athens called Κυνόσαργες (Kunósarges), the earliest home of the Cynic school, later reinterpreted as being derived from κύων (kúōn, “dog”), in a contemptuous allusion to the uncouth and aggressive manners adopted by the members of the school.

Example Sentences

• "Well, that's one in the eye for the nay-sayers, the doubters, the cynics and assorted tosspots what make up the media and that."
• ""Accept your limitations," I'd warn her. "A lot of these kids are damaged beyond repair." And you know what her response was? That I was cynical. Which hit a nerve, I had to admit. I wasn't a cynic; I was a banged-up realist. You live to middle age, you begin to reckon with life's limits, you know? You lace up your sneakers and run it out."
• "The cynic surfaced, reminding him that she'd been accused of trying to spring the baby trap on Brad Comfort."