cynicism

cynisme, méfiance

Conviction que les gens agissent par intérêt personnel plutôt que par bonté ou honnêteté.

En anglais simple : The belief that people act for their own benefit rather than from kindness or honesty.

• His cynicism makes it hard to trust anyone.
• The scandal increased cynicism about politicians.
• She challenged my cynicism by helping without expecting anything.

Comment l'utiliser : cynicism about something (The scandal increased public cynicism about politics.); cynicism toward someone/something (Her cynicism toward authority grew over time.)

Synonymes : distrust, skepticism

Contraires : trust, idealism

Expressions courantes : deep cynicism, public cynicism, cynicism about something, cynicism about motives

remarque cynique

Parole ou geste qui montre qu’on attend le pire des gens et qu’on les respecte peu.

En anglais simple : A remark or action that shows you expect the worst and have little respect for people.

• He answered with a cruel cynicism.
• Her cynicisms made every kind gesture sound selfish.
• The speech contained several cynicisms about public service.

Synonymes : sneer, cynical remark

Expressions courantes : a bitter cynicism, utter a cynicism

cynisme

Philosophie grecque ancienne qui privilégie une vie simple plutôt que la richesse et les conventions sociales.

En anglais simple : An ancient Greek way of thinking that valued a simple life over wealth and social rules.

• Cynicism encouraged a simple life.
• The students compared Cynicism with other Greek philosophies.
• Diogenes is closely associated with Cynicism.

Expressions courantes : ancient cynicism, Greek cynicism