1. Belief that people are motivated by selfishness:
* This is the most common meaning. A cynical person believes that everyone is motivated by their own self-interest, and that no one genuinely cares about others. They might say things like, "People only do things for their own gain," or "There's no such thing as true altruism."
2. Disillusioned with society and institutions:
* Cynicism can also involve a belief that society is corrupt, that institutions are ineffective, and that nothing good will ever come from them. This kind of cynicism can lead to apathy and a lack of engagement in politics, social activism, etc.
3. Skeptical and critical:
* Cynicism can also involve a strong sense of skepticism and critical thinking. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can become problematic if it leads to a complete lack of hope and a belief that everything is pointless.
Here are some synonyms for cynical:
* Skeptical
* Pessimistic
* Disillusioned
* Mistrustful
* Sarcastic
Examples of cynicism:
* "I'm not going to vote. It's all just a bunch of politicians playing games."
* "Don't believe everything you hear. People are always trying to manipulate you."
* "There's no such thing as true love. It's all just chemicals and hormones."
It's important to note that cynicism can be a healthy response to certain situations, but it can also become destructive if it becomes all-encompassing.