cinico
/ˈt͡ʃi.ni.ko/
The English word 'cynical' is translated into Italian as cinico.
The adjective cinico describes someone who is bitterly or jadedly distrustful or contemptuous. Mocking. In Italian, cinico can mean both 'cynical' (distrustful of human sincerity) and 'cynical' in the sense of being unscrupulous or lacking moral principles.
Meaning: bitterly or jadedly distrustful or contemptuous, mocking (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the adjective is cinica. The masculine plural form of the adjective is cinici. The feminine plural form of the adjective is ciniche.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈtʃi.ni.ko/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word cinico comes from the Greek word for 'dog-like', as the early Cynics were said to live and behave like dogs in the streets of Athens.
- While cinico is often a negative trait in modern Italian, it shares its root with the ancient Greek school of Cynicism, whose followers lived simply and rejected social conventions to find virtue.
- In Italian, cinico can be used to describe a cold, calculated action, such as un gesto cinico, whereas in English, 'cynical' more often describes a general mindset or attitude.
Examples in context
- Tom è cinico, vero?Tom is cynical, isn't he?This sentence is useful for confirming someone's character using the form cinico.Tatoeba #5600962 by Guybrush88, translation #3417247 by CK
- Non sono così cinico.I'm not that cynical.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of cynicism using the form cinico.Tatoeba #5083701 by Guybrush88, translation #2547700 by CK
- È molto cinico, vero?He's being very cynical, isn't he?This sentence is useful for emphasizing a person's cynical behavior using the form cinico.Tatoeba #8714082 by Guybrush88, translation #8528885 by CH
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are discussing a colleague's attitude at work.
- LorenzoMarco è un tipo molto cinico.Marco is a very cynical type of person.
- SofiaSì, è sempre così cinico con tutti.Yes, he is always so cynical with everyone.
- LorenzoCredi che sia un uomo cattivo?Do you think he is a bad man?
- SofiaNo, è solo stanco della vita.No, he is just tired of life.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cinico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
