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Cynicism vs Optimism - What's the difference?

cynicism | optimism |

As a proper noun cynicism

is the philosophy of the greek cynics.

As a noun optimism is

a tendency to expect the best, or at least, a favourable outcome.

cynicism

English

Noun

  • (uncountable) a distrustful attitude
    • David T Wolf: "Idealism is what precedes experience; cynicism is what follows."
  • (uncountable) an emotion of jaded negativity, or a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of other people. Cynicism can manifest itself by frustration, disillusionment and distrust in regard to organizations, authorities and other aspects of society, often due to previous bad experience. Cynics often view others as motivated solely by disguised self-interest.
  • (countable) a skeptical, scornful or pessimistic comment or act

    • See also

    * ("cynicism" on Wikipedia)

    optimism

    English

    Noun

    (en-noun) (wikipedia optimism)
  • a tendency to expect the best, or at least, a favourable outcome
    • I love her youth, her beauty and above all her optimism that everything will turn out fine.
  • the doctrine that this world is the best of all possible worlds
  • the belief that good will eventually triumph over evil

    • Antonyms

    * pessimism

    Derived terms

    * optimist