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Doubt vs Cynicism - What's the difference?

doubt | cynicism |

As nouns the difference between doubt and cynicism

is that doubt is uncertainty, disbelief while cynicism is a distrustful attitude.

As a verb doubt

is to lack confidence in; to disbelieve, question, or suspect.

As a proper noun Cynicism is

the philosophy of the Greek Cynics.

doubt

English

Alternative forms

* (l) (obsolete)

Noun

(wikipedia doubt)
  • Uncertainty, disbelief.
  • *
    • It was April 22, 1831, and a young man was walking down Whitehall in the direction of Parliament Street.. He halted opposite the Privy Gardens, and, with his face turned skywards, listened until the sound of the Tower guns smote again on the ear and dispelled his doubts .

    Related terms

    * benefit of the doubt * beyond a shadow of a doubt * beyond doubt * beyond reasonable doubt * doubtable * doubter * doubtful * doubting Thomas * doubtless * no doubt * reasonable doubt * shadow of a doubt * self-doubt * undoubtedly * without doubt

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (ambitransitive) To lack confidence in; to disbelieve, question, or suspect.
    • He doubted that was really what you meant.
  • * Hooker
    • Even in matters divine, concerning some things, we may lawfully doubt
  • * Dryden
    • To try your love and make you doubt of mine.
  • (archaic) To fear; to suspect.
  • * 1819 , Lord Byron, Don Juan , I.186:
    • He fled, like Joseph, leaving it; but there, / I doubt , all likeness ends between the pair.
  • (obsolete) To fear; to be apprehensive of.
  • * R. of Gloucester
    • Edmond [was a] good man and doubted God.
  • * Shakespeare
    • I doubt some foul play.
  • * Spenser
    • I of doubted danger had no fear.
  • (obsolete) To fill with fear; to affright.
  • *
  • * Beaumont and Fletcher
    • The virtues of the valiant Caratach / More doubt me than all Britain.

    Related terms

    * dubiety * dubious

    Statistics

    * English reporting verbs

    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)