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Egoism vs Cynicism - What's the difference?

egoism | cynicism |

As a noun egoism

is .

As a proper noun cynicism is

the philosophy of the greek cynics.

egoism

English

Noun

  • The tendency to think selfishly with exclusive self-interest in mind.
  • (ethics) The belief that moral behavior should be directed toward one's self-interest only.
  • (nonstandard, by confusion of the similar words) egotism

    • Related terms

    * egoist * egoistic * egoistical

    Synonyms

    * (tendency to think of self) selfishness

    Antonyms

    * (tendency to think of self) altruism

    See also

    * ethnocentrism * misanthropy (hatred of human race) * narcissism

    Anagrams

    * English words suffixed with -ism ----

    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)