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Narcissism vs Cynicism - What's the difference?

narcissism | cynicism |

As a noun narcissism

is excessive love of oneself.

As a proper noun cynicism is

the philosophy of the greek cynics.

narcissism

English

(narcissism)

Noun

(en-noun)
  • Excessive love of oneself.
  • Sexual desire for one's own body.
  • Derived terms

    * narcissist * narcissistic *narcissize

    See also

    * egoism * egocentrism * self-love English eponyms 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