Cynicism vs. Skepticism: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 17, 2023
Cynicism is the general distrust of others' motives, often assuming self-interest or deceit. Skepticism is the doubt or questioning of accepted beliefs or claims, often requiring evidence for validation.
Key Differences
Cynicism refers to a mindset characterized by a general distrust of others' intentions and motives, often coupled with the belief that people are primarily driven by self-interest rather than sincerity or altruism. Skepticism, in contrast, pertains to the intellectual disposition of questioning or doubting established beliefs, opinions, or claims. Both cynicism and skepticism involve a form of doubt, but they apply this doubt in different domains and for different reasons.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Grammatically, both "cynicism" and "skepticism" function as nouns in American English. Cynicism is generally an uncountable noun that refers to an attitude or state of mind. Skepticism is also typically an uncountable noun but can sometimes be countable when referring to specific instances or types of skepticism ("skepticisms").
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Cynicism often manifests as a pessimistic outlook that questions the sincerity or goodness in others. It is generally broad and may not require evidence for its assertions. Skepticism, however, is more specific and often seeks empirical evidence or logical reasoning to support or refute a claim. Skeptics may doubt claims due to lack of evidence but are generally open to changing their view when provided with credible evidence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Cynicism can sometimes be seen as a defensive mechanism to protect oneself from being cheated or deceived. Skepticism, on the other hand, is often considered a rational and open-minded inquiry that serves as a tool for scientific investigation, philosophical discourse, or critical thinking. While cynicism may close off dialogue by assuming the worst, skepticism can pave the way for constructive discussion by fostering a culture of inquiry and evidence-based reasoning.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Cynicism and Skepticism Definitions
Cynicism
Defensive attitude against deceit.
His cynicism is a shield against being fooled.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
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Skepticism
Method of questioning everything.
Skepticism leads her to ask important questions.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
Cynicism
Distrust of others' intentions.
His cynicism about politicians knows no bounds.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
Skepticism
Doubt of accepted beliefs or claims.
His skepticism about UFOs made him a critical thinker.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
Cynicism
Belief in human selfishness.
Her cynicism prevented her from seeing the good in people.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
Skepticism
Requirement for evidence to support belief.
Her skepticism keeps her from falling for scams.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
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Cynicism
Pessimistic outlook on life.
Cynicism keeps him from enjoying many things.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
Cynicism
General disbelief in altruism.
Her cynicism made her question every good deed she saw.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
Skepticism
Disbelief in specific concepts.
His skepticism of astrology is based on its lack of scientific backing.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Cynicism
An attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others
The public cynicism aroused by governmental scandals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Cynicism
A scornfully or jadedly negative comment or act
"She arrived at a philosophy of her own, all made up of her private notations and cynicisms" (Henry James).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Skepticism
The ancient school of Pyrrho of Elis that stressed the uncertainty of our beliefs in order to oppose dogmatism.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Skepticism
The doctrine that absolute knowledge is impossible, either in a particular domain or in general.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Skepticism
A methodology based on an assumption of doubt with the aim of acquiring approximate or relative certainty.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Cynicism
(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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Cynicism
The doctrine of the Cynics; the quality of being cynical; the mental state, opinions, or conduct, of a cynic; morose and contemptuous views and opinions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Skepticism
A methodology that starts from a neutral standpoint and aims to acquire certainty though scientific or logical observation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Skepticism
An undecided, inquiring state of mind; doubt; uncertainty.
That momentary amazement, and irresolution, and confusion, which is the result of skepticism.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Skepticism
The doctrine that no fact or principle can be certainly known; the tenet that all knowledge is uncertain; Pyrrohonism; universal doubt; the position that no fact or truth, however worthy of confidence, can be established on philosophical grounds; critical investigation or inquiry, as opposed to the positive assumption or assertion of certain principles.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Skepticism
A doubting of the truth of revelation, or a denial of the divine origin of the Christian religion, or of the being, perfections, or truth of God.
Let no . . . secret skepticism lead any one to doubt whether this blessed prospect will be realized.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
FAQs
Is Skepticism a noun?
Yes, "skepticism" is mainly an uncountable noun but can sometimes be countable.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
How do Cynicism and Skepticism differ?
Cynicism involves distrust of motives, while skepticism focuses on doubting claims and requiring evidence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
What does Skepticism focus on?
Skepticism focuses on questioning accepted beliefs and claims.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Does Skepticism require evidence?
Yes, skepticism often seeks evidence or logical reasoning.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
What is Skepticism?
Skepticism is the questioning of accepted beliefs or claims.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Is Cynicism a noun?
Yes, "cynicism" is generally an uncountable noun in American English.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Does Cynicism require evidence?
No, cynicism often doesn't require evidence and is based on general distrust.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Is Cynicism always negative?
Cynicism is generally viewed as a negative or pessimistic attitude.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Can Cynicism be protective?
Yes, cynicism can serve as a defense against deceit.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
What does Cynicism focus on?
Cynicism primarily focuses on distrust of people's motives and intentions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Is Skepticism pessimistic?
Skepticism is usually neutral and focuses on evidence-based reasoning.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Is Skepticism open-minded?
Skepticism is often considered open-minded and evidence-focused.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Is Skepticism scientific?
Skepticism is often applied in scientific and philosophical contexts as a tool for critical thinking.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
