cynicism
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cynicism
An attitude that questions human sincerity and morality and is often expressed through biting mockery. Cynics often assume that others have selfish motives.
Sein ständiger Zynismus macht es schwer, eine ernsthafte Diskussion mit ihm zu führen.
His constant cynicism makes it hard to have a serious discussion with him.
'Der Zynismus' (cynicism) is the noun for the attitude. The corresponding person is 'der Zyniker' (or 'die Zynikerin') (the cynic), and the quality is described with the adjective 'zynisch' (cynical).
Seine zynische Bemerkung verletzte sie.
Her cynical remark hurt her.
'Zynismus' (cynicism) is often used with prepositions that express an attitude. Typical phrases are 'ein Hauch von Zynismus' (a hint of cynicism), 'voller Zynismus' (full of cynicism), or to comment on something 'mit Zynismus' (with cynicism).
Er erträgt sein Schicksal mit einer Mischung aus Humor und Zynismus.
He endures his fate with a mixture of humor and cynicism.
The word has a strongly negative connotation. It describes not just irony or mockery, but a deeply pessimistic and contemptuous worldview.
Politischer Zynismus kann das Vertrauen in die Demokratie untergraben.
Political cynicism can undermine trust in democracy.
irony
Ironie mainly describes an individual statement in which the intended meaning differs from what is said. Zynismus, by contrast, is a fundamentally skeptical attitude toward people and morality, often expressed through biting mockery. If the mockery is limited to the wording, Ironie is more likely; if it reflects the person’s attitude, Zynismus is more appropriate.
Sein Zynismus zeigte sich darin, dass er selbst der ehrlichen Entschuldigung nur eigennützige Motive unterstellte.
His cynicism showed in the fact that he attributed selfish motives even to the sincere apology.
Mit der Ironie in seinem Satz wollte er zeigen, dass der angeblich perfekte Plan gescheitert war.
The irony in his sentence was meant to show that the supposedly perfect plan had failed.
