cynical
/ˈsɪnɪkəl/adj
High School
1
Of or relating to the belief that human actions are motivated only or primarily by base desires or selfishness.
2
Skeptical of the integrity, sincerity, or motives of others.
3
Bitterly or jadedly distrustful or contemptuous; mocking.
4
Showing contempt for accepted moral standards by one's actions.
5
Like the actions of a snarling dog, especially in reference to facial nerve paralysis.
Sound Patterns & Rhymes
Alliteration
Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)
Assonance
Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing
#rare