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Cynic in Irish (Cinicí): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘cinicí’ also means: cynic (philosopher)

The Irish for cynic is cinicí, a masculine noun (plural cinicithe).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “cynic” in Irish

Irish:
cinicí
English:
cynic, cynic (philosopher)
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“KIN-ik-ee”  /ˈcɪnʲɪciː/
Various forms
Plural:
cinicithe (cynics)
Genitive singular:
cinicí, an chinicí (e.g. dearcadh an chinicí, the cynic's outlook)
Genitive plural:
cinicithe, na gcinicithe (e.g. tuairimí na gcinicithe, the opinions of the cynics)

What does “cinicí” mean?

“Cinicí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

cynic
A person who believes that people are motivated only by self-interest and distrusts sincerity or goodness.Also: sceptic, cynical person.
1 other meaning: cynic (philosopher)
2cynic (philosopher)
A member of the ancient Greek school of philosophers known as the Cynics.Also: cynic, cynic philosopher.

“Cinicí” with the article

The plural of cynic in Irish is cinicithe. Here is cinicí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cinicí
the cynic
No change after an
na cinicithe
the cynics
Plural: no change after na

“Cinicí” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cinicí, the Irish word for cynic.

Is cinicí é nach gcreideann aon duine.
He is a cynic who believes nobody.
Ná bí i do chinicí faoi gach rud.
Don't be a cynic about everything.
Dúirt an cinicí nach n-athróidh tada.
The cynic said nothing will change.
Tá a lán cinicithe sa pholaitíocht.
There are plenty of cynics in politics.
Níor éist sí le caint an chinicí.
She didn't listen to the cynic's talk.
Bhí mo dheartháir ina chinicí riamh.
My brother was always a cynic.
Chuir an scéal ionadh ar na cinicithe féin.
The story surprised even the cynics.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Cynic in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cynic?

The Irish for cynic is cinicí (pronounced “KIN-ik-ee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cinicithe. Depending on context it can also mean cynic (philosopher).

How do you pronounce cinicí in Irish?

Cinicí is said like “KIN-ik-ee” (IPA /ˈcɪnʲɪciː/).

What is the plural of cynic in Irish?

The plural of cinicí is cinicithe; with the article, na cinicithe means “the cynics”. The genitive plural is cinicithe, as in tuairimí na gcinicithe (the opinions of the cynics).

Does cinicí have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cinicí can mean cynic or cynic (philosopher), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cinicí change to chinicí or gcinicí?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cinicí becomes mo chinicí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcinicí (eclipsis).

What is the word for cynicism?

Cynicism is 'ciniceas', and the adjective cynical is 'ciniciúil'.

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