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English to Arabic translations [PRO]
Social Sciences - Psychology | | English term or phrase: cynicism | | And it is here that we sow seeds of cynicism, discomfort and disillusionment. |
| | | الاسـتخفاف، اللامبالاة، انعدام الثقة | Explanation:
The meaning of "cynicism" goes back to the philosophy (which Arabs call الكلبية) of an ancient Greek group of philosophers called the Cynics. For more information on that, look it up online. For instance, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism
In common usage, however, "cynicism" carries the meaning of "an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others" (American Heritage Dictionary).
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Note added at 9 hrs 16 mins (2005-06-03 06:53:55 GMT)
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A note on Nisrin\'s comment below:
The word is not translatable to English either. The existing English word is a mere transplant from the Greek origin (kunikos) by way of Latin (cynicus). It is possible to do a similar transplant into Arabic, either by phonic copying:
cynical = كونيكي
cynicism = الكونيكية
Or by appealing to the root meaning:
cynical = كلبي
cynicism = الكلبية
But if we insist on finding a term, especially a single word, that carries all the connotations of mistrust of intentions, scorn for common values, negative outlook, and avoidance of serious engagement in community endeavors, that would be too much to ask. |
| Selected response from:
Fuad Yahya
| Grading comment Graded automatically based on peer agreement.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer |
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| Discussion entries: 0 |
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Automatic update in 00:
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12 mins confidence:   peer agreement (net): +1
6 hrs confidence: peer agreement (net): +1
1 hr confidence: peer agreement (net): +11 الاسـتخفاف، اللامبالاة، انعدام الثقة
Explanation:
The meaning of "cynicism" goes back to the philosophy (which Arabs call الكلبية) of an ancient Greek group of philosophers called the Cynics. For more information on that, look it up online. For instance, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism
In common usage, however, "cynicism" carries the meaning of "an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others" (American Heritage Dictionary).
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 9 hrs 16 mins (2005-06-03 06:53:55 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
A note on Nisrin\'s comment below:
The word is not translatable to English either. The existing English word is a mere transplant from the Greek origin (kunikos) by way of Latin (cynicus). It is possible to do a similar transplant into Arabic, either by phonic copying:
cynical = كونيكي
cynicism = الكونيكية
Or by appealing to the root meaning:
cynical = كلبي
cynicism = الكلبية
But if we insist on finding a term, especially a single word, that carries all the connotations of mistrust of intentions, scorn for common values, negative outlook, and avoidance of serious engagement in community endeavors, that would be too much to ask.
| Fuad Yahya
Works in field
Native speaker of:  Arabic, English
PRO pts in category: 32
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| | Grading comment | Graded automatically based on peer agreement. |
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The translation workplace 
