degree of cynicism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "degree of cynicism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the extent or level of cynicism someone has towards a particular situation or topic. Example: "Her degree of cynicism about the political system made it difficult for her to trust any candidate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Plus, it exhibits a degree of cynicism that, even by greedy big business standards, is breathtaking.

Independent

When the elections finally took place the political class could sense a certain degree of cynicism.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Some degree of cynicism about high-minded ideals is a natural outcome of that".

The New York Times

But a suitable degree of cynicism is genuinely hard to maintain in light of what follows.

The Guardian - Music

"[The timing of the announcement] shows a degree of cynicism that is quite shocking".

The Guardian

Yet it is with a degree of cynicism that Irish musicians today consider their current popularity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Mr. Portis's book hit in 1968, in the midst of a pop-cultural cycle that, partly fueled by the Vietnam war, was revisiting the cowboy myth with degrees of cynicism and nostalgia.

The New York Times

Results will not be declared until around April 20th.The upshot is that most of the world is likely, with varying degrees of cynicism, to accept Mr Bashir as Sudan's rightful ruler, though he has been indicted by the International Criminal Court at The Hague for alleged war crimes in the western region of Darfur.

The Economist

The movie, which was shot in good-looking if not the glossiest digital video (the trace of digital artifacts adds to the documentary vibe), opens with a succession of young men addressing the camera with varying degrees of cynicism and confusion, voicing the same question that is repeatedly intoned back home: Why are we here?

The New York Times

With various degrees of cynicism insiders understand the nature of the project, they get its ideological necessities and discursive constraints, but by now institutional limitations have become so finely tuned that resistance is futile--or actually unimaginable.

Huffington Post

And those details reflect an astonishing degree of either cynicism or delusional thinking on Mr. Edwards's part.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "degree of cynicism", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the level of distrust or negativity being expressed. Vary your vocabulary to avoid overuse; consider alternatives like "level of skepticism" or "amount of disillusionment".

Common error

Avoid using "degree of cynicism" when a milder term like "skepticism" or "doubt" is more appropriate. Inflating the language can weaken your argument and make it sound overly critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "degree of cynicism" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It quantifies the extent or intensity of cynical feelings or beliefs. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "degree of cynicism" is a versatile noun phrase used to quantify the level of distrust or pessimism someone holds. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and very common in written English, predominantly in News & Media and Science contexts. While alternatives like "level of skepticism" or "extent of distrust" exist, "degree of cynicism" effectively conveys a strong sense of disillusionment. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and avoid overstating the level of cynicism to maintain accuracy and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

level of skepticism

Emphasizes doubt or questioning rather than outright distrust.

sense of skepticism

Similar to level of skepticism

extent of distrust

Focuses specifically on the lack of trust, a key component of cynicism.

level of distrust

Specifies the amount of disbelief.

amount of disillusionment

Highlights the disappointment and loss of faith often associated with cynicism.

measure of pessimism

Indicates a general negativity and expectation of unfavorable outcomes.

depth of skepticism

Implies a profound and deeply rooted doubt.

degree of doubt

Focuses on the uncertainty and lack of conviction.

extent of negativity

Captures the general negative attitude often linked to cynicism.

touch of cynicism

Suggests a slight presence of cynicism.

FAQs

How can I use "degree of cynicism" in a sentence?

You can use "degree of cynicism" to describe someone's attitude. For example, "Her "degree of cynicism" towards politics increased after the scandal".

What can I say instead of "degree of cynicism"?

You can use alternatives like "level of skepticism", "extent of distrust", or "amount of disillusionment" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "degree of cynicism" or "level of cynicism"?

Both ""degree of cynicism"" and "level of cynicism" are correct. The choice depends on personal preference, as they convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "degree of cynicism" and "sense of skepticism"?

"Degree of cynicism" implies a more entrenched and negative outlook, while "sense of skepticism" suggests a more questioning or doubtful attitude.