What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mistrusting
Example
She was mistrusting of his motives and refused to work with him. [mistrusting: adjective]
Example
He spoke in a mistrusting tone, indicating his skepticism towards the proposal. [mistrusting: gerund or present participle]
cynical
Example
He had a cynical view of politics, believing that all politicians were corrupt. [cynical: adjective]
Example
She spoke cynically about the chances of success, convinced that failure was inevitable. [cynically: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mistrusting is more commonly used than cynical in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be applied to a variety of situations. Cynical is more often used in formal or academic contexts, where a more precise and nuanced term is required.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mistrusting and cynical?
Cynical is generally considered a more formal and academic term than mistrusting, as it is often used in philosophical or sociological discussions. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation and tone of the conversation.