Definition
This is a four-character idiom (chengyu) that describes a cynical, misanthropic attitude — someone who detests society and its conventions, often feeling superior or disillusioned. It's stronger than just 'critical'; it implies deep contempt for the way people behave and the world works. You can use it as a predicate (他愤世嫉俗) or attributively (愤世嫉俗的态度).
f.e.
cynical toward society and the worldmisanthropicloathing the ways of the world
Examples
- 愤世嫉俗,。Tā zhège rén zǒngshì fèn shì jí sú, juéde shèhuì tài hēi'àn le.He is always cynical, thinking that society is too dark.
- 愤世嫉俗,。Bié nàme fèn shì jí sú ma, shìjiè shàng háishì yǒu hěnduō měihǎo de shìwù.Don't be so cynical — there are still many beautiful things in the world.
- 愤世嫉俗。Zhè zhǒng fèn shì jí sú de tàidu ràng tā zài gōngzuò zhōng hěn nán gēn tóngshì xiāngchǔ.This cynical attitude makes it very hard for him to get along with colleagues at work.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.