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Misanthrope

November 18, 2021

Misanthrope /mi-sᵊn-ˌthrōp / noun 

Definition: A misanthrope is a person who hates humankind or distrusts others. It can also be used as an adjective (misanthropic) to describe a person who sometimes behaves with a mistrust of the human race. The plural of this word is misanthropes.

Etymology: This word comes from the Greek anthropos, meaning “human being” and misein, meaning “to hate.” The Greek word of the same meaning is misanthropos, which literally means “hating humankind.” In English, you may also hear this word as misanthropist.

This word finds itself in the title of a play by the French writer Moliere. In the play, the main character is a grumpy old man who is incredibly critical of society. In preference to interacting with others, he actually locks himself away in exile.

In a Sentence

He was nothing but an old misanthrope, locked away in his house and away from the world.

She had several close friends and a handful of delightful acquaintances in spite of her reputation as a misanthrope.

Friendship and socialization were not necessary for the misanthrope, as he much preferred the company of his 13 cats.

Synonyms 

Cynic, Pessimist

Antonyms 

Optimist, Idealist, Sentimentalist

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