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Misanthropic: meaning, definitions and examples

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misanthropic

 

[ ˌmɪsənˈθrɒpɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

personality trait

Misanthropic refers to a general disdain, distrust, or contempt for the human species or human nature. This term often describes individuals who are reclusive or withdrawn due to their negative views about society or people. Misanthropes may feel that humanity is inherently flawed or that social interactions are largely disappointing. This attitude can stem from personal experiences, philosophical beliefs, or social observations.

Synonyms

antisocial, cynical, reclusive

Examples of usage

  • His misanthropic views often led to isolation.
  • She wrote a misanthropic novel depicting a dystopian world.
  • Despite her misanthropic nature, she was a brilliant artist.

Translations

Translations of the word "misanthropic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 misantropo

🇮🇳 मनुष्यों से नफ़रत करने वाला

🇩🇪 misanthropisch

🇮🇩 misanthropis

🇺🇦 мізантропний

🇵🇱 mizantropijny

🇯🇵 人間嫌いの

🇫🇷 misanthrope

🇪🇸 misantrópico

🇹🇷 insan nefretçisi

🇰🇷 인간 혐오의

🇸🇦 مُبغض للبشر

🇨🇿 mizantropní

🇸🇰 mizantropný

🇨🇳 厌恶人类的

🇸🇮 mizantropski

🇮🇸 misantropískur

🇰🇿 мізантроптық

🇬🇪 მიზანტროპული

🇦🇿 misanthropik

🇲🇽 misantrópico

Etymology

The term misanthropic originates from the Greek word 'misanthropos,' where ‘misein’ means 'to hate' and ‘anthropos’ means 'man' or 'human being.' The word began to be used in the English language in the late 16th century to describe individuals or attitudes characterized by a dislike of humanity. The connotation remained negative, signifying a rejection of social norms and human companionship, often associated with individuals who feel alienated or critical of society at large. Writers and philosophers, such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Emil Cioran, have explored misanthropic themes, discussing the emotional and philosophical implications behind such a worldview. Over time, it has been applied in literature and social commentary to critique societal behaviors and relationships.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,788 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.