MISANTHROPE Meaning and
Definition
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A misanthrope is an individual who exhibits a profound and general dislike, distrust, or contempt towards humankind. Rooted in the Greek words "miso" meaning "hatred" and "anthropos" meaning "man," the term encapsulates the attitude of someone who harbors a deep-seated animosity towards human beings as a whole, expressing a strong preference for solitude and withdrawal from social interactions.
The misanthrope views human behavior with skepticism and often perceives people as inherently malicious, cruel, and selfish. This negative perspective fuels their skepticism, shaping their interactions with a constant suspicion of others' motives. Misanthropes may become disillusioned with societal norms, traditions, and institutions, perceiving them as flawed and leading to widespread moral decay.
The misanthropic disposition can manifest in various ways, such as an inclination to avoid social gatherings, skepticism towards relationships, or a desire for hermitage. Misanthropes often prefer limited contact with others, seeking solace and contentment in their own company and finding pleasure in activities that do not involve human interaction.
While it is understandable that some individuals may experience disappointment or frustration with certain aspects of human behavior, a misanthrope takes these sentiments to an extreme degree, harboring an enduring and deeply-held pessimism about humanity as a whole.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MISANTHROPE
Etymology of MISANTHROPE
The word "misanthrope" is derived from two Greek roots: "misos" meaning "hatred" or "dislike", and "anthropos" meaning "man" or "human". In Greek, "misanthropos" (μισάνθρωπος) referred to someone who had a general disdain or aversion towards humankind. This term was later adopted into French as "misanthrope" in the 16th century, and eventually entered the English language with the same meaning.
Similar spelling words for MISANTHROPE
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