misanthropic
misanthropic
Pronunciation
Here is the IPA phonetic spelling for "misanthropic" broken down by syllable:
mis‧an‧throp‧ic (mi.sənˈθɹɒpɪk /ˌmɪsənˈθɹɑpɪk)
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
mis (mi):
m (m): voiced bilabial plosive
i (ɪ): near-close front unrounded vowel
an (sən):
s (s): voiceless alveolar fricative
ə (ə): schwa, mid central vowel
n (n): voiced alveolar nasal
throp (θɹɒp):
θ (θ): voiceless dental fricative (think "th" in "thin")
ɹ (ɹ): voiced alveolar approximant (similar to the American "r")
ɒ (ɒ): open back rounded vowel (like the "o" in "cot")
ic (ɪk):
ɪ (ɪ): same as the "i" in the first syllable
k (k): voiceless velar plosive
Word Form Variations
The word "misanthropic" primarily functions as an adjective. Here's a breakdown of the word forms related to "misanthropic":
Singular:
misanthropic (adjective): describes a person or thing that dislikes, distrusts, or avoids humankind.
Plural: (There isn't a separate plural form for adjectives)
You can use "misanthropic" to describe multiple things: "The film portrayed a group of misanthropic characters who found solace in solitude."
Related Nouns:
misanthrope (noun): refers to a person who dislikes, distrusts, or avoids humankind.
misanthropy (noun): refers to the general dislike, distrust, or avoidance of humankind.
No verb form: There isn't a direct verb form of "misanthropic." However, you can use verbs like "exhibit" or "display" to describe someone's misanthropic tendencies: "He exhibited misanthropic behaviour by constantly criticising everyone around him."
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Disliking, distrusting, or having a general contempt for humankind.
Synonyms: cynical, curmudgeonly, grouchy, sullen, world-weary
Antonyms: philanthropic, benevolent, optimistic, trusting, idealistic
Definition 2: Reflecting or expressing a dislike or distrust of humankind.
Synonyms: pessimistic, negative, downbeat, bleak, scathing
Antonyms: hopeful, positive, optimistic, uplifting, sentimental
Noun (related to adjective)
Misanthrope: A person who dislikes, distrusts, or avoids humankind.
Synonyms: cynic, curmudgeon, hermit, recluse, grouch
Antonyms: philanthropist, optimist, humanist, believer, idealist
Examples of Use
Literature:
Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" (1843): Describing Ebenezer Scrooge, Dickens writes: "Scrooge... squeezing his tight hand tighter, muttered: 'Bah! Humbug!' He became in time a misanthrope, in short" (Dickens). Here, "misanthrope" directly describes Scrooge's dislike and distrust of humanity.
Newspapers:
The New York Times (2023): In a review of a play, the critic writes: "The protagonist's misanthropic outlook, while initially intriguing, ultimately feels repetitive" (The New York Times, 2023). This usage highlights how "misanthropic" can describe a character trait within a story.
Online Publications:
The Atlantic (2022): An article titled "Are We All Becoming More Misanthropic?" explores the rising trend of cynicism and negativity online (The Atlantic, 2022). This usage demonstrates how "misanthropic" can be applied to a broader social phenomenon.
Entertainment Mediums:
TV Show: "BoJack Horseman" (2014-2020): The main character, BoJack Horseman, is a self-destructive and cynical Hollywood actor. Throughout the series, his "misanthropic tendencies" are a recurring theme (BoJack Horseman). Here, "misanthropic tendencies" describe BoJack's negative outlook on life and people.
Public Discourse:
Social Media: You might see someone use "misanthropic" on social media platforms to describe someone who constantly complains about others or expresses a general negativity towards humanity (e.g., "That person's constant negativity is getting really misanthropic").
Bonus Example:
Historical Figure: The Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope (4th century BC) is sometimes referred to as a misanthrope due to his rejection of societal norms and preference for a simple life (Encyclopædia Britannica).
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Misanthropic
While there aren't many direct uses of "misanthropic" in famous quotes, here are ten quotes that capture the essence of misanthropy or its opposite:
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." (Socrates) - This quote reflects a cynical view of human knowledge, a sentiment often associated with misanthropy.
"There's nothing good about humanity. Everything is about sex, violence, the weak being dominated by the strong." (Thomas Hobbes) - This quote by Hobbes highlights a negative view of human nature, a core theme of misanthropy.
"Mankind... a race of creatures who inhabit the earth... very ready to believe evil of each other." (Jane Austen) - This quote from Austen captures the distrust of humanity often seen in misanthropic characters.
"I am a misanthrope at heart, and I adore solitude." (Thelonious Monk) - This quote by the jazz musician uses "misanthrope" directly, though it's paired with a love of solitude, a common misanthropic trait.
"Mankind is an experiment which has gone wrong." (Aldous Huxley) - This quote by Huxley expresses a strong disillusionment with humanity, a sentiment often found in misanthropy.
"Hope is a deceitful jade, leading us on through thorns and mire to the brink of a precipice." (Thomas Gray) - This quote by the poet Gray reflects a pessimistic view of the future, which can be associated with misanthropy.
"Let us be of good cheer however. Perhaps things will get better. And if they do not, I suppose we must be thankful that we are not living in an age of peace and prosperity." (Oscar Wilde) - This quote by Wilde uses sarcasm to express a cynical outlook, a technique sometimes used by misanthropes.
"Mankind... a glorious riddle." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) - This opposing quote by Emerson highlights the beauty and complexity of humanity, contrasting with the misanthropic view.
"Hope... the thing with feathers that perches in the soul." (Emily Dickinson) - This quote by Dickinson celebrates the hopeful spirit that stands in opposition to misanthropy.
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." (Voltaire) - This quote by Voltaire suggests a healthy scepticism, which can be a positive alternative to the blind negativity of misanthropy.
Etymology
The word "misanthrope" is like a mashup of two ancient Greek words!
"Misos" means "hatred" – think of "misinformation," where "mis" means wrong or bad information.
"Anthropos" means "man" or "human" – like "anthropology," the study of humans.
Put them together, "misanthrope" literally translates to "hating mankind."
The word itself is pretty new. It wasn't until the late 1600s that people started using it in English. It likely came from French, which borrowed it from the Greek.
So, "misanthrope" describes someone who dislikes, distrusts, or just generally avoids other people.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Misanthropic
"Misanthrope" itself is a strong word, so there aren't many common phrases built directly around it. However, here are some ways to express similar ideas using related words and idioms:
Phrases:
A curmudgeon with a misanthropic streak: This describes someone grumpy and bad-tempered who dislikes people in general.
Wracked by misanthropy: This emphasises the feeling of being deeply affected by a dislike of humanity.
Holding a misanthropic view of the world: This describes someone's overall negative outlook on people and society.
Idioms:
A hermit by choice: This refers to someone who prefers solitude and isolation, a common trait of misanthropes.
A lone wolf: This idiom describes someone who likes to be alone and doesn't function well in groups, similar to a misanthrope.
Wearing a permanent frown: This is a more lighthearted way to describe someone who always seems grumpy and disapproving, potentially due to misanthropic tendencies.
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Source Information
Definition of misanthropic from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
