Misanthrope
hardNegative toneMIS-un-throhp
noun
Definition
A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society
Memory hook
MIS (hate) + ANTHRO (people) — someone who hates humanity.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The misanthrope lived alone, shunning all human contact.”
“Years of disappointment turned him into a misanthrope.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ lived alone, shunning all human contact.”
Show answer
misanthrope
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Misanthrope is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "cynic" or "recluse" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "philanthropist".
Related GRE Words
gregarious
Fond of company; sociable
diffident
Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence
garrulous
Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters
hermit
A person living in solitude, especially for religious reasons
reticent
Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved
sanguine
Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation
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