What does misanthropy mean?
Misanthropy is a noun denoting a deep or persistent dislike of humanity. It describes a worldview shaped by distrust, cynicism, irritation, or contempt for other people, rather than a brief annoyance with a particular individual. A person affected by it may be called a misanthrope, while an adjective form, misanthropic, can characterize a person, attitude, or mood. The word often appears in literary, philosophical, and political contexts, where it suggests a pessimistic judgment about human nature or society. Although it can sound severe, misanthropy is not necessarily active hostility; it may describe a resigned conviction that people are selfish, foolish, or unreliable. The term is especially useful when discussing literature, satire, public disillusionment, and attitudes toward society.
nounMisanthropy is a persistent dislike or hatred of humanity, often expressed through distrust, cynicism, or contempt for people. It can also describe a general mood or attitude of pessimism toward human nature and society.
- A persistent dislike or hatred of humanity, especially expressed through cynicism, distrust, or contempt for other people.
"His years of betrayal had left him with a deep and unshakeable misanthropy."
"The novel's central character is a wealthy misanthrope who hides his compassion behind a bitter exterior."
"Political scandals and repeated public deception contributed to a widespread climate of misanthropy."
The plural is possible but uncommon because the word is usually used as an abstract singular concept.
"The novel presents two sharply contrasting forms of misanthropy: cynical withdrawal and open anger."
Misanthropy is what you call the conviction that humanity has collectively ruined the punchline.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does misanthropy come from?
Misanthropy comes from Greek misein, meaning “to hate,” and anthropos, meaning “human being” or “humanity.” The combination passed into English during the early 19th century in the form misanthrope, with the abstract noun misanthropy developing from the same Greek elements. Related English words include anthropophobe, anthropology, and philanthropy, all of which involve the Greek root anthropos.
Related word forms
How misanthropy is actually used
Misanthropy is more literary and intellectually forceful than ordinary dislike of people. It is usually permanent or deeply rooted, and it may describe either an individual's outlook or a broader social mood.
Easily confused with misanthropy
Misanthropy is the attitude or quality of disliking humanity, whereas a misanthrope is a person who holds that attitude.
Misanthropy is a broad distrust or hatred of people in general, while xenophobia specifically expresses fear or hostility toward people from other countries or cultures.