misanthropic

/ˌmɪ.sənˈθɹɒ.pɪk/

Group 1Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Having a dislike of or contempt for humankind
GRE

Example in Context

The author's increasingly misanthropic worldview permeated his later works, which portrayed humanity as irredeemably selfish.

Synonyms

people-hatingantisocialcynical

Etymology

Derived from Greek, indicating a hatred or contempt for humanity.

  • misanthropos (Greek) — hating mankind

Memory Aid

📸Sounds like “miss anthro pic

A photographer yells 'MISS ANTHRO PIC!' as they refuse to take pictures of people, only nature!

Visual Association

👤A grumpy photographer standing alone in a beautiful landscape, glaring at anyone who dares to approach.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “misanthropic” mean on the GRE?

misanthropic (adjective) means “Having a dislike of or contempt for humankind”. The author's increasingly misanthropic worldview permeated his later works, which portrayed humanity as irredeemably selfish.

How to remember “misanthropic” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “misanthropic” sounds like “miss anthro pic”. A photographer yells 'MISS ANTHRO PIC!' as they refuse to take pictures of people, only nature!

What are synonyms for “misanthropic”?

Common synonyms: people-hating, antisocial, cynical.