Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Hating or distrusting humankind in general: Characterized by a deep-seated dislike, contempt, or aversion for humanity as a whole.
   • Cynical about human nature and motives: Believing that people are inherently selfish, bad, or unworthy of trust; characterized by a sneering disbelief in virtues like altruism or selflessness.

Usage and Examples

• As an adjective describing a person or attitude:
  • After years of betrayal, he developed a misanthropical outlook and avoided all social contact.
  • The novel's protagonist is a misanthropical hermit who finds solace only in nature, not in people.
• As an adjective describing a belief or view:
  • Her misanthropical philosophy led her to doubt any act of charity as having a hidden motive.
  • The critic's reviews were noted for their misanthropical tone, seeing only greed and vanity in every human endeavor.

Advanced Usage

• "misanthropical" vs. "misanthropic": The words are synonyms and can be used interchangeably. "Misanthropical" is a less common variant.
  • He was known for his misanthropical/misanthropic rants against modern society.

Variants and Related Words

• Misanthropy (n): The general hatred, dislike, distrust, or contempt of the human species, human nature, or human society.
  • His seclusion was an act of misanthropy.
• Misanthrope (n): A person who dislikes, distrusts, or hates humankind.
  • The old man was a notorious misanthrope who shunned his neighbors.

Synonyms

• Cynical: Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.
• Pessimistic: Tending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.
• Distrustful: Lacking trust or confidence in someone or something.

Antonyms

• Philanthropic: Seeking to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes; generous and benevolent.
• Altruistic: Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others.
• Gregarious: Fond of company; sociable.

Adjective

1. hating mankind in general
2. believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a sneering disbelief in e.g. selflessness of others