Choose the most appropriate antonym from the given options for the word Misanthropic:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Philanthropic
- Misanthropic means disliking and distrusting people in general. It comes from the Greek misein (to hate) and anthropos (man, human being).
Example: The misanthropic old man refused to meet his neighbours. - Philanthropic means helping other people, especially by giving money to good causes, from the Greek philein (to love) and anthropos. Hating mankind and loving mankind are opposites, so Philanthropic is the antonym.
Example: The philanthropic businessman built a free hospital.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Ambivalent — Incorrect. Ambivalent means having mixed feelings about something; it is not the opposite of hating people.
Example: She felt ambivalent about moving to a new city.
Option 2: Antagonistic — Incorrect. Antagonistic means hostile, opposed; it is close to misanthropic in spirit, not opposite.
Example: The two groups were antagonistic towards each other.
Option 3: Evanescent — Incorrect. Evanescent means quickly fading or disappearing; it has nothing to do with feelings towards people.
Example: The evanescent beauty of the rainbow lasted only a minute.
| Synonyms (Misanthropic) | Antonyms (Misanthropic) |
|---|---|
| unsociable | philanthropic |
| antisocial | humane |
| cynical | benevolent |
| reclusive | charitable |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ambivalent | – | 14-05 S2 | – | – | 16-07 S1 |
| evanescent | 14-05 S1 | 16-05 S1 29-05 S1 | – | – | – |