Choose the correct one-word substitution for:
"A person who dislikes human beings ___."
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
Misanthrope
Explanation
The question asks for the correct one-word substitution for a person who dislikes or avoids human society.
The word "Misanthrope" is derived from two Greek roots: misen (meaning to hate) and anthropos (meaning human being). Together, they literally mean a hater of mankind. Therefore, Option 2 is the correct choice.
The other options are incorrect because they have entirely different meanings:
Philanthropist is the exact antonym, meaning a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, typically by donating money (root phileo means to love).
Extrovert refers to an outgoing, socially confident person.
Optimist refers to a person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future.
Key Points
Mastering root words is the fastest way to score in vocabulary exams. Remember that "anthrop" always relates to humans, "mis / miso" relates to hatred, and "phil" relates to love. By combining these, you can instantly decode multiple exam words: misanthrope (human-hater), philanthropist (human-lover), and misogynist (woman-hater, from gyne meaning woman).