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#181349 01/01/09 04:59 AM
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Are there synonyms for "misanthrope" that have a positive connotation? I'm looking for a word that describes someone who prefers to be alone, although she occasionally attends social gatherings, frequently engages in philanthropy, and doesn't dislike humanity. This topic has been addressed before in the Forum. "Anthrophobe" was suggested; but, "phobe" has a negative connotation. I've found the word "isolate" (noun), which appears to be a neutral synonym. Is there no such thing as a happy misanthrope?

hellerfan #181352 01/01/09 09:25 AM
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Soloist?

hellerfan #181353 01/01/09 11:25 AM
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As the first part of the word comes from Greek misos = hatred it seems a bit odd: a happy hater.
We use a word straight from German : einzelganger (from Einzelgänger) that has a neutral connotation. There are pleasant as wel as unpleasant "lone-goers " and it could be disputable whether happiness should be a permanent state of being or just returning moments.

Cheers from a non-misanthropic einzelganger and HAPPY New Year!

hellerfan #181356 01/01/09 01:30 PM
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loner
hermit
recluse
eremitic
solitary
anchorite
introvert
agoraphobe
claustrophile

hellerfan #181359 01/01/09 02:21 PM
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Solitary, solitudinarian, lone hand, or lone wolf.


Ceci n'est pas un seing.
hellerfan #181368 01/01/09 06:14 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted By: hellerfan
Are there synonyms for "misanthrope" that have a positive connotation? I'm looking for a word that describes someone who prefers to be alone, although she occasionally attends social gatherings, frequently engages in philanthropy, and doesn't dislike humanity. This topic has been addressed before in the Forum. "Anthrophobe" was suggested; but, "phobe" has a negative connotation. I've found the word "isolate" (noun), which appears to be a neutral synonym. Is there no such thing as a happy misanthrope?



Hello and welcome hellerfan.
Hope you like what you find here, join us often: lots of good synonym above.
Happy New Year


----please, draw me a sheep----
LukeJavan8 #181372 01/02/09 06:27 AM
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While it has other denotations, philanthropic in its various forms would be an antonym. Also, since a misanthrope is usually cynical, an opposite could be optimistic.

Vaughn Hathaway

PastorVon #181389 01/02/09 04:50 PM
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hell, yes welcome, we need you, the rest for some reason seem to be dying off

Tho we won't miss the misanthropes


dalehileman
dalehileman #181395 01/02/09 10:00 PM
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Yes we do, we do miss the misanthropes, they got brains.

dalehileman #181397 01/02/09 10:41 PM
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[quote]
Originally Posted By: dalehileman
hell, yes welcome, we need you, the rest for some reason seem to be dying off

Tho we won't miss the misanthropes [/quote
]

I've sort of thought since I joined this site that lots of people have died off.
Boredom. It says there are 6781 members with over 12,000 topics. But many have
just died for want of contribution. I like it here, however, and enjoy all
you folks, and am so appreciative for the help I've received over the months.
Blessed new year to you all.


----please, draw me a sheep----
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