Malcontent
Noun
Definition: A person who is dissatisfied with the existing circumstances and expresses their discontent or rebelliousness.
Synonyms: Dissenter, Protester, Rebel
Antonyms: Contented person, Conformist
- The malcontent constantly criticized the government's policies.
- The malcontents organized protests to voice their grievances against the company.
- Think of "mal" as meaning "bad" or "opposite" and "content" as referring to satisfaction or acceptance. A malcontent is someone who is the opposite of content, someone who is dissatisfied.
Etymology:
The word "malcontent" originated in the late 16th century from the French word "malcontent," which can be broken down as "mal" meaning "bad" and "content" meaning "satisfied." It was initially used to describe the discontented nobles who opposed the rule of Catherine de' Medici in France.
Historical Usage:The term "malcontent" was commonly used during the Renaissance and Reformation period to refer to individuals who were dissatisfied with the political and religious status quo.
Related Idioms:
"Stir up malcontents"
Explanation:This phrase refers to provoking or inciting individuals who are dissatisfied or rebellious to take action or express their grievances.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "malcontent" with "malcontented."
Explanation:"Malcontent" is a noun referring to a person who is dissatisfied and rebellious, while "malcontented" is an adjective describing someone who is discontented or dissatisfied. The incorrect usage may involve using "malcontent" as an adjective, such as saying "He is malcontented" instead of "He is a malcontent."