Personality Types Vocabulary

a person who flatters someone important to gain advantage

“The sycophants around the CEO always agreed with everything he said.”

Origin: Greek sykophantes `informer` from sykon `fig` + phainein `to show`

a bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person

“The old curmudgeon complained about everything, from the weather to his neighbors.”

Origin: Origin uncertain, possibly from cur `dog` + mudgeon (unknown), first recorded in 1570s

a person who dislikes humankind and avoids society

“After years of disappointment, he became a misanthrope who lived alone in the mountains.”

Origin: Greek misanthrōpos from misos `hatred` + anthrōpos `human`

a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others through generous donations

“The philanthropist donated millions to build schools in underserved communities.”

Origin: Greek philanthrōpos from philos `loving` + anthrōpos `human`

a person who tends to turn inward mentally and prefers solitary activities

“As an introvert, she needed time alone to recharge after social events.”

Origin: Latin intro `inward` + vertere `to turn`, coined by psychologist Carl Jung in 1910s

an outgoing, socially confident person who gains energy from being around others

“The extrovert thrived at networking events and large gatherings.”

Origin: Latin extra `outside` + vertere `to turn`, coined by Carl Jung as counterpart to introvert

a person with excessive interest in themselves and their appearance

“The narcissist spent hours admiring himself in the mirror.”

Origin: Greek Narkissos, mythological youth who fell in love with his own reflection

a person who endures pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining

“She remained stoic throughout the trial, never revealing her emotions.”

Origin: Greek Stōïkos from stoa `porch`, where philosopher Zeno taught in Athens

a person who believes pleasure is the most important thing in life

“The hedonist indulged in fine wines and exotic travels.”

Origin: Greek hēdonē `pleasure` + -ist

a person who believes life is meaningless and rejects moral principles

“The nihilist argued that nothing we do ultimately matters.”

Origin: Latin nihil `nothing` + -ist, popularized by Turgenev in 1862

a person who believes people are motivated purely by self-interest

“The cynic assumed everyone had an ulterior motive.”

Origin: Greek kynikos `dog-like` from kyōn `dog`, from ancient Greek philosophical school

a person who is guided by ideals rather than practical considerations

“The idealist believed world peace was achievable in our lifetime.”

Origin: Greek idea `form, pattern` + -ist, via French idéaliste

a person who deals with things sensibly and realistically

“The pragmatist focused on what could actually be accomplished.”

Origin: Greek pragma `deed, act` from prassein `to do` + -ist

a person who selflessly concerns themselves with the welfare of others

“The altruist spent her weekends volunteering at homeless shelters.”

Origin: French altruisme from Latin alter `other` + -ist, coined by Auguste Comte in 1830s

a person who is excessively conceited or absorbed in themselves

“The egotist dominated every conversation with stories about himself.”

Origin: Latin ego `I` + -ist, first used in English in 1700s

a person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules

“The pedant corrected everyone's grammar during casual conversations.”

Origin: Italian pedante `teacher, schoolmaster`, possibly from Latin paedagogans `teaching`

a person who has or affects a special appreciation of art and beauty

“The aesthete surrounded herself with beautiful objects and fine art.”

Origin: Greek aisthētikos `perceptive` from aisthēta `perceptible things`

a person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions

“The iconoclast challenged every tradition the company held dear.”

Origin: Greek eikōn `image` + klastes `breaker`, originally destroyers of religious images

a person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning

“Leonardo da Vinci was the quintessential polymath, excelling in art, science, and engineering.”

Origin: Greek polymathēs from poly `much` + manthanein `to learn`

a person who cultivates an interest without commitment or knowledge

“He was a dilettante who dabbled in painting but never developed real skill.”

Origin: Italian dilettante `lover of the arts` from dilettare `to delight`, from Latin delectare

a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people

“The famous author became a recluse, rarely leaving his home.”

Origin: Latin recludere `to shut away` from re- `back` + claudere `to shut`

a person who has a balance of extrovert and introvert features

“As an ambivert, she enjoys social events but also values her alone time.”

Origin: Latin ambi `both` + vertere `to turn`, coined as blend of introvert and extrovert