malcontent etymology

Etymology:

  • From Middle French malcontent ("discontented, dissatisfied"), from Old French malcontente ("displeased"), from mal ("bad") + content ("satisfied").

Meaning:

  • A person who is discontented or dissatisfied, especially with the established order.

Origin:

The word "malcontent" has its roots in the 16th century, when it was used to describe a group of disaffected noblemen in the French court who opposed the policies of the king. These noblemen were often seen as a threat to the stability of the realm, and the term "malcontent" came to be associated with anyone who expressed dissatisfaction with the government or the established order.

In English, the word "malcontent" first appeared in the early 17th century. It was initially used to describe individuals or groups who opposed the Puritan government, but its meaning soon broadened to include anyone who was discontented with the status quo. The word has been used in a variety of contexts throughout history, including to describe political dissidents, social reformers, and even artists who challenge conventional norms.

Related Terms:

  • Malcontent
  • Dissident
  • Nonconformist
  • Rebel
  • Dissenter

malcontent relate terms

  • content

    Etymology of content Latin continere to restrain hold together French conteni

  • malfeasance

    Etymology Origin Latin male facere meaning to do wrong First Use 14th century Me

  • malcontent

    Etymology From Middle French malcontent discontented dissatisfied from Old French

  • caco

    Etymology The word caco originates from the Ancient Greek word κακός kakós m

  • mortal

    Etymology Latin mortalis meaning subject to death Proto Indo European mrtós mea

  • person

    Etymology Latin persona meaning mask or character in a play Meaning An indiv

  • soul

    Etymology The word soul traces its origins to the Proto Indo European root h₂enh₂

  • individual

    Etymology from Latin individuum an individual thing or being from in not

  • somebody

    Etymology Some indefinite pronoun Middle English sum or som from Old English

  • adept

    Etymology The word adept is derived from the Latin word adeptus which means one who

  • drive

    Etymology The word drive has its roots in Old English deriving from the verb drīfan

  • brood

    Etymology The word brood comes from the Middle English word brod which is derived fr

  • illusion

    Etymology The word illusion derives from the Latin word illudere meaning to mock

  • baffle

    Etymology Middle English bafel to confuse or bewilder Old French baffler to del