Humanities
hjuːˈmænɪtiz
Definitions
The academic disciplines that study aspects of human society and culture. These often include history, literature, philosophy, art, music, and languages.
hjuːˈmænɪtiz
Branches of learning covering human culture.
The humanities offer a critical perspective on contemporary issues.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're exploring different sides of being a person! Humanities is like a bunch of classes that teach you about history, stories, art, and how people think and feel. They help you understand people and the world in a deeper way.
👶 For kids: Humanities are subjects that teach us about people, like history, stories, and art.
More Examples
A strong foundation in the humanities provides a well-rounded education.
She felt that studying the humanities provided a broader understanding of human history and culture.
How It's Used
"The university's curriculum emphasizes both STEM fields and the humanities."
"She pursued a doctorate in the humanities, specializing in literature."
From Latin *humanitas* ('human nature, culture, refinement'), a derivative of *humanus* ('human'). The term evolved to encompass fields of study concerned with human culture and its expression.
Historically, the humanities were seen as crucial for developing a 'well-rounded' individual, contrasting with the more practical focus of science and technology. Emphasis on classics and the study of great works.
Memory tip
Think of 'human' + 'ities' as the studies that explore what makes us human.
Word Origin
"human nature, culture, refined behavior"