Humanity
hjuːˈmænɪti
Definitions
3 meaningsThe human race; all people collectively.
hjuːˈmænɪti
The human race; humankind.
Humanity faces many challenges in the 21st century.
💡 Simply: Imagine all the people in the world, from every country and every walk of life. Humanity is the name for all of us, like one big family! For example: Humanity is facing challenges.
👶 For kids: All the people in the world, like you, me, and everyone else!
More Examples
The advancement of technology affects all of humanity.
Artists often reflect on the nature of humanity in their work.
How It's Used
"The future of humanity depends on our ability to solve climate change."
"The study of history helps us understand the struggles of humanity."
Kindness, benevolence, and compassion towards others; the quality of being humane.
hjuːˈmænɪti
Kindness, benevolence; the quality of being humane.
The volunteer showed great humanity towards the refugees.
💡 Simply: Humanity can also mean being kind and caring towards others, like showing empathy when someone is sad or helping someone in need. For example: Showing humanity is important.
👶 For kids: Being nice and kind to other people.
More Examples
The film highlighted the themes of cruelty and humanity.
The doctor's actions were praised for their humanity and compassion.
How It's Used
"The organization promotes humanity and compassion in times of crisis."
"Acts of war often disregard the fundamental principles of humanity."
The academic disciplines that study aspects of human society and culture, such as literature, history, philosophy, and languages.
hjuːˈmænɪti
The study of the human condition and the human world.
The humanities provide insights into human cultures and values.
💡 Simply: Imagine school subjects like history, art, and literature, all the things that help us learn about people and their stories. That's the humanities! For example: She loves the humanities.
👶 For kids: Learning about people, stories, and how we live in the world!
More Examples
A strong background in the humanities is valuable for critical thinking.
The humanities include subjects like literature, philosophy, and art history.
How It's Used
"She is completing a degree in the humanities, studying literature and history."
"The university offers various courses in the humanities."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
crimes against humanity
Very serious offenses, especially inhumane acts committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population.
"The court tried the leaders for crimes against humanity."
From Middle English humanite, from Old French humanité, from Latin humanitas ('human nature, kindness, refinement'), from humanus ('human').
The term 'humanity' has been used for centuries, evolving from a focus on human nature and kindness to encompass the entire human race and its cultural achievements. The understanding of 'humanity' has been shaped by historical events and shifts in philosophical thought.
Memory tip
Think of the 'human' part – all the people together.
Word Origin
"human nature; kindness"