mankind

[ man-kahynd man-kahynd ]

noun

1. the human race; human beings collectively without reference to gender; humankind:

   It is no longer possible, if it ever was, for a single human brain to hold all of mankind's scientific knowledge.

2. men, as distinguished from women:

   Some still maintain that mankind is stronger, braver, smarter than womankind, but many others consider that absolute nonsense.

mankind

/ ˌmænˈkaɪnd /

noun

1. human beings collectively; humanity
2. men collectively, as opposed to womankind

Usage

Nowadays many people object to the use of mankind to refer to all human beings and use the term humankind instead

Gender Note

Is man gender-neutral? See man.

Other Words From

• premankind noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mankind¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; man ( def ) + kind ²( def )

Example Sentences

Benjamin Franklin urged the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, albeit unsuccessfully, to declare that “the state has the right to discourage large concentrations of property as a danger to the happiness of mankind.”

From Los Angeles Times

However, mankind’s tally shows war mostly begets war.

From Los Angeles Times

Around that time, Gareth made a call to the Mankind Initiative.

From BBC

Mankind Initiative chairman Mark Brooks praised Gareth's bravery in telling his story, and said the experience of men like him is not often heard about.

From BBC

The Mankind Initiative also found that every year, one in 25 men will suffer at the hands of a partner in Wales.

From BBC

Related Words

• humanity
• humankind
• society