humanity

American  

[hyoo-man-i-tee, yoo-] / hyuˈmæn ɪ ti, yu- /

noun

plural

humanities

1. all human beings collectively; the human race; humankind.

2. the quality or condition of being human; human nature.

3. the quality of being humane; kindness; benevolence.

   Synonyms:

   goodwill, tenderness, sympathy

   Antonyms:

   unkindness, inhumanity

4. the humanities,

   1. the study of classical languages and classical literature.

   2. the Latin and Greek classics as a field of study.

   3. literature, philosophy, art, etc., as distinguished from the natural sciences.

   4. the study of literature, philosophy, art, etc.

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humanity British  

/ hjuːˈmænɪtɪ /

noun

1. the human race

2. the quality of being human

3. kindness or mercy

4. (plural) the study of literature, philosophy, and the arts

5. the study of Ancient Greek and Roman language, literature, etc

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Other Word Forms

• antihumanity noun
• overhumanity noun

Etymology

Origin of humanity

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English humanite, from Latin hūmānitās; equivalent to human + -ity

Example Sentences

Humor has inspired humanity to keep going in dark times, something that feels important to the trans performers participating in the Joy Who Lived.

From Los Angeles Times

Whatever happens next, humanity will also reprice its energy options to account for Gulf insecurity.

From The Wall Street Journal

But after all that, to hear her lament to Loder about living half of her life without finding true love and uncomfortably bearing her mantle as a survivor reminds us of her humanity.

From Salon

"The Artemis missions have set such an ambitious goal for humanity that… nations around the globe are coming together," he says.

From BBC

He evinces the warmhearted humanity that Sonny tries feebly to hide when he believes he has to show menacing swagger.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• compassion
• empathy
• friendship
• generosity
• goodness
• goodwill
• kindness