humanity

[hyoo-man-i-tee, yoo-]

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.

humanity

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• antihumanity noun
• overhumanity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of humanity¹

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

Example Sentences

Nevertheless, “Preparation for the Next Life” is a powerful assertion of dreams, humanity and hard work, arguing that every person has a past, a future and a story to tell.

From Los Angeles Times

At the same time, every time you turn on that AC, you weaken our global climate, and it’s bad for humanity.”

From Salon

“Now is a time when we need to remind people that the arts are a reminder of our humanity — and that we’re losing who we are in this divisive climate.”

From Los Angeles Times

Some critics interpreted the ads as a play on eugenics, the discredited belief that humanity could be improved through selective breeding.

From BBC

An extensive global analysis of that data now reveals fresh water is rapidly disappearing beneath much of humanity’s feet, and large swaths of the Earth are drying out.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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