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 Word Forms

• premankind noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mankind¹

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

Example Sentences

"They are envious of China's fast development. To be honest, they are aggressive at heart. We are completely committed to the common prosperity of mankind. We are different."

From BBC

When we meet the main character, Sung Jin-woo, he is mankind's "weakest weapon" - but after a near-death experience, he becomes the only one with the ability to "level up" his abilities.

From BBC

So for me, it’s back to work and attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Fevers and diseases of the malarial character carry off about half of mankind, and diseases of the respiratory organs one-fourth,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

A small step was taken and mankind took its giant leap.

From BBC

Related Words

• humanity 
• humankind 
• society