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

Explanation

Humanity is the human race, which includes everyone on Earth. It’s also a word for the qualities that make us human, such as the ability to love and have compassion, be creative, and not be a robot or alien. The word humanity is from the Latin humanitas for "human nature, kindness.” Humanity includes all the humans, but it can also refer to the kind feelings humans often have for each other. Awww. But when you talk about humanity, you could just be talking about people as a whole. When people do bad things, it tests your faith in humanity. When people ask for money to help feed starving children, they're appealing to your sense of humanity.

Example Sentences

There was this games company, which makes Cards Against Humanity, that said they’re going to give the tariff money back.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026

"Humanity has once again shown what we are capable of," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Part of the proceeds will go to San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity to help those affected by the Eaton fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

"Humanity must never become a victim of conflict," he added.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

They were all the same—the March of Dimes, Habitat for Humanity, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, all for hundreds.

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

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