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

Likewise, except for the charges of genocide or “crimes against humanity,” international law, as reflected in the Rome Statute, focuses on orders that are plainly illegal.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For him, Vecna is devoid of any humanity, but when he is playing Henry, there’s still “elements of humanity,” though his intentions are pure evil.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Second, educational background is crucial, making sure hires span arts, sciences, humanities and vocational training.

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"There are no words to describe the emotion of bringing back a brand that is the soul, humanity, love. It's priceless...as his daughter, I feel honored and happy," she told AFP.

Read more on Barron's

In Ian McEwan’s “What We Can Know,” war, sea-level rise and other upheavals have left humanity scraping by and unsure of itself.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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