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

Since she fled to India -- defying extradition orders to attend her crimes against humanity trial -- Islamist groups have grown increasingly assertive.

Read more on Barron's

“It’s not like I’ve managed to breeze my way through Harvard,” she said, pointing to B’s and some humanities courses with heavy reading loads.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A verdict in ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's closely watched crimes against humanity trial is expected later this month, Bangladeshi prosecutors said Tuesday.

Read more on Barron's

By 2030, U.S. and Chinese superintelligences conspire together to wrest control of Earth from humanity, using biological weapons to wipe out all but a few submarine crews and people hiding in bunkers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The singer also suggests it's much deeper than an exploration of masculinity as it reflects "how we deal with our own nature and humanity."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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