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

Britain's Prince William says humanity is at a "pivotal moment" as he addresses world leaders at COP30 in the Brazilian city of Belem.

Read more on Barron's

Climate scientist Johan Rockstrom, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, said humanity now faces perhaps 50 to 70 years above 1.5C before possibly dragging temperatures back down.

Read more on Barron's

He echoed the warnings he has made in the past about the risks the transformative technology poses to humanity.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It pokes around in some of the great mysteries of humanity — what gives a life meaning or purpose? — in a way that feels lyrical, lovely and never unduly ponderous.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This, he said, meant that the campaign fell into the category of crimes against humanity.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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