humanities

Cultural  

1. One of the main branches of learning. A scholar of the humanities studies history, literature, the fine arts, and philosophy.

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Explanation

The humanities are studies about human culture, such as literature, philosophy, and history. Studying the humanities gives you general knowledge, but not a practical trade — you probably wouldn’t study humanities at beauty school. If you're studying to be a dentist or a blacksmith, you're learning to be something in particular. Studying the humanities is different. The humanities provide general knowledge about the best accomplishments of human beings throughout history. Learning the works of Shakespeare, Plato, and Beethoven is part of the humanities. The humanities make a person educated, but not necessarily for a specific profession. Most people require a more specific area of study beyond the humanities.

Example Sentences

He then compared classes with more AI-exposed tasks, most prevalent in humanities and engineering disciplines, with classes less reliant on writing and coding work.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

"It takes critical thinking to develop and use AI tools in ways that make real advances in science, technology and the humanities," Burton says.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

Another argument has taken hold in Silicon Valley: interpersonal skills will become more valuable than ever, with some voices going so far as to tout a humanities education as sound tech career preparation.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

Recently unearthed writings from the novelist and former fellow of the University of Oxford Dame Iris Murdoch will be among the topics of an upcoming free humanities festival.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

“He said he didn’t know whether I could be admitted or not, but that he’d love to have me in his humanities class.”

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz