humanitarian
[ hyoo-man-i-tair-ee-uhn or, often, yoo- ]
/ hyuˌmæn ɪˈtɛər i ən or, often, yu- /
Save This Word!
adjective
having concern for or helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people.
of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism.
pertaining to the saving of human lives or to the alleviation of suffering: a humanitarian crisis.
noun
a person actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reforms, as a philanthropist.
a person who professes ethical or theological humanitarianism.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Origin of humanitarian
First recorded in 1810–20; humanit(y) + -arian
OTHER WORDS FROM humanitarian
an·ti·hu·man·i·tar·i·an, adjective, nounsem·i·hu·man·i·tar·i·an, adjective, nounun·hu·man·i·tar·i·an, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
British Dictionary definitions for humanitarian
humanitarian
/ (hjuːˌmænɪˈtɛərɪən) /
adjective
having the interests of mankind at heart
of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism
noun
a philanthropist
an adherent of humanitarianism
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012