humanity
noun
hu·man·i·ty
hyü-ˈma-nə-tē 
yü-
plural humanities
1
: compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior or disposition : the quality or state of being humane
bespeaking humanity for the enemy in the midst of a bloody struggle—
C. G. Bowers
C. G. Bowers2
3
humanities plural
: the branches of learning (such as philosophy, arts, or languages) that investigate human constructs (see construct entry 2 sense 1a) and concerns as opposed to natural processes (as in physics or chemistry) and social relations (as in anthropology or economics)
4
: the totality of human beings : the human race : humankind
a fierce compassion for the woes of humanity—Maurice Bowra
Maurice Bowra
Examples of humanity in a Sentence
We appealed to his sense of humanity.
These discoveries will be of benefit to all humanity.
She was cut off from the rest of humanity.
the college of arts and humanities
He's taking courses in both the sciences and the humanities.
Recent Examples on the Web
Through surreal collages, abstract dreamscapes, and hauntingly beautiful animals, EMA paints a picture of humanity’s past, present, and future in the midst of challenges and changes.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
This insightful film alternates between Johnson’s highly regimented lifestyle and revealing personal interviews with friends, family and medical professionals, as well as broader discussions with experts about humanity’s long-standing desire to conquer mortality.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
This scenario could be played for eerie tragedy: In the 1959 film On the Beach, Australians go about their ordinary lives while waiting for the fallout of a nuclear war to arrive and complete humanity’s erasure.
—Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2024
Wildlife cops had a decision to make Sept. 11, 2024
A video of Victor the Bear swiping at a woman’s leg and what happened next fueled a raging debate over humanity’s coexistence with wild animals, particularly those that inspire both awe and terror.
—Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for humanity 
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Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
This insightful film alternates between Johnson’s highly regimented lifestyle and revealing personal interviews with friends, family and medical professionals, as well as broader discussions with experts about humanity’s long-standing desire to conquer mortality.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
This scenario could be played for eerie tragedy: In the 1959 film On the Beach, Australians go about their ordinary lives while waiting for the fallout of a nuclear war to arrive and complete humanity’s erasure.
—Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2024
Wildlife cops had a decision to make Sept. 11, 2024
A video of Victor the Bear swiping at a woman’s leg and what happened next fueled a raging debate over humanity’s coexistence with wild animals, particularly those that inspire both awe and terror.
—Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for humanity
Dictionary Entries Near humanity
Cite this Entry
“Humanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanity. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
humanity
noun
hu·man·i·ty
hyü-ˈman-ət-ē
yü-
plural humanities
1
: the quality or state of being human or of being humane
2
plural
: studies (as literature, history, and art) concerned primarily with human culture
3
: the whole collection of human beings both past and present
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