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

2

a

: the quality or state of being human

joined together by their common humanity

b

humanities plural : human attributes or qualities

his work has the ripeness of the 18th century, and its rough humanities

—Pamela H. Johnson

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

Synonyms

• folks
• humankind
• people
• public
• species
• world

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

Towns that were previously far away from migrant routes have become key transit points, shaping local economies and turning migrants into commodities rather than recognizing their humanity. —Angel Escamilla Garcia, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025

Her story—or, rather, her tragedy—is perhaps one of the greatest reminders of the many sacrifices made in the name of humanity’s quest for knowledge. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025

The audience is taken backstage with these men, capturing their humanity in a way that challenges the dehumanizing portrayals of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals—and Black and brown men, more specifically—that are too often normalized in film and other mediums. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

Seeing them outside their uniforms would have enabled the series to showcase their full humanity. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see human entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing humanity

• crime against humanity

Kids 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