humanity

noun

hu·man·i·ty | \ hyü-ˈma-nə-tē

How to pronounce humanity (audio)

, yü-\

plural humanities

Definition of humanity

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

2a : 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 More Example Sentences Learn More about humanity

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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

Catalogs felt sterile and devoid of humanity (and reality). — Ingrid Abramovitch, ELLE Decor, "Inside Snowe’s Takeover of the Millennial Luxury Home Goods Market," 13 June 2019 But time has run out: the organism has escaped its underground burial chamber, beginning a lethal streak that could threaten all of humanity. — Valentina Palladino, Ars Technica, "Ars To-Be-Read: Our most anticipated books for the second half of 2019," 8 June 2019 With the world population growing and resources becoming scarcer, the future of humanity could depend on exploiting extraterrestrial sources, many astrobiologists say. — Peter Fimrite, SFChronicle.com, "Long-term space journeys to allow humans to become almost completely self-sufficient," 8 June 2019 What a beautiful example of humanity — guided by kindness, proceeding with grace. — Heidi Stevens, chicagotribune.com, "Oak Park 1st grader with autism didn't want to face the last day of school, so his principal asked if he could walk him there. The boy was delighted.," 8 June 2019 Wherever Godzilla appears, the triviality of humanity’s accomplishments and defences are made plain. — Julian Ch Lee, Quartzy, "Godzilla is the perfect monster for our age of environmental destruction," 1 June 2019 Arya Stark grew up in front of our eyes on the show, becoming an assassin of the highest order and saver of humanity. — Abby Gardner, Glamour, "All the Plot Holes in the Game of Thrones Finale," 20 May 2019 If the Night King and his Army of the Dead no longer exist as a threat to humanity, what's the point of the Night's Watch now? — Abby Gardner, Glamour, "All the Plot Holes in the Game of Thrones Finale," 20 May 2019 Even Jacquemus’s micro bag, surely the smallest extant object known to humanity, would not survive a black hole. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "Just Wait Until Fashion Designers Get Their Hands on This Black Hole Picture," 10 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'humanity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for humanity

humanity

noun

English Language Learners Definition of humanity

: the quality or state of being human

: the quality or state of being kind to other people or to animals

: all people

See the full definition for humanity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

humanity

noun

hu·man·i·ty | \ hyü-ˈma-nə-tē

, yü-\

plural humanities

Kids Definition of humanity

1 : the quality or state of being human Old enemies were joined by their common humanity in combating the disease.

2 : the human race These discoveries will benefit humanity.

3 humanities plural : studies (as literature, history, and art) concerned primarily with human culture

4 : kindness sense 1, sympathy … she … sent the Portugal captain a very handsome present for his humanity and charity to me.— Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe

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demeanor

behavior toward others

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