humanity

noun hu·man·i·ty \ hyü-ˈma-nə-tē , yü- \

Updated on: 24 Apr 2018

Definition of humanity

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 ²construct 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

See humanity defined for English-language learners

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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 of humanity from the Web

The prize was launched in 2013 to recognize Jewish achievement and contributions to humanity.

— gregg re, Fox News, "Natalie Portman snubs 'Jewish Nobel' in apparent protest against Israel," 20 Apr. 2018
The prize was launched in 2013 to recognize Jewish achievement and contributions to humanity.

— NBC News, "Natalie Portman snubs 'Jewish Nobel,' angering Israeli leaders," 20 Apr. 2018
The Genesis Prize was founded in 2013 to celebrate Jewish achievement and contribution to humanity, in the words of the organizers.

— isabel kershner and megan specia, New York Times, "Natalie Portman Backs Out of Israeli Award Ceremony," 20 Apr. 2018
Darwin provided an explanation for life’s origins — and, more problematically, the origins of humanity — that didn’t require a creator.

— rachel e. gross, Smithsonian, "How to Talk to Evangelicals About Evolution," 20 Apr. 2018
The sentiment is an apt foundation for a more daring form of cinema that grapples with the unwieldy, complex texture of humanity.

— amandas ong, The Atlantic, "Why Pop Culture Links Women and Killer Plants," 17 Apr. 2018
Sikhism, which originated in northwest India, rejects the caste system and emphasizes service to humanity.

— vic ryckaert, Indianapolis Star, "Sikh leaders say they are embarrassed by Greenwood temple fight," 16 Apr. 2018
Open the window and there’s nothing but the endless bustle of humanity.

— simon barnes, WSJ, "‘Pasta for Nightingales’ Review: Birdwatching Tips From the Renaissance," 13 Apr. 2018
The Sikh tradition teaches that service to humanity is a core part of being a good person.

— manpreet k. singh, Houston Chronicle, "A selfless commitment to service is central to being a Sikh," 8 Apr. 2018

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.