humanity

noun

hu·​man·​i·​ty hyü-ˈma-nə-tē How to pronounce humanity (audio)
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 struggleC. 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 humanitiesPamela 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 humanityMaurice 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
How their humanity is depicted onscreen is so relatable and a great asset to the film overall. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 30 Apr. 2025 Importance of prayer The White Rose movement was concerned not only with the present state of humanity but also with its future, and not only with the individual but also with the communal. Peter Nguyen, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025 In a statement to THR, Lanier emphasized that the film is a story about humanity. Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 29 Apr. 2025 Expecting perfection, or guarding against our own humanity coming through, is also detrimental to our ability to be present for the good parts of the date. Myisha Battle, Time, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for humanity

Word History

Etymology

see human entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of humanity was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Humanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanity. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

humanity

noun
hu·​man·​i·​ty hyü-ˈman-ət-ē How to pronounce humanity (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on humanity

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