humanity

noun hu·man·i·ty \hyü-ˈma-nə-tē, yü-\

: the quality or state of being human

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

: all people

plural hu·man·i·ties

Full Definition of HUMANITY

: the quality or state of being humane

a : the quality or state of being human

b plural : human attributes or qualities <his work has the ripeness of the 18th century, and its rough humanities — Pamela H. Johnson>

plural : the branches of learning (as philosophy, arts, or languages) that investigate human constructs and concerns as opposed to natural processes (as in physics or chemistry) and social relations (as in anthropology or economics)

: the human race : the totality of human beings

See humanity defined for English-language learners

See humanity defined for kids

First Known Use of HUMANITY

14th century

Related to HUMANITY

Synonyms: folks, people, humankind, public, species, world

Antonyms: coldheartedness, hard-heartedness, inhumanity, inhumanness, mercilessness, pitilessness

Rhymes with HUMANITY

inanity, insanity, profanity, urbanity

HUMANITIES Defined for Kids

humanity

noun hu·man·i·ty \hyü-ˈma-nə-tē, yü-\

plural hu·man·i·ties

Definition of HUMANITY for Kids

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

: the human race <These discoveries will benefit humanity.>

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

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