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
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
Cite this Entry
“Humanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanity. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
