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humanity
This word carries a dual weight of biological fact and moral aspiration. When referring to the species, it evokes a sense of global unity and shared destiny, often used in scientific or philosophical discussions about the survival of the race.
When used as a virtue, it describes a conscious choice to act with kindness and empathy. It suggests a nobility of spirit that transcends instinct, positioning the act of being helpful or merciful as the highest achievement of being a person.
Uncountable when referring to the virtue of compassion or the collective species. Countable when referring to the academic disciplines known as the humanities.
Meanings
The collective body of all human beings.
The future of humanity depends on environmental stewardship.
The quality of being humane; compassion and benevolence.
The rescue workers showed great humanity toward the refugees.
The study of human culture, literature, and philosophy.
She decided to major in the humanities to better understand the human condition.
Examples
The war threatened all of humanity.