Definition

Noun: 1. The collective term for all people; the human species as a whole: Refers to the entire population of Homo sapiens, considered collectively. It emphasizes the shared nature and common identity of all people. 2. Human inhabitants of the earth: Specifically denotes the living human population occupying the world.

Usage

The term "human beings" is used as a plural noun to refer to people in general, often in contexts discussing shared characteristics, rights, history, or the collective fate of the species. - It functions as the subject or object of a sentence. - It is often used in formal, academic, or philosophical writing to discuss humanity abstractly.

Examples

• As Subject:
  • Human beings are capable of great compassion and terrible cruelty.
  • For millennia, human beings have looked to the stars and wondered.
• As Object:
  • This discovery has profound implications for all human beings.
  • The law must protect the dignity of every human being.
• In a Prepositional Phrase:
  • The history of human beings is a story of adaptation.
  • A fundamental right inherent to all human beings.

Advanced Usage

• "human being" (singular): Refers to an individual member of the species.
  • Every single human being deserves respect.
• Used to contrast humans with animals, machines, or divine beings.
  • These are not the actions of a rational human being.
  • The story explores what it means to be a human being.

Variants and Related Words

• Humankind (n): A synonym often preferred in formal contexts as a gender-neutral alternative to "mankind."
  • She always used humankind because mankind seemed to slight the women.
• Humanity (n): Can refer to the human race collectively or to the quality of being humane (kind, benevolent).
  • All of humanity benefited from the vaccine. (collective)
  • He showed great humanity in forgiving them. (quality)
• Mankind (n): Traditionally means the human race, though its use has declined due to its gendered implication.
• People (n): A more common and less formal term for human beings in general or a specific group.

Synonyms

• Humankind
• Humanity
• The human race
• People
• Man (archaic or poetic in this sense, e.g., "man's quest for knowledge")

Related Phrases

• Human condition: The characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence.
  • The film is a meditation on the human condition.
• Human nature: The general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humankind.
  • It's just human nature to be curious.

Noun

1. all of the living human inhabitants of the earth
   • all the world loves a lover
   • she always used `humankind' because `mankind' seemed to slight the women