humanitarian
/hju:,mæni'teəriən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Relating to the belief that all people should be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity, and that human suffering should be reduced: Pertaining to the principles of humanitarianism, which prioritize human welfare.
- Promoting human welfare and social reform: Marked by a desire to improve the lives and conditions of people, often on a large scale.
Noun:
- A person who advocates for or is devoted to the promotion of human welfare and the alleviation of suffering: An individual who works to improve the lives of others, often through charitable aid or social reform.
- A proponent of humanism; someone concerned with human interests and values: An advocate for principles centered on human dignity and well-being.
Examples of Usage
Adjective:
- The organization provides humanitarian assistance to refugees.
- They appealed for humanitarian intervention to stop the crisis.
Noun:
- She was recognized as a true humanitarian for her lifelong work in disaster zones.
- The famous doctor was not just a scientist but also a great humanitarian.
Advanced Usage
"On humanitarian grounds": For reasons based on compassion and the desire to prevent human suffering.
- The prisoner was released on humanitarian grounds due to his poor health.
"Humanitarian principles": The core ethical ideas guiding aid work, such as humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.
- All aid must be distributed in accordance with humanitarian principles.
Variants and Related Words
Humanitarianism (n): The ethical doctrine or movement centered on promoting human welfare and reducing suffering.
- His life's work was driven by a deep sense of humanitarianism.
Humanely (adv): In a way that shows compassion and kindness.
- The animals must be treated humanely.
Synonyms
- Adjective: Compassionate, philanthropic, charitable, benevolent.
- Noun: Philanthropist, altruist, benefactor, do-gooder.
Related Phrases
Humanitarian crisis: A singular event or series of events that represents a critical threat to the health, safety, or well-being of a large group of people.
- The war has led to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Humanitarian aid/relief: Material and logistical assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, typically in response to crises.
- The first shipment of humanitarian aid has finally reached the isolated town.
Related Idioms
- To have a humanitarian streak: To possess a natural tendency to be concerned with the welfare of others.
- Beneath his tough exterior, he has a real humanitarian streak.
Adjective
- of or relating to or characteristic of humanitarianism
- humanitarian aid
- marked by humanistic values and devotion to human welfare
- a humane physician
- released the prisoner for humanitarian reasons
- respect and humanistic regard for all members of our species
Noun
- an advocate of the principles of humanism; someone concerned with the interests and welfare of humans
- someone devoted to the promotion of human welfare and to social reforms