Definition

1. Noun:
   • The human species collectively; all human beings considered as a group: "Humankind" refers to the entire human race, encompassing all people past, present, and future, without distinction.
   • Humanity; the human condition: The term can also refer to the qualities, experiences, or state of being human.

Usage

• As a collective noun: "Humankind" is typically used with a singular verb. It is a formal and inclusive term often used in philosophical, historical, or global contexts to discuss the human species as a whole.
• Context: It is preferred in modern usage as a gender-neutral alternative to "mankind."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The history of humankind is filled with both great achievements and profound tragedies.
  • Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humankind.
  • She argued that art is a fundamental need of humankind.

Advanced Usage

• "The story of humankind": A common phrase referring to human history or the narrative of human evolution and civilization.
  • This book attempts to tell the story of humankind from the Stone Age to the digital era.
• "For the benefit of all humankind": A phrase often found in aspirational documents, emphasizing actions or discoveries intended to help everyone.
  • The scientist dedicated his life to research for the benefit of all humankind.

Variants and Related Words

• Humanity (n): Often used synonymously with "humankind" to mean the human race. It can also refer to the quality of being humane (compassionate, benevolent).
  • All of humanity shares a common origin.
• Humans (n, plural): A more common and less formal term for individual people or the species.
  • Humans have populated every continent.
• Human race (n phrase): Another collective term for the human species.
  • Is the human race ready for such a discovery?

Synonyms

• Humanity: The human race; human beings collectively.
• The human race: The human species.
• People: (When used collectively) Human beings in general.
• Homo sapiens: The scientific binomial name for the human species.

Antonyms

• Animal kingdom: The animal world as distinct from humans.
• Individual: A single human being as opposed to the collective.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The family of humankind": A metaphorical phrase emphasizing the shared bonds and commonality among all people.
  • We must learn to live together as part of the family of humankind.

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