Definition

1. Noun:
   • The human race collectively; all human beings considered as a group: "Mankind" refers to the entire species of human beings, encompassing all people across the world and throughout history.
   • (Archaic) Men collectively; the male sex: Historically, the word could also refer specifically to men as a group. However, this usage is now often considered dated or non-inclusive.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Human race):
  • The history of mankind is filled with both great achievements and profound tragedies.
  • Advances in medicine have benefited all of mankind.
• Noun (Archaic: men):
  • In the old tale, mankind went off to war while the women tended the fields. (This usage is now uncommon.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "mankind" has been a subject of linguistic debate. Because it contains the word "man," some consider it gender-biased, implying that humanity is represented primarily by males. Consequently, more gender-neutral terms like humankind, humanity, or the human race are often preferred in modern, inclusive writing.
  • The author chose to write "for the good of humankind" to be more inclusive.

Variants and Related Words

• Humankind (n): A synonym for "mankind" in the sense of the human species, often preferred for its gender-neutral form.
  • She studied the origins of humankind.
• Humanity (n): The human race; also refers to human qualities like kindness and compassion.
  • He dedicated his life to serving humanity.
• Man (n): This singular form is the root. It can mean an adult male human, but in a generic or traditional sense (e.g., "Man has explored the moon"), it was also used to mean humans in general. This generic use is now often replaced with "human," "person," or "humanity."

Synonyms

• Humankind: The human species.
• Humanity: The human race; human beings collectively.
• The human race: All people considered as a single group.
• Homo sapiens: The scientific name for the human species.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• The brotherhood of man: An idiom expressing the ideal that all people should act with fellowship and kindness toward one another. (Note: Like "mankind," this phrase is also considered dated by some due to its gendered language.)
  • He spoke of peace and the brotherhood of man.

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