Mankind vs. Humanity — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 31, 2024
Mankind refers to the human species as a whole, focusing on biological aspects, while humanity denotes the qualities of being human, like compassion and kindness.
Difference Between Mankind and Humanity
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mankind encompasses the entire human species, emphasizing our biological and evolutionary traits. Whereas humanity focuses on the qualities that define our morality and compassion, such as empathy, kindness, and social intelligence.
While mankind is often used in a broader, sometimes impersonal context to discuss human achievements or history, humanity brings a moral and ethical dimension, stressing the emotional and benevolent aspects of being human.
Mankind's usage can highlight aspects of human innovation, exploration, and societal development over time. On the other hand, humanity often appears in discussions about ethics, virtues, and the capacity for love and altruism.
The term mankind sometimes draws criticism for perceived gender bias, suggesting a male-centric view of the human species. Meanwhile, humanity is considered more inclusive and neutral, emphasizing universal qualities that transcend gender and ethnicity.
In literature and discourse, mankind might be used to denote collective human actions and their impacts on the world. Whereas humanity is more likely to reference the collective qualities or virtues that can lead to positive change or redemption.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The human species; human beings collectively.
The quality or state of being humane; kindness, mercy.
Focus
Biological and evolutionary aspects of human beings.
Moral, ethical, and emotional qualities of human beings.
Usage Context
Broad discussions about human history, achievements.
Ethical and moral discussions; compassion, kindness.
Gender Connotation
Sometimes criticized for male-centric implications.
Considered more inclusive and neutral.
Example Sentences
"Mankind has always sought to explore the unknown."
"Acts of kindness restore our faith in humanity."
Compare with Definitions
Mankind
The collective term for the human species, often emphasizing biological and evolutionary characteristics.
Mankind has evolved significantly over millions of years.
Humanity
The qualities or state of being human, especially the capacity for kindness and compassion.
Acts of humanity can be seen in everyday gestures of kindness.
Mankind
Sometimes critiqued for implying a male-centric view of humanity.
Modern discourse sometimes prefers more inclusive terms than mankind.
Humanity
Considered more inclusive, focusing on what it means to be human beyond physical or biological aspects.
Humanity includes all races, genders, and ethnicities in its embrace.
Mankind
Refers to the entire human population in discussions about societal achievements or challenges.
Mankind's technological advancements have dramatically shaped our world.
Humanity
Reflects the cultural and social evolution of human beings towards greater empathy and understanding.
Literature is a mirror to humanity's evolving moral landscape.
Mankind
Used historically to denote human beings as a whole, often in literature and academic texts.
The history of mankind is filled with both triumphs and tragedies.
Humanity
Often used to express the deeper emotional and altruistic capacity of humans.
Her actions during the crisis were a true testament to humanity.
Mankind
Associated with human exploration and conquest.
Mankind's curiosity has led to the exploration of space.
Humanity
Emphasizes ethical, moral, and emotional aspects of human beings.
The disaster brought out a sense of humanity in everyone involved.
Mankind
The human race; humankind. See Usage Note at man.
Humanity
Humans considered as a group; the human race.
Mankind
Men as opposed to women.
Humanity
The condition or quality of being human.
Mankind
The human race in its entirety.
Humanity
The quality of being humane; benevolence.
Mankind
Men collectively, as opposed to all women.
Humanity
A humane characteristic, attribute, or act.
Mankind
(obsolete) Human feelings; humanity.
Humanity
The languages and literatures of ancient Greece and Rome; the classics.
Mankind
The human race; man, taken collectively.
The proper study of mankind is man.
Humanity
Those branches of knowledge, such as philosophy, literature, and art, that are concerned with human thought and culture.
Mankind
Men, as distinguished from women; the male portion of human race.
Humanity
; human beings as a group.
Mankind
Human feelings; humanity.
Humanity
The human condition or nature.
Mankind
Manlike; not womanly; masculine; bold; cruel.
Are women grown so mankind? Must they be wooing?
Be not too mankind against your wife.
Humanity
The quality of being benevolent; humane traits of character; humane qualities or aspects.
Mankind
All of the inhabitants of the earth;
All the world loves a lover
She always used `humankind' because `mankind' seemed to slight the women
Humanity
Any academic subject belonging to the humanities.
Philosophy is a humanity while psychology is a science.
Humanity
The quality of being human; the peculiar nature of man, by which he is distinguished from other beings.
Humanity
Mankind collectively; the human race.
But hearing oftentimesThe still, and music humanity.
It is a debt we owe to humanity.
Humanity
The quality of being humane; the kind feelings, dispositions, and sympathies of man; especially, a disposition to relieve persons or animals in distress, and to treat all creatures with kindness and tenderness.
Humanity
Mental cultivation; liberal education; instruction in classical and polite literature.
Polished with humanity and the study of witty science.
Humanity
The branches of polite or elegant learning; as language, rhetoric, poetry, and the ancient classics; belles-letters.
Humanity
All of the inhabitants of the earth;
All the world loves a lover
She always used `humankind' because `mankind' seemed to slight the women
Humanity
The quality of being humane
Humanity
The quality of being human;
He feared the speedy decline of all manhood
Common Curiosities
Why is mankind sometimes considered gender-biased?
Because it implies a male-centric view of the human species, leading to preferences for more inclusive language.
How does humanity differ in its focus from mankind?
Humanity focuses on the moral, ethical, and emotional qualities that define being human, beyond just biological aspects.
Is the usage of mankind outdated?
Some consider it less inclusive and prefer terms that encompass the whole human species without implying a gender bias.
Can technological advancements be attributed to mankind or humanity?
Technological advancements are typically attributed to mankind, reflecting collective human ingenuity and progress.
What is the primary difference between mankind and humanity?
Mankind refers to the human species, focusing on biological aspects, while humanity denotes moral and ethical qualities.
Can the terms mankind and humanity be used interchangeably?
While they can overlap in meaning, they often serve different contexts; mankind is more about the species, and humanity about qualities of compassion.
How do events of kindness restore faith in humanity?
They remind us of the inherent goodness and compassion that define human beings at their best.
What makes humanity a preferred term in ethical discussions?
Because it emphasizes the qualities of kindness, empathy, and moral integrity.
How do literature and art reflect humanity?
They mirror the emotional, moral, and ethical evolution of human beings, often highlighting compassion and empathy.
How does humanity impact societal change?
Through its focus on compassion and ethics, humanity can inspire societal change towards more inclusive and empathetic communities.
How can understanding the difference between mankind and humanity benefit individuals?
It fosters a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experience and the importance of ethical behavior.
Why is inclusivity important in the language we use to describe the human species?
Inclusivity ensures that all individuals feel represented and valued, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity.
What role does humanity play in global challenges?
Humanity's qualities of empathy and cooperation are crucial for addressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change.
Can the evolution of language reflect changes in how we view mankind and humanity?
Yes, evolving language use can reflect and influence changing societal values towards greater inclusivity and ethical awareness.
What is the significance of discussing mankind in historical contexts?
It helps understand the collective journey and evolution of human beings over time.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
