mankind
8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for mankind, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The human race as a whole.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use mankind
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the history of mankind
for the good of mankind
Many modern style guides prefer "humanity" or "humankind" as more gender-neutral alternatives.
Etymology
From Old English mancynn, a compound of man and cynn ("kin"), reshaped in Middle English under the influence of the word "kind."
Full origin of mankind →Frequently asked questions
What does “mankind” mean?
The word “mankind” means the human race as a whole. In plain terms, all human beings, considered together.
How do you pronounce “mankind”?
“Mankind” is pronounced man-KYND (/mænˈkaɪnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “mankind” in a sentence?
Here is “mankind” used in a sentence: “The discovery was hailed as a giant leap for mankind.”
What is the opposite of “mankind”?
The opposite of “mankind” — its antonyms — are womankind and womenkind.
What part of speech is “mankind”?
“Mankind” is a noun.
Where does the word “mankind” come from?
The word “mankind” comes from Old English. From Old English mancynn, a compound of man and cynn ("kin"), reshaped in Middle English under the influence of the word "kind.".
Is “mankind” a common word?
“Mankind” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between mankind and humankind?
Both refer to the human race as a whole, but humankind is often preferred as a gender-neutral alternative. Mankind has been criticized for appearing to center men, so humankind and humanity are common substitutes in inclusive writing.
Is mankind singular or plural?
Mankind refers to the human race as a whole and takes a singular verb, as in 'Mankind has achieved much.' Although it describes many people, it is treated grammatically as a single collective noun.
Why do some writers avoid the word mankind?
Some writers avoid mankind because it can be read as centering men rather than all people, even though it means the human race as a whole. Gender-neutral alternatives such as humankind, humanity, and people are often preferred in inclusive contexts.
Should mankind be capitalized?
Mankind is a common noun and is not normally capitalized, except at the start of a sentence. It takes a capital letter only in titles or for deliberate stylistic emphasis.
