mankind
man-KYND
Mankind (noun) means the human race as a whole. Example: “Fire was one of the earliest tools that mankind learned to control.”
noun
1
The human race as a whole.
"Fire was one of the earliest tools that mankind learned to control."
"More than a mere source of Promethean sustenance to thwart the cold and cook one's meat, wood was quite simply mankind's first industrial and manufacturing fuel."
— Edwin Black (2006)
"One small step for a man can be a giant leap for mankind."
"The discovery was hailed as a giant leap for mankind."
"Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing mankind."
How to use mankind
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAll human beings, considered together.
When to use it
Many modern style guides prefer "humanity" or "humankind" as more gender-neutral alternatives.
Common pairings
the history of mankind
for the good of mankind
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Etymology
From Old English mancynn, a compound of man and cynn ("kin"), reshaped in Middle English under the influence of the word "kind."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for mankind
See all rhymes for 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.
