Etymologically
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humanitarian

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 17 October 2026 at 14:47. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: UK /hjuːˌmæn.ɪˈteə.ri.ən/, US /hjuːˌmæn.əˈter.i.ən/[1]

Etymology

It is formed from human or humanity and the suffix of unitarian and similar words.[2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

In theology, one who affirms the human nature of Christ but denies his divinity: 1794 in Etymonline, 1819 in the OED.[2][4]

Semantic evolution

By 1831–4 a humanitarian was one who professed the Religion of Humanity, holding that mankind's highest duty is to advance human welfare.[2][4] The sense of a philanthropist, one who works for humane action to solve social problems, is from 1842–4, and at first was disparaging, suggesting excess.[2][4][3] As an adjective, concerned with the interests of mankind at large, it is from 1855.[2][4]

Timeline

  • 1794 – humanitarian (theology).[2]
  • 1831 – a follower of the Religion of Humanity.[4]
  • 1844 – a philanthropist.[4][3]
  • 1855 – concerned with mankind (adjective).[2][4]

Modern meaning

Adjective

  1. Concerned with human welfare and the relief of suffering: humanitarian aid.
  2. Of or relating to humanitarianism.

Noun

  1. A person devoted to promoting human welfare and social reform; a philanthropist.

Word family

  • humanitarianism
  • antihumanitarian
  • unhumanitarian

References

  1. ^ Jones, Daniel (2011), Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, 18th ed., ed. Peter Roach, Jane Setter and John Esling, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press