humanitarian English · revision 15025

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1794}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /hjuːˌmæn.ɪˈteə.ri.ən/, US /hjuːˌmæn.əˈter.i.ən/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[human]] or [[humanity]] and the suffix of [[unitarian]] and similar words.^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ In theology, one who affirms the human nature of Christ but denies his divinity: 1794 in Etymonline, 1819 in the OED.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==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.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) 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.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024) As an adjective, concerned with the interests of mankind at large, it is from 1855.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1794 – humanitarian (theology).^(Etymonline)

+ * 1831 – a follower of the Religion of Humanity.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1844 – a philanthropist.^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1855 – concerned with mankind (adjective).^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Concerned with human welfare and the relief of suffering: ''humanitarian aid''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Of or relating to humanitarianism.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ===Noun===

+ # A person devoted to promoting human welfare and social reform; a [[philanthropist]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[humanitarianism]]

+ * [[antihumanitarian]]

+ * [[unhumanitarian]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[humanity]]

+ * [[human]]

+ * [[humane]]

+ * [[humanism]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}