# humanities

/hjuˈmænɪtiz/ (US) · /hjuːmˈænɪtiz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/humanities
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. academic subjects

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

the study of subjects like history, literature, languages, and philosophy.

For teachers: the branch of learning comprising the arts, history, literature, and philosophy, distinct from the sciences and social sciences.

- She decided to study the humanities because she loved reading history and literature.
- The university has seen a decline in funding for the humanities as more students gravitate toward technical and vocational degrees.

Usage: Always used in the plural form when referring to the field of study.

### 2. classical studies

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

the study of ancient Greek and Latin language and literature.

For teachers: the study of classical Greek and Latin literature and culture.

- In the old school curriculum, the humanities meant learning Latin and Greek.
- The professor held a chair in the humanities, specifically focusing on the translation of obscure Latin manuscripts from the fourteenth century.

Usage: Rare in modern contexts; usually replaced by 'Classics'.

### 3. plural of humanity

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

more than one type of human nature or the state of being human.

For teachers: the plural form of humanity, referring to multiple instances of human nature or the human race.

- The poet wrote about the different humanities found in every corner of the world.
- The philosopher argued that we must recognise the shared humanities that bind diverse cultures together despite their superficial differences.

## Examples

- She decided to study the humanities instead of engineering.
- A degree in the humanities provides students with strong critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of historical contexts.
- While STEM fields focus on technical solutions, the humanities explore the ethical and cultural implications of those advancements, ensuring that human values remain at the center of progress.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.