Word
mankind
US/ˈmænˈkaɪnd/
UK/mæŋkˈaɪnd/
Definitions
01the human race
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. all humans considered as a single group.
n. the human species in its entirety. Uncountable; often used without an article in abstract or philosophical contexts.
“The moon landing was described as a giant leap for mankind.”
“Philosophers have long debated whether mankind is inherently cooperative or naturally inclined toward competition for resources.”
Usage
Usually used without 'the' when referring to the species as a whole.
Teaching tip
In modern English, many writers prefer 'humankind' or 'humanity' to avoid the gendered 'man' prefix, though 'mankind' remains common in historical and literary contexts.
02men collectively
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal · Literary
n. men as a group, as distinct from women.
n. the male portion of the human race. This sense is increasingly rare and usually found in older texts or specific sociological contrasts.
“The author discussed the different roles of mankind and womankind in ancient myths.”
“The Victorian essayist contrasted the social expectations placed upon mankind with the domestic virtues then attributed to women.”
Teaching tip
This sense is largely archaic; learners should use 'men' in everyday speech to avoid confusion with the general sense of 'humanity'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“However, if mankind is to travel to Mars, the moons of Jupiter, Saturn or beyond, we may need more extreme solutions.” “I want to make all mankind good and happy.” Etymology
From Middle English mankynde, alteration (due to kynde = “kind, nature, sort”) of earlier mankyn, from Old English mancynn. Equivalent to man + kin, and/or man + -kind. Cognate with Scots mankind, Middle High German mankünne, Danish mandkøn, Icelandic mannkyn (“mankind”). See also mankin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/mankind