mankind

Definition

The human race in its entirety.

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.

Example Sentences

• "One small step for a man can be a giant leap for mankind."
• "The examples of all ages shew us that mankind in general desire power only to do harm, and, when they obtain it, use it for no other purpose."
• "Malone's hot blood flushed to his head as he thought of this trifler, this insect, coming between mankind and a message of instruction and consolation descending from above."