humanitarianism
gb/hjˈumənɪtˈɑɹiənˌɪzəm/ us/hjˈumənɪtˈɑɹiənˌɪzəm/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
C1
abstract
1
Concern for human welfare
Humanitarianism is the idea or practice of helping people who are suffering.
Usage pattern:
humanitarianism; a spirit of humanitarianism; humanitarianism toward [people]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse humanitarianism with humanity. Humanity can mean all people or kindness; humanitarianism is the belief or practice of organized help for people in need.
Synonyms
compassion (Emphasizes sympathetic feeling more than organized action or principle.)
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altruism (Emphasizes selfless concern for others, not necessarily crisis relief.)
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benevolence (More formal or general; means kind intention or goodwill.)
Antonyms
indifference (Lack of concern for the suffering or welfare of others.)
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cruelty (Active willingness to cause or ignore suffering.)
Collocations
international humanitarianism
|modern humanitarianism
|a spirit of humanitarianism
|the principles of humanitarianism
|humanitarianism and human rights
|humanitarianism in action
|genuine humanitarianism
|global humanitarianism
Themes
ethics
|society
|aid
|crisis
|human_rights
Examples
- Her work with refugees was driven by a deep sense of humanitarianism.
- The charity presents humanitarianism as a moral duty, not a political choice.
- In times of war, humanitarianism calls for protecting civilians and helping the wounded.
Learner examples
- Humanitarianism means helping people who are suffering.
- His humanitarianism led him to volunteer after the earthquake.
Noun
formal
C1
abstract
2
Humanitarian aid movement
Humanitarianism can also mean the organized work of groups that give emergency help to people in crises.
Usage pattern:
modern humanitarianism; international humanitarianism; the history of humanitarianism
Common mistake:
This use often refers to a whole field or movement, not just one kind person’s kindness.
Synonyms
humanitarian aid (Refers more directly to the help itself, such as food, shelter, and medical care.)
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relief work (Focuses on practical emergency assistance rather than the broader movement or principles.)
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aid work (More informal and practical; may include development work as well as emergency relief.)
Antonyms
militarism (Prioritizes military power and conflict rather than relief and protection.)
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isolationism (In this context, suggests avoiding involvement in crises beyond one’s own country.)
Collocations
modern humanitarianism
|international humanitarianism
|the history of humanitarianism
|the rise of humanitarianism
|humanitarianism and politics
|humanitarianism and development
|the limits of humanitarianism
|professional humanitarianism
Themes
aid
|international_relations
|nonprofits
|crisis
|war
Examples
- Modern humanitarianism includes large international organizations as well as local relief groups.
- The course examines the history of humanitarianism from nineteenth-century charities to today’s emergency-response networks.
- Critics argue that humanitarianism can become too closely tied to political interests.
Learner examples
- International humanitarianism helps people after wars and disasters.
- She studies humanitarianism at university.
Grammar
Dictionary form
humanitarianism
IPA
GB/hjˈumənɪtˈɑɹiənˌɪzəm/
US/hjˈumənɪtˈɑɹiənˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
hu - man - it - ari - an - ism (6 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (hu)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: humanitarianism
- Plural: humanitarianism
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.