Humanity vs Society

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

 HumanitySociety
MeaningAll people in the world; the human race.A group of people living together and sharing laws, customs, and values.
CEFR levelC1A2
Part of speechnounnoun
Usage notesUse 'humanity' when talking about people collectively, their behaviors, or shared experiences. It's appropriate in discussions about ethics, philosophy, and global issues. Less suitable in casual conversations.Use 'society' when discussing large groups or communities. It's appropriate for academic and casual contexts, but avoid informal settings where the term may come off as too serious.

Frequently asked questions: Humanity vs Society

What's the difference between "Humanity" and "Society"?

"Humanity" means: All people in the world; the human race. "Society" means: A group of people living together and sharing laws, customs, and values.

When should I use "Humanity" and "Society"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Humanity" and "Society" the same CEFR level?

"Humanity" is at C1, "Society" is at A2 on the CEFR scale.

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