Humanitarian

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Humanitarian

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective and noun

Pronunciation

hyoo-MAN-ih-TAIR-ee-un  /hjuːˌmænɪˈtɛːrɪən/

Definition

As an adjective: concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare; relating to or characteristic of a concern for human life and suffering, especially in the context of crisis, disaster, or conflict. As a noun: a person who seeks to promote human welfare, especially through charitable or relief work; an advocate for humanitarian principles.

Plain meaning

Humanitarian means concerned with reducing human suffering and promoting welfare. A humanitarian organisation delivers food and medicine in a disaster zone. A humanitarian is someone who devotes themselves to improving the welfare of other people. Humanitarian aid and humanitarian law are specific terms in international relations and law.

Register

Formal to neutral. Humanitarian is used in international law, development, journalism, and political discourse. It carries positive connotations but has been somewhat diluted by overuse — humanitarian concerns, humanitarian considerations, humanitarian gesture can sometimes soften the description of what are in fact political calculations.