humanitarian
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GC: adj, n.

S: DWB – https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/who-we-are/books-about-msf/doctors-without-borders-humanitarian-quests-impossible-dreams-medecins (last access: 25 April 2024); DigHum – https://digitalhumanitarians.com/ (last access: 4 September 2014).

N: 1. As a noun by 1794 in the theological sense “one who affirms the humanity of Christ but denies his pre-existence and divinity,” from humanity + suffix from unitarian, etc.; see humanism. Meaning “philanthropist, one who advocates or practices human action to solve social problems” is from 1842, originally disparaging, with a suggestion of excess.
As an adjective by 1834 in the theological sense “affirming the humanity or human nature of Christ;” by 1855 as “having regard for the broad interests of humanity.”

2. Depending on context, “humanitarian”, “humane”. Not to be confused with “human”.
Key Difference – Human vs Humane. Although the words human and humane appear similar, there is a clear difference between the two words in terms of their meaning. The key difference between human and humane is that the human is a person and being human, is showing better qualities of people. On the other hand, being humane is showing kindness and concern for others. In our world today, although people are human, most do not display humane actions especially in their treatments of others. This highlights that although the two words appear to be similar, when paying attention to their meaning one can easily discern a difference. Through this article let us examine the differences between the two words in depth.

3. Collocations:

  • Verb + adj.: be humanitarian.
  • Adv. + adj.: essentially humanitarian, purely humanitarian.
  • Adj. + noun: aid, assistance, catastrophe, cause, convoy, crisis, disaster, effort, emergency, ground, intervention, mission, need, ration, reason, relief, supply, work, worker.

4. Cultural Interrelation: Among others, we can mention these famous humanitarians – people who have actively worked to help and improve life for their fellow men and women.

  • Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1869). US Campaigner against slavery. Her novel ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ helped challenge attitudes on slavery.
  • William Booth (1812-1892). English Christian missionary who founded the Salvation Army in the Nineteenth Century. The Salvation Army sought to give Christian charity to the poorest members of society.
  • Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948). Leader of Indian independence movement. Advocated use of non-violent protest. Sought to unite different religious traditions. Also sought to improve welfare of the ‘untouchable’ caste and Indian women.
  • Mother Teresa (1910-1997). Born in Albania, lived in India. Devoted life to serving poor and neglected people in society. Her mission worked in countries across the world.
  • Abbe Pierre (1912-2007). French humanitarian who founded charity Emmaus movement to help refugees and the homeless.
  • Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993). British actress and humanitarian. Worked for many years with UNESCO in the developing world.

S: 1. Etymonline – https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=humanitarian (last access: 4 September 2014). 2. DB – https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-human-and-vs-humane/ (last access: 1 May 2024); ESE – https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/127708/is-there-difference-between-in-the-way-of-human-in-a-humanitarian-way-in-a-hum (last access: 1 May 2024); Cosnautas/Libro rojo (last access: 1 May 2024). 3. OCD –  https://www.freecollocation.com/search1?word=humanitarian (last access: 27 May 2015); MW – https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanitarian (last access: 27 May 2015). 4. BIOGonline – https://www.biographyonline.net/humanitarian.html (last access: 11 October 2015).

SYN: humane (depending on context)

S: Cosnautas/Libro rojo (last access: 9 August 2019)

CR: altruism, human, humane care, humanely, humanised, humanitarian, humanitarian access, humanitarian action, humanitarian actors, humanitarian aid, humanitarian assistance, humanitarian association, humanitarian case, humanitarian convoy, humanitarian coordinator, humanitarian corridor, humanitarian crisis, humanitarian demining, humanitarian diplomacy, humanitarian disaster, humanitarian ethics, humanitarian field hospital, humanitarian interference, humanitarian intervention, humanitarian logistics, humanitarian lure, humanitarian mission, humanitarian organization, humanitarian personnel, humanitarian principles, humanitarian protection, humanitarian ration, humanly, international humanitarian law, new global human order, provision of humanitarian aid, rapid humanitarian intervention force, safe area.