humanitarian
/hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən/ (bre, ipa) · /hjuːˌmænɪˈteriən/ (ame, ipa) · /hyü-ˌma-nə-ˈter-ē-ən yü-/ (ame, mw)
humanitarian — adjective
- humanitarianpositive
- more humanitariancomparative
- most humanitariansuperlative
1. relating to efforts that aim to make people's lives better and reduce their suff
relating to efforts that aim to make people's lives better and reduce their suffering — for example, sending food, medicine, or shelter to those affected by war, poverty, or natural disasters.
The Red Cross sent humanitarian aid to the flood victims in Myanmar.
humanitarian aid — supplies sent to relieve suffering
Naoko has dedicated her life to humanitarian work in refugee camps across East Africa.
humanitarian work — efforts to help people in need
Several humanitarian organisations are providing clean water and medicine to the area.
The United Nations launched a humanitarian mission to help families displaced by the war.
Adina volunteers for a humanitarian group that builds schools in rural communities.
- charitable
focuses on giving money or goods to people in need; more specific to donations than organised aid work
- compassionate
describes a personal feeling of sympathy rather than organised relief efforts
- benevolent
more formal and general; suggests a desire to do good, not necessarily in crisis situations
- philanthropic
usually describes large-scale charitable giving by wealthy individuals or foundations
- inhumane
describes treatment that causes suffering rather than relieving it
文法句型
humanitarian + noun
用法筆記
This sense nearly always appears before a noun such as aid, work, organisation, mission, relief, or assistance. It is not used on its own as a predicate adjective (❌ 'The project is humanitarian').
常見錯誤
2. used for a large-scale event where many people suffer severely and urgently requ
used for a large-scale event where many people suffer severely and urgently require outside assistance — for instance, a humanitarian crisis triggered by war, disease, or extreme weather.
The earthquake created a humanitarian crisis that left thousands without shelter.
humanitarian crisis — situation of widespread suffering
Zuri's team was among the first to arrive after the humanitarian disaster was declared.
The report warned that the conflict was becoming a humanitarian catastrophe of vast proportions.
Doctors Without Borders declared a humanitarian emergency after the disease outbreak spread.
The prolonged drought caused a humanitarian disaster affecting millions of farming families.
- catastrophic
focuses on the scale of destruction rather than the need for aid; can apply to any type of disaster
- devastating
emphasises the emotional and physical impact; broader in use
- disastrous
general term for anything that causes great harm; less specific to human suffering and aid response
文法句型
humanitarian + crisis/disaster/emergency
用法筆記
Used only before nouns that name a severe situation: crisis, disaster, emergency, catastrophe. The adjective does not describe the natural event itself but the human suffering it produces (❌ 'The storm was humanitarian' — instead say 'The storm caused a humanitarian crisis').
常見錯誤
humanitarian — noun
1. a person who actively works to improve the lives of others and reduce suffering
a person who actively works to improve the lives of others and reduce suffering — often by organising or supporting aid projects, speaking out about injustice, or donating resources to those in need.
The late author was also a dedicated humanitarian who funded schools in poor regions.
Élise has been recognised as a humanitarian for her work with abandoned children in Romania.
recognised as a humanitarian — formal acknowledgement of aid work
The award honours young humanitarians who make a real difference in their communities.
Aarav's mother, a nurse and humanitarian, spent twenty years running clinics in rural Nepal.
Many humanitarians risk their own safety to deliver supplies in active conflict zones.
- philanthropist
usually a wealthy person who donates money to good causes; may not be directly involved in aid work
- altruist
describes someone with a selfless concern for others; more philosophical and less action-oriented
- activist
focuses on campaigning for political or social change, not necessarily providing direct aid
- do-gooder
informal and often negative; suggests someone who interferes with good intentions but little understanding
- misanthrope
someone who dislikes or distrusts people
文法句型
a + humanitarian
the + humanitarian
用法筆記
Unlike the adjective form, the noun requires an article or determiner ('a humanitarian', 'the humanitarian', 'many humanitarians'). It can describe well-known public figures as well as local volunteers. Distinguish from philanthropist, which implies giving money rather than hands-on work.