Pronunciation: [maŋkˈa͡ɪnd] (IPA) 
Mankind is a term that refers to the human race, which includes both men and women. The word is spelled with a 'man' suffix, causing some controversy in the modern era because it is seen by many as gender-exclusive. The spelling of mankind is /ˈmænkaɪnd/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with stress on the first syllable. The 'k' sound is spelled with a 'k' instead of 'c' because the root of the word is 'man' and not 'mo'.
Mankind, noun, refers to the collective human species, encompassing all individuals of the male and female gender. It denotes the entirety of humanity, including people from different races, ethnicities, nationalities, and cultures. The term "mankind" is often used as a synonym for humanity or humankind.
The word "mankind" has its origins in Old English, where it was derived from the combination of "man" and "kind." Here, "man" signifies both the male gender and the broader human race, highlighting its inclusive nature. "Kind," on the other hand, points to the notion of race or species.
As a concept, mankind portrays the shared human experience, highlighting our collective history, achievements, progress, and potential. It emphasizes our interconnectedness, enabling us to recognize the universal aspects of being human while appreciating and celebrating our diverse identities.
Despite its inclusive connotation, the term "mankind" has also been subject to criticism for its apparent gender bias and exclusion of non-binary individuals. Thus, some prefer using alternatives like "humankind" or "humanity" to foster gender neutrality and inclusivity.
In conclusion, mankind refers to the entirety of the human species, emphasizing the collective nature of our race while acknowledging the diversity within it. It serves as a reminder of our shared humanity, enabling us to understand and relate to one another, and fostering a sense of global community.
The race of human beings; the males of the human race.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "mankind" is derived from the Old English term "manncynn", which can be broken down into "mann" (meaning "person" or "man") and "cynn" (meaning "race" or "kind"). The term was commonly used to refer to the entirety of the human race, both males and females. Over time, the word has evolved to primarily denote the male gender, leading to the adoption of more inclusive terms such as "humankind" or "humanity" to encompass both genders.
