humanitarian
humanitarian — adjective
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.