core of humanity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "core of humanity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a fundamental aspect of human nature, humanity's essential characteristics, or something that is of the utmost importance to humanity. For example: "Exploring the core of humanity is essential to our understanding of our world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"There is a core of humanity that travels right through every culture, and after all we're all from Africa originally.

Independent

What we tried to do was get to the heart of every person's story, the core of humanity.

The New York Times

Pryor's incendiary poetry burns to a core of humanity from which all customary divisions among people appear ridiculous.

The New Yorker

Being at the very core of humanity, right in the center, right now, that's a spiritual experience.

The New York Times

The series tells stories that are by turn sweet, funny, dark and a bit gross, but all of them dig deep into the core of humanity.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And yet, NDiaye shows us, each woman retains a saving core of humanity — an indestructible reserve of love, common sense or even self-mockery — that's incomprehensible to the fathers, husbands or in-laws who are putting them at risk.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Perhaps she'll witness something so stomach-churning that she'll learn an indelible lesson about the dark core at the heart of humanity.

The Guardian - Film

Therefore, leaving humans being in their prenatal stages of development with no protection in the face of the current, advanced levels of science and medical techniques, may directly lead to a violation of the good which is at the very core of human civilisation and even humanity itself.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Kass built on that concept in his essay to say instinctual repugnance might correctly lead us to reject technologies that defy the "central core of our humanity," citing human reproductive cloning as the quintessential example.

Environmental Health Perspectives

At hack-a-thons, it is assumed upon entry that technology and innovation can tap into the core kindness of humanity and fix our problems, large and small.

The Guardian - Opinion

While it makes sense for a conservative Gaza community to be weary of an unorthodox approach to an honored tradition, Hakim points out that willingness to help those in need is one of the core values of humanity, and of any religion as well.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "core of humanity" to emphasize the fundamental shared qualities and values that connect all people, especially when discussing ethical considerations or cultural understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "core of humanity" in overly sentimental or cliché contexts. Instead, opt for more specific language that reflects the particular human quality you're addressing, such as compassion, empathy, or resilience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "core of humanity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the essential, fundamental aspects of human nature. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in describing values, shared origins, and intrinsic qualities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "core of humanity" is a grammatically sound and relatively common noun phrase used to describe the fundamental aspects of human nature. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's primarily used in news and media, but also appears in science and wiki sources. It serves to emphasize shared values, ethical considerations, and the essence of what it means to be human. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in overly sentimental contexts and to choose more specific language when possible. Related phrases like "essence of humanity" or "heart of humanity" can provide alternative ways to express similar concepts, depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essence of humanity

Highlights the intrinsic qualities that define human beings.

heart of humanity

Conveys the emotional and compassionate center of human nature.

soul of humanity

Refers to the spiritual or moral essence of humankind.

human essence

A more concise way of referring to the essential qualities of humanity.

spirit of humanity

Highlights the driving force and values that inspire human actions.

basis of humanity

Emphasizes the foundational principles upon which human society is built.

core of civilization

Focuses on the fundamental aspects that sustain human society.

foundations of humanity

Stresses the underlying structures that support human existence and culture.

inner humanity

Focuses on the internal, personal aspects of being human.

kernel of humanity

Implies a small but essential part that represents humanity.

FAQs

How can I use "core of humanity" in a sentence?

You can use "core of humanity" to refer to the fundamental qualities that define human beings. For example: "Empathy is at the "core of humanity" and drives us to help others."

What is the difference between "essence of humanity" and "core of humanity"?

"Essence of humanity" and "core of humanity" are very similar, both referring to the fundamental nature of human beings. "Essence" may imply a more philosophical or abstract quality, while "core" suggests a more fundamental and central aspect, but they are often interchangeable.

Are there synonyms for "core of humanity"?

Yes, some synonyms include "essence of humanity", "heart of humanity", or "spirit of humanity". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "core of humanity"?

It's appropriate to use "core of humanity" in discussions about ethics, values, culture, and the shared experiences that unite all people. It's particularly effective when emphasizing empathy, compassion, and understanding. However, avoid overuse in overly sentimental contexts.