human
human Lexical Profile
human Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to or characteristic of humankind or people, as distinct from non-human animals, machines, or divine beings.
"The study of human anatomy is essential for all medical students."
Subject to the weaknesses, imperfections, emotions, or vulnerabilities typical of people.
"Everyone makes mistakes occasionally because we are only human."
Showing the better qualities of humankind, such as kindness, warmth, empathy, or sensitivity.
"The manager showed a very human side when she offered her employees paid time off during the crisis."
• noun
A member of the primate species Homo sapiens; a person, man, woman, or child, distinguished from other animals by bipedal locomotion, high intelligence, and complex language.
"Early humans developed stone tools and mastered the use of fire to survive in diverse environments."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Human' refers broadly to the biological species or natural human traits, whereas 'humane' specifically means showing compassion, benevolence, or kindness toward others.
• Rhymes for human
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French humain, from Latin humanus ('of man, human, benevolent'), which is related to homo ('human being') and humus ('earth, ground'), reflecting the ancient concept of humans as earthly beings in contrast to celestial gods.