humane
humane Lexical Profile
humane Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having or showing compassion, benevolence, and sympathy toward other people or animals.
"The wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to the humane treatment of injured and orphaned animals."
Inflicting the minimum possible amount of pain, distress, or suffering.
"Researchers are required to use the most humane methods available when conducting laboratory studies."
Relating to branches of learning intended to refine the mind and cultivate civilizing knowledge, such as literature, philosophy, and classical studies.
"A traditional education in humane letters emphasized rhetoric, history, and moral philosophy."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'humane' with 'human': while 'human' simply refers to the biological species Homo sapiens or its general characteristics, 'humane' specifically denotes moral qualities of compassion, mercy, and the avoidance of unnecessary suffering.
• Rhymes for humane
Word Origin & Etymology
Originally an orthographic variant of the Middle English word 'human' (from Old French 'humain' and Latin 'humanus'). By the early 18th century, the spelling 'humane' became restricted to the ethical senses of compassion, benevolence, and refined learning.