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Definition of humanize

humanize

/ˈhjuːmənaɪz/
(UK: humanise)
hu · man · ize
Adjective:humanizing
•
Past Simple:humanized
•
Past Participle:humanized
•
Present Participle:humanizing
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humanize Lexical Profile

humanize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To give a human character, personality, or relatable qualities to something abstract, non-human, or distant.

Example

"By sharing personal letters and everyday photographs, the biographer helped humanize the historical figure for modern readers."

2

To make something more humane, civilized, gentle, or compassionate.

Example

"The hospital introduced natural lighting and quiet gardens to humanize the patient care environment."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for humanize

• Nearby Words

humanities
humanity
humanization
humanize
humankind
humanlike
humanly

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 16th century, borrowed from French humaniser, formed from humain ('human', from Latin humanus) and the verbal suffix -iser.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Humanize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/humanize
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