humane
pronunciation
How to pronounce humane in British English:
UK [hjuːˈmeɪn]
How to pronounce humane in American English:
US [hjuːˈmeɪn]
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- Adjective:
- pertaining to or concerned with the humanities
- marked or motivated by concern with the alleviation of suffering
- showing evidence of moral and intellectual advancement
Word Origin
- humane (adj.)
- mid-15c., variant of human (compare german/germane, urban/urbane), used interchangeably with it until early 18c., by which time it had become a distinct word with sense of "having qualities befitting human beings." But inhuman still can be the opposite of humane. The Royal Humane Society (founded 1774) was originally to rescue drowning persons. Such societies had turned to animal care by late 19c.
Synonym
Antonym
Example
- 1. They simply have to do it in a more humane style .
- 2. The work may be humane , but rampant overtime is not .
- 3. In fact , both men , while governors , took a moderate and humane approach to illegals .
- 4. Given the miserable condition of north korea 's subsistence economy , sanctions would be neither an effective nor a humane response .
- 5. But he said a more humane attitude to sexuality , and not condom use , was the proper way to combat hiv infection .