ENGLISH
REFERENCE

human being

compound.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

compound. a person, as distinct from an animal, a machine, or a god.

compound. a member of the species Homo sapiens; used to emphasize the qualities, limitations, or inherent rights of a person.


SIMPLE

Every human being deserves to be treated with respect.

CONTEXTUAL

The scientist argued that no machine could ever truly replicate the emotions of a human being.

COMPLEX

The philosopher explored the fundamental question of what it truly means to exist as a human being in a digital age.

Origin

From human (adjective) + being (noun). The word human was originally an adjective, thus requiring a base noun.

Usage

often used in formal, scientific, or philosophical contexts to emphasize shared humanity rather than individual identity.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'person' (more common/individual) and 'human' (often used as an adjective); 'human being' is the standard way to refer to the species as a countable noun.

Pitfall

He is a good human.He is a good human being.while 'human' is increasingly used as a noun in casual speech, 'human being' is the standard countable noun phrase in formal and neutral English.

© 2026 English Reference