Word
humane
Phoneticshu·mane, stress on the second syllable
US/hjuˈmeɪn/
UK/hjuːmˈeɪn/
Definitions
01compassionate
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. showing kindness and care for people or animals, especially those who are suffering.
adj. characterised by tenderness, compassion, and a desire to alleviate the suffering of others.
“The charity works to ensure the humane treatment of farm animals.”
“The international community called for a more humane approach to the refugee crisis, prioritising safety and dignity over strict border enforcement.”
Pitfall
The law ensures human treatment of prisoners.
The law ensures humane treatment of prisoners.
Use 'human' for things related to people in general, but use 'humane' for things related to kindness and mercy.
Synonyms
02the humanities
C2 · Proficiency Academic · Formal
adj. relating to subjects like literature, history, and philosophy.
adj. pertaining to the branches of learning concerned with human culture, specifically the humanities or classical studies.
“He spent his life dedicated to humane studies and classical Greek literature.”
“The university's curriculum was rooted in the humane tradition, emphasizing the importance of rhetoric and moral philosophy in a well-rounded education.”
Usage
In modern English, this sense is almost exclusively found in the phrase 'humane studies' or 'humane letters'.
Real-World Examples
“She was able to safely catch him in a humane trap and take him to the vets.” Etymology
From Middle English humain, humayne, from Old French humain, umain, from Latin hūmānus, from Latin homō (“man”). Cognate with Old English guma (“man”), whence the groom in English bridegroom.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/humane