# humane

/hjuˈmeɪn/ (US) · /hjuːmˈeɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/humane
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. compassionate

adjective · CEFR B2

showing kindness and care for people or animals, especially those who are suffering.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. the humanities

adjective · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

relating to subjects like literature, history, and philosophy.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The shelter provides humane treatment for all stray dogs.
- The government is under pressure to find a more humane way to manage the growing refugee population.
- Ethical debates regarding the penal system often center on whether current incarceration practices are truly humane or if they merely serve as a form of institutionalised vengeance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.