Word
humanely
Phoneticshu·mane·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/hjuˈmeɪnɫi/
UK/hjuːmˈeɪnli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a kind way that avoids causing pain or suffering to people or animals.
adv. in a manner that shows kindness and avoids causing unnecessary pain or suffering. Typically modifies verbs describing treatment, handling, or killing.
Examples
“They treat their farm animals humanely every day.”
“The shelter works to house stray dogs humanely until they find new homes.”
“The new regulations require fisheries to harvest and process their catch humanely, minimizing stress and pain throughout the supply chain.”
Examples
simple
“They treat their farm animals humanely every day.”
contextual
“The shelter works to house stray dogs humanely until they find new homes.”
complex
“The new regulations require fisheries to harvest and process their catch humanely, minimizing stress and pain throughout the supply chain.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “humanely” in context.
Verb
01. act humanely
“Soldiers are ordered to act humanely in conflict zones.”
verb + adverb
02. behave humanely
“We expect our staff to behave humanely towards everyone.”
verb + adverb
03. handle humanely
“Farm workers are trained to handle animals humanely.”
verb + adverb
04. house humanely
“Shelters must house stray dogs humanely and safely.”
verb + adverb
05. kill humanely
“The vet killed the injured deer quickly and humanely.”
verb + adverb
06. raise humanely
“This farm raises cattle humanely on open pasture.”
verb + adverb
07. slaughter humanely
“Regulations require that livestock are slaughtered humanely.”
verb + adverb
08. treat humanely
“All prisoners must be treated humanely under international law.”
verb + adverb
09. kill animals humanely
“Vets are trained to kill injured animals quickly and humanely.”
10. raise chickens humanely
“This farm raises chickens humanely without cages.”
11. slaughter livestock humanely
“Abattoirs must slaughter livestock humanely by law.”
12. treat animals humanely
“We must treat animals humanely during transport.”
Usage
Manner adverb — typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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