human definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

hu·man [ hymən ]

adjective

Definition:

1. of people: relating to, involving, or characteristic of human beings

human nature

human frailty

2. made up of people: composed of people

the human race

a human chain

3. compassionately kind: showing kindness, compassion, or approachability

4. imperfect: having the imperfections and weaknesses of a human being

She's only human, so give her a break!

noun (plural hu·mans)

Definition:

Same as human being

[14th century. Via French< Latin humanus]

hu·man·ness noun

Word Usage


	human or humane ? Do not confuse the spelling of human and humane. Although the two words sound different, they share the meaning of "compassionate," which is why they are sometimes confused. Human is chiefly used as an adjective or noun referring to a person or people (as in a human being, human weaknesses, humans and other animals), and it cannot be replaced by humane in such contexts. Humane also means "involving minimal pain," as in the humane killing of sick animals, and it cannot be replaced by human in this sense.

Cultural Note


	The Human Comedy, a collection of novels and stories (1833-1850) by French writer Honoré de Balzac. By linking his novels and stories through the use of common themes and characters, Balzac planned a work that would portray the human species in all stages of its development and all aspects of its behavior. At the time of his death, the collection included a hundred novels and stories and about fifty incomplete works.