human
/ˈhjuː.mən/ adjective, noun, verb, proper noun
Forms humans humen humaning humanning humaned humanned humane
- adjective (not comparable) Of or belonging to the species Homo sapiens or its closest relatives.
- adjective (comparable) Having the nature or attributes of a human being. “To err is human; to forgive, divine.”
- adjective Compassionate.
- noun (strictly, biology) A highly intelligent ape with fine and short body hair; the most abundant species of primate, with members found on every continent (Homo sapiens). “Humans share common ancestors with other apes.”
- noun (fantasy, science fiction, mythology) A human as contrasted from superficially similar but typically more powerful humanoid creatures; a member of the human race.
- noun (fantasy, science fiction) A term of address for any human, often implying the listener's species is their only noteworthy trait.
- noun (loosely) Any hominid of the genus Homo.
- verb (rare) To behave as or become, or to cause to behave as or become, a human.
- proper noun A surname.
- proper noun (humorous) The language supposedly spoken by humans
Synonyms
humane mannish mennish human being man woman person featherless biped naked ape humanize homo
Antonyms
Etymology
From Late Middle English humaigne, humayne, humain, from Middle French humain, from Old French humain, umain (“of or belonging to man”, adjective), from Latin hūmānus m (“of man, human”, adjective); see there for further details. Spelling human has been predominant since the early 18th century. Compare, and possibly related to man.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Belonging to man or mankind; having the qualities or attributes of a man; of or pertaining to man or to the race of man; as, a human voice; human shape; human nature; human sacrifices.
- noun A human being. [Colloq.]
Etymology [L. humanus; akin to homo man: cf. F. humain. See Homage, and cf. Humane, Omber.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “human”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details