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humane
/hjuːˈmeɪn/
kind and compassionate
The organization promotes humane treatment of animals.
The organization encourages kind and compassionate treatment of animals.
formal
showing kindness, compassion, or consideration for others or living beings
The prison implemented humane conditions for inmates.
The prison ensured inmates were treated with kindness and dignity.
Animal shelters should follow humane euthanasia practices.
Animal shelters should use methods of ending life that minimize suffering.
Often used to describe treatment of people, animals, or environments that avoids cruelty or unnecessary suffering.
Collocations
humane treatmentkind and compassionate carehumane societyan organization advocating for ethical treatment of animals
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'human'
'Humane' describes compassionate behavior, while 'human' refers to being a person. They are not interchangeable.
Gold Rule
Use for ethical contexts
Reserve 'humane' for situations involving morality, suffering, or dignity—never for describing humans themselves.
Word Origin
From Latin *humanus* (human, civilized), derived from *homo* (man, human being). Entered English in the late 14th century with the sense of 'human' or 'civilized,' later developing the modern meaning of 'kind and compassionate' by the 17th century.
Usage Notes
Used to describe actions, policies, or conditions that prioritize dignity and reduce suffering. Common in contexts like animal welfare, prison reform, and medical ethics.
Word Breakdown
human
relating to humans or human qualities
root-e
adjective-forming suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary