humane

[hyoo-meyn, yoo-]

adjective

1. characterized by tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for people and animals, especially for the suffering or distressed.

   humane treatment of prisoners.

   Synonyms: charitable, benignant, benevolent, sympathetic, gentle, compassionate, tender, kindhearted, kindly, kind, merciful
   Antonyms: brutal, inhumane

2. acting in a manner that causes the least harm to people or animals.

   humane trapping of stray pets.

3. of or relating to humanistic studies.

humane

/ hjuːˈmeɪn /

adjective

1. characterized by kindness, mercy, sympathy, etc

2. inflicting as little pain as possible

   a humane killing

3. civilizing or liberal (esp in the phrases humane studies, humane education )

Other Word Forms

• humanely adverb
• humaneness noun
• unhumane adjective
• unhumanely adverb
• unhumaneness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of humane¹

First recorded in 1425–75; originally a variant of human, restricted to above senses from the 18th century; germane, german

Word History and Origins

Origin of humane¹

C16: variant of _human

Synonym Study

See human.

Example Sentences

Supporters also say this method is more humane than requiring DSD athletes to suppress their natural testosterone levels, and will avoid the intense media scrutiny that some athletes have been subjected to.

From BBC

The Green Party said the case was "a distraction" from "Labour's failure to come up with workable, humane solutions".

From BBC

They called for more humane solutions like vaccination and neutering and warned that putting all strays in shelters would lead to problems like overcrowding and culling.

From BBC

“Where is the money going to come from to set up something that is more humane?” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

“But in cases where an animal’s quality of life would be severely compromised, humane euthanasia is sometimes the most compassionate option.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• approachable 
• benevolent 
• considerate 
• cordial 
• democratic 
• forgiving 
• friendly 
• generous 
• gentle 
• gracious 
• humanitarian 
• merciful 
• open-minded 
• sympathetic 
• tolerant 
• unselfish