humane

[ hyoo-meynor, often, 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 )

Derived Forms

• huˈmaneness, noun
• huˈmanely, adverb

Other Words From

• hu·manely adverb
• hu·maneness noun
• unhu·mane adjective
• unhu·manely adverb
• unhu·maneness 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

Michael Gonzalez said his office contacted a local humane society and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to report the creature.

From Los Angeles Times

“We work in an adversarial system, but I am committed to working constructively to drive reforms that are necessary for a more equitable and humane criminal legal system.”

From Los Angeles Times

While there’s underlying support for a more fair, humane criminal justice system, it would be irresponsible to ignore the message voters sent in this election: Californians are concerned about public safety.

From Los Angeles Times

But she would do so in a measured, humane way, unlike the mass deportations and deliberate cruelty her opponent has promised.

From Los Angeles Times

Exercising conscience in the most humane sense isn’t about feeling personal virtue.

From Salon

Related Words

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