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

We want a humane American president who cooperates in the cease-fire.

From Slate

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

Related Words

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