Human vs. Humane — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 26, 2023
Human refers to a species of bipedal primates, while Humane pertains to compassion and kindness towards others.
Difference Between Human and Humane
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Human and Humane are words that, despite having similar origins, represent entirely different concepts. Human pertains to Homo sapiens, the bipedal primates to which all modern humans belong. It defines our species and differentiates us from other life forms. On the other hand, Humane stands for qualities that are characterized by compassion, sympathy, or consideration, especially towards other humans or animals.
When referring to the word Human, one is usually referencing aspects tied to the human species, whether it be biology, anthropology, or sociology. These references might relate to human behavior, physiology, or the distinct characteristics that set us apart from other species. Conversely, Humane is not restricted to just human behavior. A person, an action, or even an institution can be described as Humane when it demonstrates kindness, compassion, or benevolence.
It's worth noting that while all humans belong to the Human category by virtue of their species, not all human actions or behaviors can be described as Humane. For instance, history is riddled with human actions that were cruel or inhumane. Meanwhile, the term Humane often finds its place in discussions about ethical treatment, such as "humane treatment of animals" or "humane working conditions."
Comparison Chart
Definition
Relating to or characteristic of people.
Showing compassion or benevolence.
Usage
Describes the species Homo sapiens.
Describes acts of kindness or compassion.
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Associated Terms
Human behavior, human rights.
Humane treatment, humane society.
Grammar
Typically used as a noun or adjective.
Primarily used as an adjective.
Derivation
From Latin "hūmānus" meaning "of man, human".
From Old French "humain" meaning "kind, merciful".
Compare with Definitions
Human
A member of the species Homo sapiens.
She studied the evolution of the Human species.
Humane
Avoiding suffering or discomfort to others.
The organization promotes Humane treatment of animals.
Human
Relating to or characteristic of people.
Human emotions can be complex.
Humane
Showing compassion and kindness.
She made a Humane decision to adopt the stray dog.
Human
Differentiating people from machines or animals.
Errors are a Human trait.
Humane
Benevolent and ethical.
The reforms were seen as a Humane measure.
Human
Pertaining to the humanities or human culture.
He delved into Human arts and literature.
Humane
Tending to improve the welfare of others.
The new laws are more Humane and just.
Human
Humans (Homo sapiens) are the most abundant and widespread species of primates, characterized by bipedality and large, complex brains enabling the development of advanced tools, culture and language. Humans are highly social beings and tend to live in complex social structures composed of many cooperating and competing groups, from families and kinship networks to political states.
Humane
Merciful or sympathetic.
The judge made a Humane decision.
Human
Relating to or characteristic of humankind
The human body
The complex nature of the human mind
Humane
Characterized by kindness, mercy, or compassion
A humane judge.
A humane policy.
Human
A human being.
Humane
Characterized by an emphasis on humanistic values and concerns
A humane education.
Human
A member of the primate genus Homo, especially a member of the species Homo sapiens, distinguished from other apes by a large brain and the capacity for speech.
Humane
Having or showing concern for the pain or suffering of another; compassionate.
It is no longer considered humane to perform vivisection on research animals.
As methods of execution go, beheading is more humane than drawing and quartering.
Human
A person
The extraordinary humans who explored Antarctica.
Humane
Pertaining to branches of learning concerned with human affairs or the humanities, especially classical literature or rhetoric.
Human
Of, relating to, or characteristic of humans
The course of human events.
The human race.
Humane
Obsolete spelling of human
Human
Having or showing those positive aspects of nature and character regarded as distinguishing humans from other animals
An act of human kindness.
Humane
Pertaining to man; human.
Human
Subject to or indicative of the weaknesses, imperfections, and fragility associated with humans
A mistake that shows he's only human.
Human frailty.
Humane
Having the feelings and inclinations creditable to man; having a disposition to treat other human beings or animals with kindness; kind; benevolent.
Of an exceeding courteous and humane inclination.
Human
Having the form of a human.
Humane
Humanizing; exalting; tending to refine.
Human
Made up of humans
Formed a human bridge across the ice.
Humane
Pertaining to or concerned with the humanities;
Humanistic studies
A humane education
Human
(notcomp) Of or belonging to the species Homo sapiens or its closest relatives.
Humane
Marked or motivated by concern with the alleviation of suffering
Human
(comparable) Having the nature or attributes of a human being.
To err is human; to forgive, divine.
Humane
Showing evidence of moral and intellectual advancement
Human
(narrowly) The tallest, most abundant and most intelligent of primates; Homo sapiens.
Humans share common ancestors with other apes.
Human
(broadly) Any hominid of the genus Homo.
Human
(rare) To behave as or become, or to cause to behave as or become, a human.
Human
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.
To err is human; to forgive, divine.
Human
A human being.
Sprung of humans that inhabit earth.
We humans often find ourselves in strange position.
Human
A human being;
There was too much for one person to do
Human
Any living or extinct member of the family Hominidae
Human
Characteristic of humanity;
Human nature
Human
Relating to a person;
The experiment was conducted on 6 monkeys and 2 human subjects
Human
Having human form or attributes as opposed to those of animals or divine beings;
Human beings
The human body
Human kindness
Human frailty
Human
Showing characteristics typical of people.
The software has a Human interface.
Common Curiosities
Is being Humane exclusive to Humans?
No, being Humane describes a quality of compassion, which isn't exclusive to Humans.
Can companies or organizations be described as Humane?
Yes, organizations can be called Humane based on their actions and policies.
Is every Human act Humane?
No, not all Human actions can be described as Humane.
Are there any other species described as Human?
No, only Homo sapiens are referred to as Human.
Why is it important to differentiate between Human and Humane?
While Human denotes species, Humane refers to ethical qualities; confusing them can mislead the context.
Are Human rights and Humane treatment the same?
While related, Human rights refer to the rights of all Humans, whereas Humane treatment focuses on compassion and ethics.
Can a robot or AI be described as Humane?
A robot or AI can act in ways considered Humane, but it doesn't possess genuine compassion.
Does Humane always refer to physical treatment?
No, Humane can also refer to emotional or psychological kindness and consideration.
How can one be more Humane?
Being more compassionate, understanding, and kind can make one more Humane.
Is the opposite of Humane "inhumane"?
Yes, "inhumane" describes actions lacking compassion or cruelty.
Do all cultures have the same definition of Humane?
The core concept is consistent, but cultural nuances might affect its interpretation.
What's the root of the word Human?
"Human" comes from Latin "hūmānus," meaning "of man, human."
Are Human instincts always Humane?
Not necessarily. Some Human instincts may prioritize survival over Humane behavior.
Can a product be labeled Humane?
Products, especially food, can be labeled Humane if produced under ethical and compassionate conditions.
Can animals exhibit Humane behavior?
While animals can show empathy and care, using "Humane" for animals is anthropomorphic.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
