Human vs. Neanderthal — What's the Difference?

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.

Neanderthals (, also Neandertals, Homo neanderthalensis or Homo sapiens neanderthalensis) are an extinct species or subspecies of archaic humans who lived in Eurasia until about 40,000 years ago. They most likely went extinct due to assimilation into the modern human genome (bred into extinction), great climatic change, disease, or a combination of these factors.

Relating to or characteristic of humankind

A species of extinct hominins (Homo neanderthalensis) that lived throughout most of Europe and western and central Asia during the late Pleistocene Epoch until about 30,000 years ago. Members of this species had a large skull and stocky build and are associated with Middle Paleolithic tools.

A human being.

An individual belonging to this species.

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.

(Slang) A crude, boorish, or slow-witted person.

A person

Also Ne·an·der·tal (-tôl′, -täl′) Of, having to do with, or resembling Neanderthals.

Of, relating to, or characteristic of humans

(Slang) Crude, boorish, or slow-witted.

Having or showing those positive aspects of nature and character regarded as distinguishing humans from other animals

Alternative case form of Neanderthal

Subject to or indicative of the weaknesses, imperfections, and fragility associated with humans

Alternative case form of Neanderthal

Having the form of a human.

Uncouth in manners or appearance.

Made up of humans

Of, pertaining to, or named from, the Neanderthal, a valley in the Rhine Province, in which were found parts of a skeleton of an early type of man. The skull is characterized by extreme dolichocephaly, flat, retreating forehead, with closed frontal sutures, and enormous superciliary ridges. The cranial capacity is estimated at about 1,220 cubic centimeters, being about midway between that of the Pithecanthropus and modern man.

(notcomp) Of or belonging to the species Homo sapiens or its closest relatives.

Similar to or reminiscent of a neanderthal human; troglodytic; primitive and uncultured.

(comparable) Having the nature or attributes of a human being.

A neanderthal human being; a member of the race Homo sapiens neanderthalensis; as, neanderthals were shorter than modern humans.

(narrowly) The tallest, most abundant and most intelligent of primates; Homo sapiens.

One resembling a neanderthal human; a troglodyte; a cave man.

(broadly) Any hominid of the genus Homo.

A person of primitive, unenlightened or uneducated opinions or attitudes; one with a regressive social or political outlook; - used disparagingly.

(rare) To behave as or become, or to cause to behave as or become, a human.

Extinct robust human of Middle Paleolithic in Europe and western Asia

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.

Ill-mannered and coarse and contemptible in behavior or appearance;

A human being.

Relating to or belonging to or resembling Neanderthal man;

A human being;

Any living or extinct member of the family Hominidae

Characteristic of humanity;

Relating to a person;

Having human form or attributes as opposed to those of animals or divine beings;