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human

Pronunciation: /ˈhjuː.mən/

The English word “human” has 8 meanings listed here.

adjective

  1. Of or belonging to the species Homo sapiens or its closest relatives.
  2. Having the nature or attributes of a human being.
  3. Compassionate.

noun

  1. A highly intelligent ape with fine and short body hair; the most abundant species of primate, with members found on every continent (Homo sapiens).
  2. A human as contrasted from superficially similar but typically more powerful humanoid creatures; a member of the human race.
  3. A term of address for any human, often implying the listener's species is their only noteworthy trait.
  4. Any hominid of the genus Homo.

verb

  1. To behave as or become, or to cause to behave as or become, a human.

Etymology

From Late Middle English humaigne, humayne, humain, from Middle French humain, from Old French humain, umain (“of or belonging to man”, adjective), from Latin hūmānus m (“of man, human”, adjective); see there for further details. Spelling human has been predominant since the early 18th century. Compare, and possibly related to man.

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