Human
ˈhjuːmən
Definitions
2 meaningsA member of the species Homo sapiens; a man, woman, or child.
ˈhjuːmən
A man, woman, or child of the species Homo sapiens.
Humans have explored every corner of the planet.
💡 Simply: Humans are basically you, me, and everyone else! We're the kind of animals that can talk, think, and make cool things.
👶 For kids: A person! Like you and me!
More Examples
The study focuses on the evolution of human language.
Understanding human behavior is crucial in many fields.
How It's Used
"Humans are bipedal primates with advanced cognitive abilities."
"The museum displayed artifacts from early humans."
Relating to or characteristic of people or human beings.
ˈhjuːmən
Having or showing the qualities or characteristics of people.
It's only human to make mistakes.
💡 Simply: When something is human, it means it has to do with people: the way they act, feel, or what they create.
👶 For kids: Like a person! Something a person does or has.
More Examples
The film portrays the human experience of grief.
We need to provide human assistance to the victims of the disaster.
How It's Used
"A human right to healthcare is widely recognized."
"The human condition is often explored in literature."
Idioms & expressions
human nature
The general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans.
"It's human nature to seek comfort."
to err is human
Everyone makes mistakes.
"He felt bad about the error, but as they say, to err is human."
From Middle English humayne, from Old French humain, from Latin humanus ('human, belonging to man'), from homo ('man').
The word 'human' has been used for centuries, reflecting changing philosophical and scientific understandings of what it means to be human.
Memory tip
Think of 'hue' (color) and 'man'. We are all humans, regardless of our hue.