humane

adjective

hu·​mane hyü-ˈmān 

yü-

1

: marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals

humane prison guards

a more humane way of treating farm animals

2

: characterized by or tending to broad humanistic culture : humanistic

humane studies

humanely adverb

humaneness

hyü-ˈmān-nəs 

yü-

noun

Synonyms of humane

• compassionate
• benevolent
• kind

Examples of humane in a Sentence

It's not humane to treat animals that way.

Conditions in the prison are more humane now.

Recent Examples on the Web

The right mix of true and imagined can give the simplest of humane narratives — in this case, the possibility of renewal in an epidemic of hurt — a fresher chance to touch us. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

The extermination method should be both practical and humane. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026

Recommendations Given Haitians demands for accountability, Chatham House recommends that authorities take immediate steps to establish independent, efficient courts and humane, safe prisons. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026

Venus enters Libra and your 6th House of Work and Wellness, helping routines feel more balanced, beautiful, and humane. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English humain

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for humane

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids Definition

humane

adjective

hu·​mane hyü-ˈmān 

yü-

: marked by sympathy or consideration for others

humanely adverb

humaneness

-ˈmān-nəs 

noun