humane

1 of 2

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

humaneness

2 of 2

noun

hu·​mane·​ness -ānnə̇s 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being humane

Synonyms of humane

Adjective

• compassionate
• benevolent
• kind

Examples of humane in a Sentence

Adjective

It's not humane to treat animals that way.

Conditions in the prison are more humane now.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

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

The humane society is expected to use the funds within one year once receiving them. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Contact your local animal shelters, humane societies, vets offices or call the non-emergency line for more information on possible animal shelters. — Hali Smith august 5, Idaho Statesman, 5 Aug. 2026

Haitians are facing deportation under conditions that no humane person would consider reasonable. — The Miami Herald Editorial Board, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English humain

First Known Use

Adjective

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