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

The use of small cages to punish immigration detainees in the Florida Everglades may have violated international law on humane treatment, experts told the Miami Herald. — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Sally Hayden’s reportage is always deeply humane, rigorous and challenging, and this new book promises to be an education. — Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026

People experiencing such devastating delusions deserve humane, quality care. — Meg Leduc, STAT, 23 Sep. 2026

Defense Minister Israel Katz backed the pardon as humane, while the army’s chief of staff opposed it. — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 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