humane

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "humane" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means showing kindness, mercy, and sympathy. For example, "The doctor is known for being very humane with her patients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Compassion for animals in laboratories is not "sentimentality"; it goes hand-in-hand with compassion for humans, both of which would be served by leaving cruel and demonstrably unnecessary monkey experiments behind in favour of truly humane and human-relevant science.

The Guardian

"I said it was increasingly dangerous for asylum seekers on the island and the humane policy should be to bring them to Darwin from Christmas Island for processing," she said.

The Guardian

Monkey experiments are not – and cannot be – "humane".

The Guardian

It would be cheaper and more humane to allow asylum seekers to live in the community amongst us.

The Guardian - Opinion

In its first two hours there are some good things, not least the script, and Waltz is thoroughly engaging as the film's wittiest and most humane character.

The Guardian - Opinion

From their work, and those of other experienced interrogators who attempted to get the US out of the torture business, a broad narrative has emerged in the American discourse about torture: law-enforcement interrogation methods are humane and effective, while military or CIA methods are brutal and futile.

The Guardian

Incidentally, I would never suggest either you or Lord Steyn were anything other than humane.

The Guardian - Opinion

The strike was a gamble, but not in the sense of throwing away the opportunity of a humane decline in exchange for the chance of all-out political victory.

The Guardian

It's neither reliable as a form of justice, nor humane for the participants".

The Guardian

Waza officials reportedly told Jaza in October it still had not gone far enough in devising a humane way of procuring live dolphins.

The Guardian

In these movements we all sleep together, we all hang out… It's participatory, consensus-based, dynamic, fun Every day, something happens in British politics that pushes at the very boundaries of humane behaviour.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing policies or systems, use "humane" to emphasize that they prioritize the well-being and dignity of individuals involved. For example, a "humane" immigration policy focuses on treating asylum seekers with respect and compassion.

Common error

Avoid using "humane" as a knee-jerk reaction in emotionally charged debates without concrete evidence. Back up your claim with specific details on how an action or policy reflects compassion and consideration for others' well-being.

Linguistic Context

The word "humane" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something characterized by compassion, empathy, and consideration for the well-being of others. Ludwig showcases its use in diverse contexts, from "humane" policies to "humane" treatment of animals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "humane" is frequently used to describe actions, policies, or treatments characterized by compassion and consideration for the well-being of others. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it sees frequent use across various domains, including news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific discussions. When using "humane", it's best to emphasize concrete instances of compassion, and it is important to avoid overuse of the term in emotionally charged debates without supporting evidence. By understanding its nuances and avoiding common pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "humane" into your writing to advocate for ethical and compassionate treatment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compassionate

Focuses on showing empathy and concern for others' suffering.

benevolent

Highlights acts of kindness and goodwill.

merciful

Emphasizes the act of showing leniency and forgiveness, especially to someone who deserves punishment.

kindhearted

Stresses the inherent nature of having a warm and generous spirit.

sympathetic

Implies understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

altruistic

Highlights selfless concern for the well-being of others.

charitable

Indicates a willingness to give help or donations to those in need.

considerate

Focuses on being thoughtful and respectful of others' feelings and needs.

clement

Suggests mildness and leniency, especially in the context of discipline or punishment.

forbearing

Implies patience and restraint in the face of provocation or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "humane" in a sentence?

You can use "humane" to describe actions, policies, or individuals that show compassion and consideration for others. For instance, "The organization advocates for more "humane treatment of animals"" or "The judge is known for his "humane approach to justice"".

What are some synonyms for "humane"?

Alternatives to "humane" include "compassionate", "benevolent", "merciful", and "kindhearted". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "humane" and "humanitarian"?

"Humane" generally refers to showing compassion and kindness, while "humanitarian" relates to organized efforts to improve the welfare of others, often on a larger scale. A "humane act" is compassionate, while "humanitarian aid" involves providing assistance to those in need.

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "humane"?

While "humane" is generally positive, consider the context carefully. Describing a controversial action as "humane" might be perceived as biased or insensitive if it is not widely regarded as such. Use it when you want to emphasize the compassionate nature of something.