human

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Relating to people, rather than to animals, machines, or gods.

   The accident was caused by human error.

2. 2
   noun

   A person; a member of the human race.

   Humans share common ancestors with other apes.

3. 3
   adj

   Having the normal feelings and weaknesses that all people share.

   To make mistakes is only human.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Human derives from Latin humanus, from homo, meaning “man” or “human being.” Human and humane were originally forms of the same word and were used interchangeably until the 18th century, when human took over the scientific and general senses relating to people and humane became restricted to “showing compassion” and “without inflicting pain.”

Etymology tree Latin hūmānus Old French umain Middle French humainbor. Middle English humayne English human From Late Middle English humaigne, humayne, humain, from Middle French humain, from Old French humain, umain (“of or belonging to man”, adjective), from Latin hūmānus m (“of man, human”, adjective); see there for further details. Spelling human has been predominant since the early 18th century. Compare, and possibly related to man.

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External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary