humane

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Having or showing concern for the pain or suffering of another; compassionate.

   It is no longer considered humane to perform vivisection on research animals.

2. 2
   adj

   Pertaining to branches of learning concerned with human affairs or the humanities, especially classical literature or rhetoric.

   many divine precepts to counterpoise our hearts, special antidotes both in scriptures and humane authors, which who so will observe, shall purchase much ease and quietness unto himself.

3. 3
   adj

   Obsolete spelling of human.

   [N]o attempt is made to call in God to their reſcue, as if he vvere an idle unconcern'd ſpectator of humane affairs, or ſo inconſiderable an ally, as not to be vvorth the care of engaging him on their ſide.

4. 4
   adj

   showing evidence of moral and intellectual advancement

5. 5
   adj

   marked or motivated by concern with the alleviation of suffering

6. 6
   adj

   pertaining to or concerned with the humanities

Etymology

From Middle English humain, humayne, from Old French humain, umain, from Latin hūmānus, from Latin homō (“man”). Cognate with Old English guma (“man”), whence the groom in English bridegroom.