Human being Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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human being

[ˌhjuː.mən ˈbiː.ɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in general

A human being is a member of the species Homo sapiens, distinguished from other animals by superior mental development, power of articulate speech, and upright stance.

Synonyms

individual, man, person, woman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
human being	Used in formal contexts or when discussing humans in a general or philosophical sense. Every human being has the right to freedom and equality. Scientists are studying what differentiates a human being from other animals.
person	Used in everyday conversation when referring to someone in a general sense, regardless of gender. He is a nice person to talk to. Every person in the room stood up and applauded.
individual	Used when emphasizing someone's distinctiveness or uniqueness, often in formal or academic contexts. Each individual has unique strengths and weaknesses. The needs of the individual must be considered in this healthcare plan.
man	Refers specifically to an adult male human being and can be used in everyday or formal contexts. The man walked into the store and asked for help. He became a great man through years of hard work and dedication.
woman	Refers specifically to an adult female human being and can be used in everyday or formal contexts. The woman entered the office and introduced herself. She is an inspiring woman who has achieved a lot.

Examples of usage

The human being is considered the most intelligent species on Earth.
Every human being has the right to dignity and respect.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

philosophical

A human being is often viewed as a sentient being capable of rational thought, self-awareness, and moral judgment.

Synonyms

individual, mortal, person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
human being	This term is often used in scientific or formal discussions to emphasize the biological or existential nature of people. All human beings have the right to food and water As human beings, we share many characteristics with other species
individual	This word is used to emphasize the uniqueness or distinct identity of a person, often in contexts regarding personal rights, freedoms, or characteristics. Each individual has their own talents and abilities It is important to respect the privacy of every individual
person	This is the most general and commonly used term, appropriate in everyday conversations and general contexts where formality is not required. She's a very kind person I met a person who shares the same hobby as me
mortal	This term is used to highlight the fact that humans are subject to death, often in philosophical, literary, or dramatic contexts. It carries a somewhat negative or somber tone. All mortals must come to terms with their own mortality The hero faced dangers that no mortal could survive

Examples of usage

The concept of the human being as a moral agent has been discussed by philosophers for centuries.
Human beings have the capacity to reflect on their own existence.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

emotionally

A human being is a complex being capable of experiencing a wide range of emotions, including love, joy, sorrow, and anger.

Synonyms

individual, person, soul.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
human being	It is often used in a more scientific or formal context to refer to a member of the species Homo sapiens. All human beings possess basic rights and freedoms. The discovery of new fossils has expanded our understanding of early human beings.
person	Most commonly used in everyday language to refer to someone in general, without any particular emphasis. It’s a very neutral term. There was only one person in the room. Do you know the person who lives next door?
individual	Best used when emphasizing someone's distinct characteristics or personal identity, focusing on the unique aspects of a person. Each individual has their own set of strengths and weaknesses. The survey aims to collect individual opinions on the matter.
soul	Generally used in a more spiritual or emotional context to refer to the essence of a person. It can also be used poetically. She is a kind and gentle soul. He believes that every soul has a purpose.

Examples of usage

The film depicts the struggles and triumphs of the human being in various emotional states.
Empathy is an important quality in understanding the emotions of other human beings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that social interactions are essential for emotional well-being in human beings.
Humans have a unique ability to empathize with others, which helps in building relationships.
The human brain is wired to process complex emotions, allowing for deep connections and understanding.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have various beliefs about human existence, such as creation myths and philosophies about life.
In many societies, traditions and rituals celebrate milestones in human life, emphasizing the communal aspect of being human.
Artistic expressions like literature, music, and visual arts often explore what it means to be a human being.

Philosophy

Philosophers have long debated the nature of what a human being truly is, often contrasting body and soul.
Existentialists focus on personal responsibility and the search for meaning in the human experience.
Ethical discussions about rights and responsibilities often center around the value of a human being's life.

Science

Humans belong to the species Homo sapiens, which means 'wise man' in Latin.
Genetic studies show that all humans share about 99.9% of their DNA, connecting everyone on a biological level.
Anthropologists study human evolution, tracing our ancestors back millions of years to understand our development.

Origin of 'human being'

Main points about word origin

The term 'human' comes from the Latin word 'humanus', meaning 'of man' or 'mankind'.
The word 'being' traces back to the Old English 'beon', meaning 'to exist' or 'to be'.
Together, 'human being' emphasizes the existence of humans as sentient creatures.

The term 'human being' has its roots in Old English, where 'human' referred to the collective aspect of mankind. The word 'being' comes from Old English and has connotations of existence and essence. Together, 'human being' emphasizes the unique combination of physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics that define Homo sapiens.