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Humanely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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humanely

[hjuːˈmeɪnli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

manner of action

Humanely means acting in a way that is compassionate or considerate towards others, especially in relation to animals. It emphasizes kindness and the avoidance of suffering in one's actions.

Synonyms

benevolently, compassionately, considerately, kindly.

Examples of usage

  • The shelter rescues and treats animals humanely.
  • She insisted on caring for the injured bird humanely.
  • They aim to humanely euthanize terminally ill pets.
  • He spoke humanely about the prisoners' conditions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Ethics

  • Philosophers debate what it means to treat others humanely, often linking it to concepts of morality and ethics.
  • Acts such as humane treatment of animals reflect a society’s values on kindness and respect.
  • Many humane societies were established to promote the welfare of animals and advocate against cruelty.

Pop Culture

  • In films and literature, characters often face dilemmas about making humane choices, highlighting human struggle and moral conflicts.
  • Organizations like the Humane Society use the term to promote awareness and action against animal cruelty.

Social Movements

  • The humane treatment of refugees and prisoners has become a focal point in human rights discussions worldwide.
  • Advocacy for humane practices encourages people to consider the effects of their actions on the well-being of others.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that practicing humane behavior can improve one's mental health and social relations.
  • Empathy is a driving force in humane actions, influencing human interactions and societal norms.

Origin of 'humanely'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'humanus', meaning 'human' or 'mankind'.
  • It evolved in English to mean acting in a way that emphasizes compassion and empathy.
  • The suffix '-ly' indicates how something is done, transforming the word to mean 'in a human-like manner'.

The word 'humanely' derives from the root word 'human', which comes from the Latin 'humanus', meaning 'of or belonging to man'. The term implies qualities associated with mankind, including compassion and kindness. The suffix '-ly' is used to form adverbs from adjectives, indicating the manner in which something is done. The concept of humane treatment has historical roots in various philosophical and moral discussions regarding the ethical treatment of both humans and animals. The importance of humane treatment, especially in contexts such as animal welfare and social justice, became more prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries, as humanitarian movements gained traction. Over time, 'humanely' evolved to become a standard term in discussions pertaining to ethics, reflecting a growing awareness and advocacy for more compassionate approaches in various aspects of life.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,899, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.