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Humans: meaning, definitions and examples

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humans

[หˆhjuหmษ™nz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

study of human beings

Humans are members of the species Homo sapiens. They are characterized by their higher mental functions, such as the ability to reason, think abstractly, and communicate through language. Humans are also social animals, living in communities and forming complex societies.

Synonyms

individuals, people, persons.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
humans

Use 'humans' when referring to the species as a whole or in scientific and philosophical contexts.

  • Humans are capable of amazing technological advancements.
  • The impact of humans on the environment is substantial.
people

Use 'people' in general and informal contexts when referring to more than one person collectively.

  • People are often friendly here.
  • Many people attended the concert last night.
individuals

Use 'individuals' when emphasizing separate persons, often in a formal or clinical setting.

  • Each individual's rights must be respected.
  • The study focused on individuals with specific behavioral traits.
persons

Use 'persons' in formal or legal documents and contexts, often implies a specific or defined group of people.

  • The regulation applies to all persons entering the building.
  • There were three persons involved in the incident.

Examples of usage

  • Humans have a unique capacity for language acquisition.
  • Anthropology is the study of humans and their ancestors.
Context #2 | Noun

plural form of the word human

Humans refers to the collective group of individuals who belong to the species Homo sapiens. It is used to describe the entire population of human beings on Earth.

Synonyms

humanity, mankind, people.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
humans

Used when referring to individual members of the species Homo sapiens and emphasizes biological or anthropological aspects.

  • Humans have evolved over millions of years
  • Scientists are studying how humans adapt to extreme conditions
people

A general term for individuals, often used in everyday conversation to refer to groups of individuals collectively.

  • People are gathering for the festival
  • There are many people in the park today
mankind

A less commonly used term referring to the human race as a whole, historically used in literary or formal contexts. It may be perceived as slightly outdated or non-inclusive.

  • Since the dawn of time, mankind has sought to explore the unknown
  • The invention of the wheel was a milestone for mankind
humanity

Used when referring to the whole human race, often emphasizing collective traits, compassion, and the moral and ethical dimensions of human behavior.

  • The advancements in technology have significantly impacted humanity
  • Acts of kindness show the best side of humanity

Examples of usage

  • Humans have made significant advancements in technology over the centuries.
  • The impact of humans on the environment is a major concern.
Context #3 | Noun

compassionate beings

Humans are often described as compassionate beings capable of empathy and altruism. They have the ability to understand and share the feelings of others and act selflessly for the well-being of others.

Synonyms

benevolent, empathetic, kind-hearted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
humans

Use this word when referring to people in general without specifying gender or character traits. It is the most neutral term in this group.

  • Humans need clean water to survive.
  • Humans are capable of great achievements.
kind-hearted

This word is used to describe someone who is naturally kind and shows a lot of care and compassion. It gives a warm and comforting feeling.

  • Her kind-hearted approach helped everyone feel at ease.
  • The old man was known for his kind-hearted nature and willingness to help.
empathetic

This word is best used when describing someone who is able to understand and share the feelings of others. It indicates a strong emotional connection.

  • She was very empathetic and could always sense when someone was upset.
  • His empathetic nature made him a great counselor.
benevolent

Use this word when describing someone who is well-meaning and kindly. It often implies a sense of doing good for others.

  • The benevolent leader donated his entire salary to charity.
  • Her benevolent actions made a significant impact on the community.

Examples of usage

  • Humans have shown great compassion towards those in need.
  • Acts of kindness and generosity are inherent in human nature.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'human' comes from the Latin 'humanus', meaning 'of man' or 'mankind'.
  • In Old French, 'humain' referred to people and their qualities, influencing the modern English word.

Biology

  • Humans belong to the species Homo sapiens, which means 'wise man' in Latin.
  • The brain of an adult human weighs about 3 pounds and is responsible for thinking, learning, and making decisions.

Culture

  • Throughout history, humans have created diverse cultures, with distinct languages, arts, and traditions.
  • Humans express themselves through various art forms, such as music, painting, and dance, shaping cultural identities worldwide.

Psychology

  • Humans are social creatures, thriving on connections and relationships with others.
  • The study of emotions, behavior, and thoughts shows that humans can experience a wide range of feelings, from happiness to sadness.

Technology

  • Humans have developed tools and technology that significantly enhance daily life, from simple hand tools to advanced artificial intelligence.
  • The internet, a remarkable human invention, connects billions of people globally, transforming communication and information sharing.

Translations

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Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,886, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.