Humans Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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humans
[ˈhjuːmənz ]
Definitions
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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humans |
Use 'humans' when referring to the species as a whole or in scientific and philosophical contexts.
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people |
Use 'people' in general and informal contexts when referring to more than one person collectively.
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individuals |
Use 'individuals' when emphasizing separate persons, often in a formal or clinical setting.
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persons |
Use 'persons' in formal or legal documents and contexts, often implies a specific or defined group of people.
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Examples of usage
- Humans have a unique capacity for language acquisition.
- Anthropology is the study of humans and their ancestors.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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humans |
Used when referring to individual members of the species Homo sapiens and emphasizes biological or anthropological aspects.
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people |
A general term for individuals, often used in everyday conversation to refer to groups of individuals collectively.
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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 It may be perceived as slightly outdated or non-inclusive.
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humanity |
Used when referring to the whole human race, often emphasizing collective traits, compassion, and the moral and ethical dimensions of human behavior.
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Examples of usage
- Humans have made significant advancements in technology over the centuries.
- The impact of humans on the environment is a major concern.
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?
Word | Description / Examples |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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benevolent |
Use this word when describing someone who is well-meaning and kindly. It often implies a sense of doing good for others.
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Examples of usage
- Humans have shown great compassion towards those in need.
- Acts of kindness and generosity are inherent in human nature.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'humans'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'humans' originated from the Latin word 'humanus', which means 'of or belonging to man'. It has been used in English to refer to the species Homo sapiens since the 16th century. The study of humans, known as anthropology, has provided insights into the evolution, behavior, and culture of human beings.
See also: dehumanise, dehumanising, dehumanization, dehumanize, dehumanizing, humanitarian, humanitarians, humanity, humanization, humanize, humanizing, humankind, inhuman, inhumanity, metahuman, subhuman, superhuman.
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.
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- 3883 unlikely
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- 3885 fiber
- 3886 humans
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- 3888 undertaking
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