Inhuman: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'inhuman' comes from the prefix 'in-', which means 'not', and 'human', meaning 'like a person'.
• It first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century, describing behaviors considered cruel or lacking compassion.

Psychology

• Inhuman traits can be associated with dehumanization, a process where individuals or groups are seen as less than human, which can lead to discrimination and violence.
• Studies show that people often use the term to describe extreme behaviors in warfare, such as torture, effectively removing personal responsibility from these acts.

Literature

• The concept of inhumanity has been explored in many literary works, showcasing characters who lack empathy, often highlighting the struggle between humanity and brutality.
• Franz Kafka’s works often depict inhuman situations where characters feel trapped in a world that lacks compassion.

Pop Culture

• Movies and television often feature inhuman characters, like zombies or villains, emphasizing their cruelty and lack of human traits.
• The term is frequently used in dystopian stories to depict societies where individuals are treated as less than human, leading to gripping narratives about survival and morality.

Science

• In discussions of artificial intelligence, systems may be described as inhuman if they make decisions lacking empathy, raising ethical concerns about technology's role in society.
• Biological studies examine animal behaviors that some consider inhuman when compared to human social structures, prompting questions about morality in the natural world.

At position #13,885, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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