Inhumane: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term derives from the Latin 'inhumanus,' meaning 'not human,' with 'in-' indicating a negation.
• It entered the English language in the 14th century, primarily used to describe behavior that is not characteristic of humans.

Historical Context

• Throughout history, many events, like wars and genocides, have been described as inhumane due to the suffering caused.
• The Industrial Revolution brought about inhumane working conditions in factories where workers, including children, labored long hours in unsafe environments.

Psychology

• Psychological studies suggest that people can commit inhumane acts due to dehumanization, which diminishes empathy for others.
• Obedience to authority figures can lead individuals to perform inhumane actions, especially in high-stress situations.

Literature

• Many novels address inhumane themes, highlighting society’s moral failures, like in '1984' by George Orwell, where oppressive regimes strip away human rights.
• Classical tragedies often explore the capacity for inhumanity within characters, such as in Shakespeare's plays.

Ethics

• Debates about animal rights often include the term, addressing issues of cruelty in industrial farming.
• Humanitarian organizations like Amnesty International use the term to call out injustices and promote better treatment of individuals worldwide.

At rank #25,162, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 25159 coho
• 25160 antler
• 25161 flaked
• 25162 inhumane
• 25163 zucchini
• 25164 quandary
• 25165 uncommitted
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