humane

hu-mane · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Having or showing compassion or benevolence; marked by kindness and mercy.

  2. 2.

    Inflicting the minimum amount of pain or suffering.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    humane society — an organization dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals
  • •
    humane killing — euthanasia or slaughter designed to minimize suffering

Related words

Antonyms: brutal, cruel, heartless, inhumane
See also: compassionate, human, humanitarian, merciful
Synonyms: benevolent, compassionate, humanitarian, kind, merciful

Etymology

From Latin humanus ("human, humane"), from homo ("human being"). Originally the same word as human, with the spelling humane becoming distinct in the 18th century to specifically mean "compassionate."