humane

Everyday

Kind and gentle, causing as little pain as possible to people or animals. tree →

In the lessons

In ethics and animal welfare it describes kind treatment: «a humane way to catch a mouse». In history it describes fair laws. Phrases: humane treatment, a humane trap, humane society.

Examples

• The farmer uses a humane trap that does not hurt the mouse. tree →
• Animals should always be treated in a humane way. tree →
• The new law made prisons more humane. tree →
• The vet is kind and humane. tree →
• A humane society helps look after lost and hurt animals. tree →
• It is humane to give injured birds water and quiet. tree →
• But in future be mild and humane to all who are in trouble." tree →

Note

Pronounced hyoo-MAYN, stress on the second part. Do not confuse with «human» (a person). Opposite: inhumane, cruel. Noun: humanity (kindness; also all people).