human

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun any living or extinct member of the family Hominidae characterized by superior intelligence, articulate speech, and erect carriage
  2. adjective characteristic of humanity
  3. adjective relating to a person

Etymology

From Late Middle English humaigne, humayne, humain, from Middle French humain, from Old French humain, umain (“of or belonging to man”, adjective), from Latin hūmānus m (“of man, human”, adjective); see there for further details. Spelling human has been predominant since the early 18th century. Compare, and possibly related to man.

In classic literature

Synonyms

homo, man, human being

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