human being
B2neutral to formal, philosophical
Definition
Meaning
A person; a man, woman, or child of the species Homo sapiens, characterized by advanced mental development, the capacity for speech and abstract reasoning, and an upright posture.
The term is often used to emphasize the qualities, rights, or inherent dignity of a person, or to distinguish people from animals, machines, or other entities.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically used in contexts where the inherent nature, dignity, or collective identity of people is the focus. It is more abstract and philosophical than the simple noun 'person'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more formal or philosophical than 'person' in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both. More common in formal, academic, or humanitarian contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
ADJ + human being (e.g., 'a rational human being')verb + as a human being (e.g., 'treat someone as a human being')human being + VERB (e.g., 'every human being deserves respect')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to err is human (being)”
- “the human condition”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in contexts discussing corporate social responsibility or human resources philosophy (e.g., 'We must treat our employees as human beings, not just resources').
Academic
Common in philosophy, ethics, law, anthropology, and sociology to discuss the nature, rights, and dignity of people.
Everyday
Used to emphasize shared humanity, empathy, or basic rights (e.g., 'Have some compassion; he's a human being too').
Technical
Used in medical ethics, human rights law, and anthropology as a formal term for a member of the human species.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not applicable. The term is a noun.
American English
- Not applicable. The term is a noun.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The human-being experience is complex. (rare, often hyphenated in such attributive use)
American English
- It's a fundamental human-being right. (rare, often hyphenated)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She is a kind human being.
- Every human being needs food and water.
- We should respect every human being, no matter where they are from.
- He is a good human being who helps others.
- The novel explores what it means to be a human being in a technological age.
- No human being should have to live in such conditions.
- The philosopher argued that consciousness is the defining characteristic of a human being.
- The legislation seeks to protect the inherent dignity of the human being.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'being' as meaning 'existing creature'. A human being = a creature that exists and is human.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN BEINGS ARE CONTAINERS (for emotions, spirit); HUMAN BEINGS ARE FRAGILE OBJECTS (to be treated with care).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with just 'human' (человек). 'Human being' is 'человеческое существо' and is used for emphasis on inherent nature. Direct translation 'человек будущий' is incorrect.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'human being' in plural as 'humans beings' (incorrect; correct: 'human beings'). Overusing it where simple 'person' or 'people' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'human being' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often interchangeable, but 'human being' more strongly emphasizes biological species membership and inherent nature, while 'person' can be more legal or individual-focused.
Yes, the plural is 'human beings' (not 'humans beings').
It is neutral but can sound slightly formal or philosophical in everyday conversation where 'person' is more common. It is standard in formal and academic writing.
'Human' is more often used as an adjective (human body) or as a noun synonymous with 'human being', but 'human being' is more emphatic and unambiguous as a noun referring to an individual person.