humanness: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, literary, academic, philosophical
Quick answer
What does “humanness” mean?
The essential quality or condition of being human.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The essential quality or condition of being human; the collective attributes that define humanity.
The state or fact of being a person rather than a thing, animal, or machine. It often encompasses positive traits like compassion, empathy, vulnerability, and the capacity for complex social and emotional connection. It can also refer to the limitations, fallibility, and mortal nature inherent to the human condition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage difference. The word is equally formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Slight tendency for more frequent use in British English in literary/academic contexts, but the difference is minimal.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties; considered an elevated term.
Grammar
How to Use “humanness” in a Sentence
the humanness of [someone/something][verb: acknowledge/celebrate/deny] [possessive] humannessa sense of humannessVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “humanness” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'humanness' is a noun.
American English
- N/A - 'humanness' is a noun.
adverb
British English
- N/A - No direct adverb form from 'humanness'. 'Humanly' is derived from 'human'.
- She acted very humanly, which only emphasised her essential humanness.
American English
- N/A - No direct adverb form from 'humanness'. 'Humanly' is derived from 'human'.
- The system failed humanly, a reminder of our shared humanness.
adjective
British English
- The novel explored deeply human themes, but its focus was on humanness itself.
- His humane treatment of animals contrasted with his struggle to acknowledge the humanness of his rivals.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in HR or leadership contexts discussing 'bringing humanness to the workplace' to contrast with corporate rigidity.
Academic
Common in philosophy, psychology, sociology, and literary studies to discuss the essence of being human.
Everyday
Very rare. More likely in deep, reflective conversation. 'Humanity' or 'being human' are more common substitutes.
Technical
Used in AI/robotics ethics discussions about granting or recognising human-like qualities in machines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “humanness”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “humanness”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “humanness”
- Misspelling as 'humaness' (missing one 'n').
- Confusing with 'humaneness' (meaning compassion, mercy). 'Humanness' is about being human; 'humaneness' is about being kind.
- Overusing in casual contexts where 'humanity' or 'being human' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Humanity' can mean 1) all human beings collectively, 2) the quality of being humane (kind/compassionate). 'Humanness' specifically refers to the state or quality of being human, focusing on the inherent attributes that define us.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say 'what it means to be human' or 'the human condition'.
This is a key distinction. 'Humanness' is the state of being human. 'Humaneness' is the quality of being compassionate, merciful, and kind (i.e., showing humanity in its second sense). A robot might lack humanness, but a person can act with or without humaneness.
Typically, it is neutral or positive. However, it can be used to refer to human limitations or flaws (e.g., 'the error was a result of simple humanness'). In this sense, it acknowledges fallibility as part of the human condition.
The essential quality or condition of being human.
Humanness is usually formal, literary, academic, philosophical in register.
Humanness: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhjuːmənnəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhjuːmənnəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not a standalone idiom; often appears in phrases like 'in all our/their humanness']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: HUMAN + NESS. It's the '-ness' (the state or quality) of being HUMAN.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMANNESS IS A CORE/ESSENCE (e.g., 'at her core', 'the essence of our humanness'). HUMANNESS IS A FRAGILE POSSESSION (e.g., 'lose one's humanness', 'preserve our humanness').
Practice
Quiz
Which word is closest in meaning to 'humanness' in the sentence: 'The film explored the humanness of the historical figure, showing his doubts and fears'?