Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or characteristic of the family Hominidae: This term describes anything pertaining to the biological family Hominidae, which includes modern humans (Homo sapiens) and other extinct, closely related species that are human-like or "manlike."

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The fossil exhibited several hominian traits, such as a large cranial capacity.
  • Scientists study hominian evolution to understand the origins of modern humans.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in academic, anthropological, and paleontological contexts to classify and discuss anatomical, behavioral, or evolutionary features shared by members of the Hominidae family.
  • The debate centered on whether the newly discovered tool use was a hominian innovation.

Variants and Related Words

• Hominid (n. & adj.): A more common term. As a noun, it refers to any member of the family Hominidae. As an adjective, it means the same as "hominian."
  • Neanderthals are classified as hominids.
• Hominin (n. & adj.): Pertaining to the tribe Hominini, which is a narrower classification within Hominidae, typically including humans and our extinct ancestors after the split from the chimpanzee lineage.
  • The study focused on hominin bipedalism.

Synonyms

• Hominid (adj.): Of or relating to the family Hominidae.
• Anthropoid (adj.): Resembling a human. (Note: This is a broader term that can also include apes.)

Notes on Meaning

• "Hominian" is a specialized, technical adjective. In most modern scientific writing, the adjective form of hominid is preferred. "Hominian" specifically emphasizes characteristics of the family as defined in taxonomy.

Adjective

1. characterizing the family Hominidae, which includes Homo sapiens as well as extinct species of manlike creatures