Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or condition of being human: This refers to the essential characteristics, nature, or state that defines a human being. It encompasses the attributes, experiences, and vulnerabilities that are common to humanity.
   • Human nature; humanity: It can also denote the collective qualities, especially the positive ones like compassion and empathy, that are regarded as characteristic of human beings.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The novel explores the humanness of its characters, their flaws and their capacity for love.
  • Advanced technology should not come at the cost of our basic humanness.
  • In his speech, he appealed to the shared humanness that connects all people.

Advanced Usage

• "To affirm one's humanness": to acknowledge or assert the fundamental qualities of being human.
  • The artist's work is a powerful statement that affirms our shared humanness.
• "The essence of humanness": the most intrinsic and important quality of being human.
  • Philosophers have long debated the essence of humanness.

Variants and Related Words

• Human (adj/n): Relating to or characteristic of people.
  • Human beings are capable of great creativity.
• Humanity (n): The human race; the quality of being humane (kind, benevolent).
  • He showed great humanity in helping the refugees.
• Humaneness (n): The quality of being compassionate or benevolent.
  • The law was changed for reasons of basic humaneness.

Synonyms

• Humanity: The human race; the quality of being humane.
• Human nature: The general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humankind.
• Mortality: The state of being subject to death, often used to emphasize the human condition.

Antonyms

• Inhumanity: Extreme cruelty or lack of compassion.
• Mechanicalness: The quality of being like a machine; automatic and unfeeling.

Noun

1. the quality of being human
   • he feared the speedy decline of all manhood