unhuman

/'ʌn'hju:mən/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Divested of human qualities or attributes: Lacking the characteristics, emotions, or nature typically associated with human beings; inhuman.
    • Not human; not of human origin: Belonging to or characteristic of something other than a human.
Usage
  • The adjective unhuman is used to describe entities, actions, or qualities that are devoid of what is considered human. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting something alien, monstrous, or coldly mechanical. It is less common than its synonym "inhuman" but is used in similar contexts, particularly in literary or philosophical discussions.
Examples
  • The creature's unhuman strength and glowing eyes filled the villagers with terror.
  • There was an unhuman precision to the machine's movements, devoid of any organic flaw.
  • The artist sought to capture an unhuman, almost divine, beauty in the sculpture.
Advanced Usage
  • In philosophical/ethical contexts: Used to discuss actions or systems that strip away humanity.
    • The regime's propaganda was designed to create an unhuman indifference to suffering among the populace.
  • In speculative fiction: Often describes aliens, robots, or gods.
    • The AI spoke with an unhuman calmness, analyzing the crisis without a trace of panic.
Variants and Related Words
  • Inhuman (adj): Cruel, brutal; or similarly, not human. (This is a much more common synonym.)
  • Nonhuman (adj): A more neutral term meaning simply "not human," often used in scientific contexts (e.g., ).
  • Dehumanize (v): To deprive of human qualities or attributes.
Synonyms
  • Inhuman
  • Monstrous
  • Alien
  • Mechanical
  • Soulless
Antonyms
  • Human
  • Humane
  • Compassionate
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • (As) unhuman as...: A simile used for emphasis.
    • His voice was as unhuman as the wind howling through a canyon.
  • An unhuman force: A phrase describing a power that is not of human origin or nature.
    • They felt they were battling an unhuman force that cared nothing for their laws or morals.
Adjective
  1. divested of human qualities or attributes

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