human

Universal Words adjective, noun adjective 1 [onlybeforenoun] of or connected with people rather than animals, machines or gods: the human body / brain * human anatomy / activity / behaviour / experience * a terrible loss of human life * Contact with other people is a basic human need. * This food is not fit for human consumption. * human geography (= the study of the way different people live around the world) * The hostages were used as a human shield (= a person or group of people that is forced to stay in a particular place where they would be hurt or killed if their country attacked it). * Firefighters formed a human chain (= a line of people) to carry the children to safety. 2 showing the weaknesses that are typical of people, which means that other people should not criticize the person too much: human weaknesses / failings * We must allow for human error. * It's only human to want the best for your children. 3 having the same feelings and emotions as most ordinary people: He's really very human when you get to know him. * The public is always attracted to politicians who have the human touch (= the ability to make ordinary people feel relaxed when they meet them). compareINHUMAN, NON-HUMAN IDIOMS see MILKn. noun (also human being) a person rather than an animal or a machine: Dogs can hear much better than humans. * That is no way to treat another human being.