English pronunciation · Words Starting with H

Humane Pronunciation

Humane is pronounced hyoo-MAYN, IPA /hjuˈmeɪn/.

hyoo-MAYN

US /hjuˈmeɪn/  ·  UK /hjuːˈmeɪn/

Syllables: hyoo · MAYN (2 syllables, stress on syllable 2)

adjective: Showing compassion, especially in the way people or animals are treated.

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Humane in a Sentence

  • The shelter follows humane handling guidelines.
  • There is a more humane way to run the system.
  • He argued for humane conditions in the camps.

Common Mispronunciations of Humane

Not HYOO-mayn

Human puts the beat first, humane puts it last. The shift is the only thing separating the two in speech.

Not oo-MAYN

The h is pronounced, and a y glides in behind it. Speakers of French, Spanish and Italian often drop both.

Tip: Human is HYOO-muhn and humane is hyoo-MAYN. Moving the beat changes the meaning from a species to a quality.

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