Menselijkerwijs

Menselijkerwijs is a Dutch adverb that translates to "humanly" or "in a human way." It describes actions or qualities that are characteristic of human beings, often implying a degree of imperfection, fallibility, or emotionality. The term can be used to distinguish human behavior from that of animals, machines, or divine beings. For instance, one might say someone acted menselijkerwijs when they made a mistake due to stress or fatigue, rather than due to a lack of competence.

The word is derived from "menselijk," meaning "human," with the addition of the suffix "-erwijs," which forms adverbs indicating manner or way. It suggests an approach or outcome that aligns with the natural limitations and tendencies of humans. This can encompass a range of behaviors, from compassion and empathy to irrationality and error.

In usage, "menselijkerwijs" often serves to contextualize actions within the broader spectrum of human experience. It can be used to explain why something happened or to describe how someone behaved, emphasizing that their actions were understandable given their human nature. It is not typically used in a negative sense, but rather as a neutral descriptor of the human condition. The concept implies that certain actions or outcomes are to be expected because they stem from human agency.