humaine

Humaine is the feminine form of the French adjective humain, meaning related to or characteristic of humans. It is used to describe feminine nouns and, by extension, to denote human qualities, humanity, or human beings in a gendered form.

Etymology and forms

The word derives from Latin humanus through Old French humain. The masculine form is humain; the feminine form is humaine. In agreement, adjectives take the gender and number of the noun they modify. When used as a noun, une humaine can refer to a human being, often with emphasis on gender or in literary contexts; more common everyday usage typically employs un être humain or une femme for a person.

Common usage

Phrases frequently encountered include la nature humaine (human nature), la condition humaine (the human condition), and les êtres humains (human beings). The abstract noun l’humanité denotes humanity as a collective concept. Other compounds include dignité humaine (human dignity) and droits humains (human rights).

Notes on usage

While humaine can function as a noun in certain stylistic contexts, it is less common than using forms like homme or femme to designate a person. In general, when referring to people in an inclusive, non-gendered sense, speakers prefer des êtres humains or l’humanité. As with other adjectives, its position precedes or follows the noun depending on emphasis and construction.

See also

Humain, être humain, l’humanité, la condition humaine, humanité, humanisme.