Words / C1

hyoo-man-i-TAIRR-ee-uh-n/hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən/

Humanitarian means concerned with reducing suffering and protecting dignity: humanitarian aid, a humanitarian crisis. Humane is kind; human (already in the dictionary) is the species. A humanitarian (noun) is a person in that work. Do not rebrand a trade corridor as humanitarian without the protection mandate.

Meaning

Concerned with reducing human suffering and protecting people’s dignity.

Examples

• “A humanitarian corridor is not a trade route with a kinder name.”
• “A humanitarian corridor is a protected route for civilians, not a cheaper freight lane.”
• “Humane killing of an animal is kindness; humanitarian work is organised relief for people.”

Good to know

Aimed at relieving human suffering. Close adj.: humane (kind). Noun: a humanitarian. Mix-up: human. Not a marketing sticker on trade.

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