Inhuman-Inhumane | Commonly Confused Words
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Inhuman vs. Inhumane

Inhuman

/ɪnˈhjuːmən/
Very cruel or lacking humane qualities

Examples:

His inhuman strength startled everyone around him.Her inhuman ability to work long hours amazed even the manager.Their inhuman treatment of the captives was condemned worldwide.

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Antonyms:

Inhumane

Lacking compassion or kindness towards people or animals

Examples:

The inhumane treatment of animals at the factory led to protests.His inhumane actions during the war were condemned universally.The new law aims to eliminate inhumane conditions in prisons.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Inhuman describes something lacking human qualities, often cruel or barbarous.
  • Inhumane refers specifically to actions or treatments that lack kindness, compassion or mercy, typically towards people or animals.
  • Both words share the prefix in- meaning not, but their roots define their specific nuances.
  • Remember that humane relates to compassion, hence inhumane is about the lack of compassion.
  • Think of humane societies that promote kindness, so inhumane acts are the opposite.
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