nonhuman
See also: non-human
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
Adjective
nonhuman (not comparable)
- Not human; not of the human race.
Usage notes
The adjectives nonhuman, inhuman, and unhuman have connotative and denotative differences. The word nonhuman is usually a neutrally toned adjective referring to any animals or other life forms that are not humans. The word inhuman is usually an emotionally charged word conveying an idea of inhumaneness, cruelty, emotional coldness, or uncanniness. The word unhuman is less common and usually means the same as inhuman.
Noun
nonhuman (plural nonhumans)
- A creature or thing that is not human.
- 2002, Keith McMahon, The Fall of the God of Money (page 190)
- The dialectical obverse of this use of opium is the fear that opium will turn humans into nonhumans or antihumans.
- 2002, Keith McMahon, The Fall of the God of Money (page 190)