humanize
/ˈhjuːmənaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhjuːmənaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhyü-mə-ˌnīz ˈyü-/ (ame, mw)
humanize — verb
- humanizepresent simple I / you / we / they
- humanizeshe / she / it
- humanizedpast simple
- humanizing-ing form
1. to change a system, place, or process so that it feels warmer and easier for ord
to change a system, place, or process so that it feels warmer and easier for ordinary people to deal with — for example, redesigning a cold hospital ward with sunlight, plants, and family seating areas.
Vinícius spent two years trying to humanize the bank's slow online application form.
humanize + system/process noun
The new manager wanted to humanize the call center by ending the strict toilet-break rules.
humanize + workplace noun
Architects often try to humanize prisons by adding gardens, libraries, and quiet rooms.
Dr. Lakan redesigned the waiting room with soft lights and toys to humanize the children's clinic.
- soften
broader; can apply to rules or tone, not just whole systems
- personalize
adds individual touches; humanize aims at warmth and dignity for everyone
- dehumanize
the direct opposite — strip warmth and dignity away
文法句型
humanize + noun (system/place/process)
用法筆記
Object is usually an institution, system, or built environment (hospital, prison, factory, office). Distinguish from sense 2: this sense changes a thing; sense 2 changes how we perceive a person.
常見錯誤
2. to describe or show a person — especially a public figure or stranger — so that
to describe or show a person — especially a public figure or stranger — so that an audience starts to see their feelings, doubts, and small daily struggles, and feels emotionally closer to them.
Zola wrote a long article that humanized the homeless families living near the train station.
humanize + group noun; journalism context
The documentary humanized the prime minister by showing her crying at her mother's funeral.
humanize + public figure
Mira's photos humanized the factory workers, showing their lunch boxes and family photos on the walls.
Some critics say the film tries too hard to humanize the dictator and ignores his crimes.
- humanise
British spelling of the same word
- demonize
describe someone as wholly evil — the opposite framing
- dehumanize
describe people as if they are not fully human
文法句型
humanize + person/group noun
用法筆記
Object is a person or group the audience might otherwise see as distant, powerful, or 'other'. Often used about journalism, film, or political speech. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense is about a real person; sense 3 is about something that is not human.
常見錯誤
3. to give a thing, animal, or idea the looks, feelings, or behaviour of a person —
to give a thing, animal, or idea the looks, feelings, or behaviour of a person — for example, a cartoon mouse that wears clothes and talks, or a robot designed with a smiling face and a soft voice.
Disney films humanize animals by giving them voices, friendships, and family problems.
humanize + animal noun
Élise spent months humanizing her chatbot so that it could greet customers warmly.
humanize + AI/technology noun
Children often humanize their stuffed toys, holding tea parties and tucking them into bed at night.
Walid argued that humanizing the storm with a name like 'Helen' made the news feel more dramatic.
- personify
give human qualities especially to abstract ideas (time, death); narrower than humanize
- anthropomorphize
more technical; common in zoology and design discussions
文法句型
humanize + non-human noun
用法筆記
Object is non-human (animal, object, machine, weather, abstract idea). Distinguish from sense 2: sense 2 makes a real person feel relatable; sense 3 gives human qualities to something that is not a person.