non-human
/ˌnɒn ˈhjuːmən/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌnɑːn ˈhjuːmən/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌnɒnˈhjuː.mən/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌnɑːnˈhjuː.mən/ (ame, ipa)
non-human — adjective
1. belonging to or coming from any living thing or object that is not a person — ty
belonging to or coming from any living thing or object that is not a person — typically animals, plants, robots, or imaginary beings.
The research team studied non-human primates such as chimpanzees and gorillas at the reserve.
common collocation: non-human + animal category noun
Andrés argued that some folk tales give non-human characters wisdom that humans lack.
attributive use modifying a noun like 'characters'
Pet owners often treat their dogs as family, yet the law still classes them as non-human.
Defne is writing her thesis on the rights of non-human animals in modern legal systems.
Many old paintings show angels and other non-human figures around the seated king.
- non-person
rare; mostly philosophical or legal
- animal
as adjective ('animal rights'), narrows to living creatures only
- human
the direct opposite category
文法句型
non-human + noun
be + non-human
用法筆記
Often used attributively before a noun naming the type of being or object — animals, primates, agents, characters, life. Frequent in scientific, legal, and animal-welfare writing where the contrast with humans matters.
常見錯誤
2. showing traits more typical of gods, beasts, or machines than of ordinary people
showing traits more typical of gods, beasts, or machines than of ordinary people — for example, eerie calm, raw cruelty, or perfect precision that no person would normally show.
Adina's voice in the recording sounded almost non-human, flat and without any emotion.
evaluative use after a sensory verb like 'sounded'
The villain's non-human cruelty during the trial shocked even the older judges.
attributive use suggesting an extreme moral quality
Tanvi described the chess engine's play as elegant but non-human, with no fear of losing pieces.
The marathon winner ran the last mile at a pace that felt non-human to the watching crowd.
- inhuman
closer to cruel or lacking compassion
- robotic
stresses mechanical precision
- superhuman
positive: beyond normal ability
- human
in the warm, emotional sense
文法句型
sound/feel/seem + non-human
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this evaluative sense applies to people or behaviour and signals something extreme or unnatural. Sense 1 is a neutral category label (animals, robots, etc.); this sense passes a judgement.
常見錯誤
non-human — noun
1. any single being — animal, robot, alien, or imagined creature — counted as separ
any single being — animal, robot, alien, or imagined creature — counted as separate from people, used when a writer needs one label for that whole non-person group.
The science-fiction novel follows two humans and three non-humans on a long journey across space.
plural count noun: 'two humans and three non-humans'
Tariro's article asks whether a self-aware non-human should be granted basic legal rights.
singular use with article: 'a non-human'
In the game, players can choose between humans, elves, and other non-humans before the first quest.
Mizuki kept arguing that the dolphins in the show were intelligent non-humans, not just clever pets.
- creature
broader and warmer; usually a living being
- non-person
rare; mostly legal or philosophical
- human
the direct counterpart noun
文法句型
a non-human
non-humans (plural)
用法筆記
Mostly found in science fiction, fantasy, philosophy, and animal-rights writing. In everyday speech a more specific word (animal, robot, alien) is usually preferred.