humanize
/ˈhjuːmənaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhjuːmənaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhyü-mə-ˌnīz ˈyü-/ (ame, mw)
humanize — 動詞
- 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
人性化
讓制度或空間更貼近人的需求
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.
Vinícius 花了兩年的時間，試圖讓銀行那套緩慢的線上申請表更人性化。
humanize + system/process noun
The new manager wanted to humanize the call center by ending the strict toilet-break rules.
新任主管想讓客服中心更人性化，於是廢除了嚴格的上廁所規定。
humanize + workplace noun
Architects often try to humanize prisons by adding gardens, libraries, and quiet rooms.
建築師常透過增設花園、圖書館和安靜的房間，讓監獄環境更人性化。
Dr. Lakan redesigned the waiting room with soft lights and toys to humanize the children's clinic.
Dr. Lakan 用柔和的燈光和玩具重新布置候診區，讓兒童診所更人性化。
- 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
展現人性面
讓人物有血有肉，更易引發共鳴
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.
Zola 寫了一篇長文，呈現出住在火車站附近那些無家可歸家庭的人性面。
humanize + group noun; journalism context
The documentary humanized the prime minister by showing her crying at her mother's funeral.
這部紀錄片透過總理在母親葬禮上落淚的畫面，展現了她的人性面。
humanize + public figure
Mira's photos humanized the factory workers, showing their lunch boxes and family photos on the walls.
Mira 的照片拍下工廠工人的便當與牆上的全家福，讓他們的人性面被看見。
Some critics say the film tries too hard to humanize the dictator and ignores his crimes.
有些評論認為，這部電影太刻意呈現獨裁者的人性面，反而忽略了他的罪行。
- 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 —
擬人化
賦予非人事物人的特徵或情感
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.
迪士尼電影把動物擬人化，賦予牠們聲音、友情和家庭困擾。
humanize + animal noun
Élise spent months humanizing her chatbot so that it could greet customers warmly.
Élise 花了好幾個月把她的聊天機器人擬人化，讓它能熱情地招呼顧客。
humanize + AI/technology noun
Children often humanize their stuffed toys, holding tea parties and tucking them into bed at night.
孩子們常把絨毛玩偶擬人化，幫它們開茶會，晚上還會幫它們蓋被子。
Walid argued that humanizing the storm with a name like 'Helen' made the news feel more dramatic.
Walid 認為，把颶風擬人化、取名為「Helen」，會讓新聞顯得更戲劇化。
- 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.