nonhuman

English

Alternative forms

• non-human

Etymology

non- +‎ human

Adjective

nonhuman (not comparable)

1. Not human; not of the human race.

   nonhuman animals

   nonhuman agents

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)

1. 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.