A person, especially one with rationality and moral judgment
Origin
The word "human" has a rich etymological history that can be traced back to Proto-Indo-European, the ancestral language of most Indo-European languages.
Proto-Indo-European "dʰǵʰéǵʰōm": This root word likely referred to the earth or the ground.
Latin "humanus": Around 2500-334 BC, the Proto-Indo-European root was borrowed into Latin as "humanus," meaning "of or belonging to the earth."
French "humain": In the 12th century, "humanus" was borrowed into Old French as "humain," retaining its meaning of "earthly" or "mortal."
English "human": Around the 14th century, "humain" was borrowed into Middle English as "human," which has continued to be used in modern English.
Semantic Evolution
Over time, the meaning of "human" has undergone a semantic evolution:
Earthly and Mortal: Initially, "human" emphasized our connection to the earth and mortality.
Rationality and Morality: By the 16th century, "human" had acquired additional connotations of rationality, moral judgment, and the ability to reason.
Contemporary Usage: Today, "human" commonly refers to a person who possesses intelligence, self-awareness, and a capacity for empathy and compassion.
