What is the Old Latin for Human?

The old Latin word for 'human,' in the sense of humanity or a human being, is homō.

Understanding the Latin Roots of "Human"

The English word "human" has a rich etymological history, tracing back to classical Latin. While homō (pronounced HO-mo) is the noun form referring to 'man' or 'mankind' in the sense of humanity, its adjectival derivative also plays a crucial role in the lineage of "human."

• Homō: This is the fundamental Latin noun for a human being or mankind as a species. It encompasses the collective sense of humanity, distinct from other beings. Its genitive form is hominis, which gives us words like "homicide" and "hominid."

• Hūmānus: Derived from homō, hūmānus (pronounced hoo-MAH-noos) is the adjectival form. It means 'of or belonging to man,' 'human,' 'kind,' or 'civilized.' The English word "human" is a direct descendant of this adjectival form.

Etymological Journey to English

The journey of the word "human" from its Latin origins to modern English involves several linguistic transitions:

1. Latin: The primary root is homō, giving rise to the adjective hūmānus.
2. Old French: Hūmānus evolved into humain in Old French.
3. Middle English: The Old French humain was then borrowed into Middle English as humain or humayn.
4. Modern English: Over time, this evolved into the modern English word "human."

This linguistic lineage highlights how the concept of a human being, from its most basic Latin noun form to its adjectival derivative, has shaped our vocabulary.

Linguistic Evolution Table

For more detailed information on the etymology and usage of "human," you can explore the Wikipedia article on Human.