What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
human
Example
Humans have the ability to reason and think abstractly. [human: noun]
Example
It's human nature to seek companionship and social interaction. [human: adjective]
man
Example
The man standing over there is my brother. [man: noun]
Example
Men and women have different biological characteristics. [men: noun]
Example
He works as a mailman for the local post office. [mailman: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Human is more commonly used than man in everyday language, especially in academic or scientific contexts. Man is more commonly used in informal speech or writing, and may be considered outdated or inappropriate in certain contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between human and man?
Human is generally more formal and objective than man, which can be more casual or subjective depending on the context.