What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
man
Example
The man walked confidently down the street. [man: noun]
Example
Man has always been curious about the mysteries of the universe. [man: collective noun]
Example
He showed great courage and acted like a real man. [man: noun]
human
Example
Humans have the ability to reason and think abstractly. [human: noun]
Example
Her artwork captures the essence of the human experience. [human: adjective]
Example
It is important to respect the basic human rights of all individuals. [human: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Human is more commonly used in academic or scientific contexts, while man is more frequently used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between man and human?
Human is generally considered more formal than man, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.