Inhumanly vs. Inhumanely — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
"Inhumanly" describes actions exceeding human ability or normality, while "inhumanely" refers to actions done with cruelty or lack of compassion.
Difference Between Inhumanly and Inhumanely
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Inhumanly" is often used to describe feats or attributes that surpass what is typical for humans, highlighting extremes of capability or circumstance. In contrast, "inhumanely" pertains to the manner in which someone treats others, specifically indicating cruelty or a lack of empathy.
When discussing strength or intelligence, "inhumanly" might be used, as in someone performing a task with inhumanly great strength. On the other hand, "inhumanely" would be used to describe treating someone with inhumanely harsh conditions, focusing on the moral implications of the action.
In literature, "inhumanly" could describe characters or phenomena that are beyond human norms, such as supernatural abilities. Whereas, "inhumanely" would be used to describe actions within a narrative that are notably cruel or brutal.
The term "inhumanly" can be applied in scientific and hyperbolic contexts to denote something extraordinary or beyond normal human limits. Conversely, "inhumanely" is primarily used in ethical and moral discussions about treatment of beings.
In reporting or historical accounts, "inhumanly" may describe extraordinary survival stories or feats, whereas "inhumanely" might describe the treatment of individuals in a manner that is ethically and morally reprehensible.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Beyond normal human ability or nature
Cruel or lacking compassion
Usage Context
Describing extraordinary capabilities or conditions
Describing cruel or harsh treatment
Moral Implication
Neutral, often awe-inspiring
Negative, associated with ethical wrongdoing
Common in
Literature, science, hyperbole
Ethical discussions, animal welfare
Example Phrase
"inhumanly strong"
"treated inhumanely"
Compare with Definitions
Inhumanly
Exceeding usual human limits.
She solved the equation with inhumanly speed.
Inhumanely
Cruelly or without empathy.
The animals were kept inhumanely in small cages.
Inhumanly
Hyperbolically extraordinary.
The view was inhumanly beautiful.
Inhumanely
Brutally or without consideration for well-being.
The prisoners were handled inhumanely.
Inhumanly
Beyond what is normal for humans.
He lifted the car with inhumanly strength.
Inhumanely
Lacking humaneness or compassion.
They were treated inhumanely in the camp.
Inhumanly
Unnaturally great or extreme.
He worked with inhumanly dedication.
Inhumanely
Unethically severe.
The punishment was administered inhumanely.
Inhumanly
Not subject to human limitations.
The creature moved with inhumanly agility.
Inhumanely
Harsh and unkindly.
He spoke to them inhumanely.
Inhumanly
Lacking kindness, pity, or compassion; cruel or indifferent
Inhuman treatment of the prisoners.
Inhumanely
Lacking pity or compassion.
Inhumanly
Not suited for human needs
"The monks sat ... in inhuman quiet" (Maura O'Halloran).
Inhumanely
In an inhumane manner.
Inhumanly
Not of ordinary human nature, form, or character
"The woman ... lets out a squeal, a strange pig-squeal, completely inhuman" (Ashley Warlick).
Inhumanely
In an inhumane manner.
Inhumanly
In an inhuman manner.
Inhumanely
In an inhumane manner;
The prisoners of war were treated inhumanely
Inhumanly
In an inhuman manner; cruelly; barbarously.
Common Curiosities
Is inhumanly always used in a negative context?
Not necessarily, it can be neutral or even positive, describing awe-inspiring feats.
What does inhumanely mean?
It refers to actions or behaviors that are cruel or lack compassion.
Is inhumanely associated with legal standards?
Yes, it often appears in contexts involving legal and ethical standards of treatment.
How does inhumanly apply in scientific contexts?
It describes phenomena or abilities that are not typically possible for humans.
What is an example of inhumanly used in literature?
A character might possess inhumanly abilities, like superhuman strength.
What is an example of inhumanely used in news reports?
Reports on animal or human rights abuses may use 'inhumanely' to describe the treatment of individuals.
What does inhumanly mean?
It means exceeding normal human ability or natural limits.
Can inhumanly and inhumanely be used interchangeably?
No, they refer to different contexts; 'inhumanly' is about extremity beyond human norms, and 'inhumanely' about cruelty.
How do these terms relate to ethics?
'Inhumanely' directly relates to moral considerations, whereas 'inhumanly' does not inherently carry ethical implications.
How does inhumanely apply in animal welfare?
It is used to describe treatment of animals that is considered cruel or unethical.
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Written by
Maham LiaqatCo-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.