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Synonyms

humanly

American  
[hyoo-muhn-lee, yoo-] / ˈhyu mən li, ˈyu- /

adverb

  1. in a human manner.

  2. by human means.

  3. within the limits of human knowledge and capability.

    Is it humanly possible to predict the future?

  4. from or according to the viewpoint of humankind.


humanly British  
/ ˈhjuːmənlɪ /

adverb

  1. by human powers or means

  2. in a human or humane manner

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of humanly

First recorded in 1605–15; human + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"We have had a logistical problem, and we have done everything humanly possible to reduce it," said Piero Corvetto, head of the election commission.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Much of it hinges on something decidedly low tech: the ability to build data centers as fast as humanly possible—and all the dealmaking, zoning and permitting that it entails.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

“The real woman was brave and intelligent. And she handled the most difficult circumstances as well as it was humanly possible to do.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

The actress confesses she was "conscious and scared" of whether she could portray the character and story "as honestly and bravely and humanly as possible".

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

I wrinkled my nose and chose the seat as far away from them as humanly possible.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin