Pronunciation: [hjˈuːmɐnˌa͡ɪz] (IPA) 
The word "humanize" is spelled with six letters and can be divided into two syllables: "hu-man-ize." The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈhjuː.mə.naɪz/. The sound /h/ at the beginning is followed by a long /u:/ sound. The second syllable contains a schwa sound /ə/ and the final syllable contains the sound /aɪz/. "Humanize" means to make something more humane or to treat something in a more compassionate or considerate way.
Humanize (verb): to make something more compassionate, sympathetic, or relatable to human beings; to imbue with human characteristics, emotions, or qualities; to bring a humane approach or perspective to a situation or context.
When we humanize something, we consciously or unconsciously seek to bridge the gap between the subject and human experience, promoting empathy, understanding, and goodwill. It involves highlighting or amplifying the aspects of an entity or concept that connect it to human nature, enabling individuals to better grasp or emotionally connect with it.
The process of humanization can be observed in various contexts. In art, for example, artists might strive to humanize inanimate objects or animals by giving them facial expressions or relatable postures, allowing viewers to project emotions and associations onto these depictions.
In sociological, political, or cultural discourses, humanization often calls attention to the dignified treatment of marginalized or oppressed groups. By emphasizing their shared humanity, these discussions challenge stereotypes, discrimination, or prejudices, aiming to foster compassion, social justice, and inclusion.
In business, the concept of humanizing brands and products has gained prominence. It involves presenting a company or its offerings in a way that resonates with the target audience on a personal level, establishing an emotional connection, and showcasing the values and aspirations that are important to consumers.
Overall, humanizing is a process that seeks to infuse human qualities, emotions, or perspectives into a subject, creating a sense of familiarity, compassion, and relatability. It allows individuals to connect more deeply with various entities, leading to greater understanding, empathy, and positive engagement.
The word "humanize" derives from the Latin term "humanizare", which is a combination of two Latin words: "humanus", meaning "human", and "izare", a suffix used to form verbs. The term "humanus" itself originates from the Latin noun "homo", meaning "human being" or "man". Therefore, "humanize" can be traced back to the Latin roots indicating the act or process of making something more human-like, compassionate, or civilized.
