ness than _flat_. The adjective _plain_,
originally the same word as _plane_, is now rarely used except in the
figurative senses, but the original sense appears in the noun, as we
speak of "a wide _plain_." We speak of a _horizontal_ line, a _flat_
morass, a _level_ road, a _plain_ country, a _plane_ surface
(especially in the scientific sense). That which is _level_ may not be
_even_, and that which is _even_ may not be _level_; a _level_ road may
be very rough; a slope may be _even_.

Antonyms:

broken, inclined, rolling, rugged, sloping,
hilly, irregular, rough, slanting, uneven.

* * * * *

HUMANE.

Synonyms:

benevolent, compassionate, human, pitying,
benignant, forgiving, kind, sympathetic,
charitable, gentle, kind-hearted, tender,
clement, gracious, merciful, tender-hearted.

_Human_ denotes what pertains to mankind, with no suggestion as to its
being good or evil; as, the _human_ race; _human_ qualities; we speak of
_human_ achievements, virtues, or excellences, _human_ follies, vices,
or crimes. _Humane_ denotes what may rightly be expected of mankind at
its best in the treatment of sentient beings; a _humane_ enterprise or
endeavor is one that is intended to prevent or relieve suffering. The
_humane_ man will not needlessly inflict pain upon the meanest thing
that lives; a _merciful_ man is disposed to withhold or mitigate the
suffering even of the guilty. The _compassionate_ man sympathizes with
and desires to relieve actual suffering, while one who is _humane_ would
forestall and prevent the suffering which he sees to be possible.
Compare MERCY; PITIFUL; PITY.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for BARBAROUS.

* * * * *

HUNT.

Synonyms:

chase, hunting, inquisition, pursuit, search.

A _hunt_ may be either the act of pursuing or the act of seeking, or a
combination of the two. A _chase_ or _pursuit_ is after that which is
fleeing or departing; a _search_ is for that which is hidden; a _hunt_
may be for that which is either hidden or fleeing; a _search_ is a
minute and careful seeking, and is especially applied to a locality; we
make a _search_ of or through a house, for an object, in which
connection it would be colloquial to say a _hunt_. _Hunt_ never quite
loses its association with field-sports, where it includes both _search_
and _chase_; the _searc