Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow it
All over the world till lately, and in most of the world still today, mankind has been following the course of nature, that is to say, it has been breeding up to the maximum. To let nature take her extravagant course in the reproduction of the human race may have made sense in an age in which we were also letting her take her course in decimating mankind by the casualties of war, pestilence and famine. Being human, we have at last revolted against that senseless waste. We started to impose on heartless play a humane new order of our own. But, when once man has begun to interfere with nature, he cannot afford to stop half way. We cannot, with impunity, cut down the death-rate and at the same time allow the birth-rate to go on taking course. we must consciously try to establish an equilibrium or, sooner or later, famine will stalk abroad again
'humane' as used in the passage means
All over the world till lately, and in most of the world still today, mankind has been following the course of nature, that is to say, it has been breeding up to the maximum. To let nature take her extravagant course in the reproduction of the human race may have made sense in an age in which we were also letting her take her course in decimating mankind by the casualties of war, pestilence and famine. Being human, we have at last revolted against that senseless waste. We started to impose on heartless play a humane new order of our own. But, when once man has begun to interfere with nature, he cannot afford to stop half way. We cannot, with impunity, cut down the death-rate and at the same time allow the birth-rate to go on taking course. we must consciously try to establish an equilibrium or, sooner or later, famine will stalk abroad again
'humane' as used in the passage means
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Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation:
Phrase in context:
> *"We started to impose on heartless play a humane new order of our own."*
Here, “heartless play” refers to nature’s indifferent treatment of human life—through war, famine, pestilence, etc. Mankind, reacting to this cruelty, begins to impose a "humane" order, meaning a kinder, more compassionate system that values and protects life.
What does "humane" mean here?
"Humane" in this context is used to contrast with "heartless." So, it implies:
- Showing compassion
- Being kind and considerate
- Valuing human life
Evaluating the options:
A. sensible – While being sensible may be part of being humane, it doesn’t capture the kindness or compassion implied here.
Incorrect
B. wise – Wisdom isn’t the opposite of “heartless.”
Incorrect
C. human – This is tempting, but “humane” and “human” are not identical. "Human" refers to being a person, while "humane" emphasizes compassion.
Incorrect
D. benevolent – This means kind, compassionate, and caring, which directly matches the contrast being made with “heartless.”
Correct
E. thorough – Not related to the meaning of “humane.”
Incorrect
Phrase in context:
> *"We started to impose on heartless play a humane new order of our own."*
Here, “heartless play” refers to nature’s indifferent treatment of human life—through war, famine, pestilence, etc. Mankind, reacting to this cruelty, begins to impose a "humane" order, meaning a kinder, more compassionate system that values and protects life.
What does "humane" mean here?
"Humane" in this context is used to contrast with "heartless." So, it implies:
- Showing compassion
- Being kind and considerate
- Valuing human life
Evaluating the options:
A. sensible – While being sensible may be part of being humane, it doesn’t capture the kindness or compassion implied here.
Incorrect
B. wise – Wisdom isn’t the opposite of “heartless.”
Incorrect
C. human – This is tempting, but “humane” and “human” are not identical. "Human" refers to being a person, while "humane" emphasizes compassion.
Incorrect
D. benevolent – This means kind, compassionate, and caring, which directly matches the contrast being made with “heartless.”
Correct
E. thorough – Not related to the meaning of “humane.”
Incorrect