How Do You Spell METAHUMAN?

Pronunciation: [mˌɛtəhjˈuːmən] (IPA)

The word "metahuman" is often used in the genre of science fiction and refers to a fictional being with extraordinary abilities beyond what is considered human. The spelling and pronunciation of this word can be somewhat tricky. The first syllable "meta" is pronounced /ˈmɛtə/ while the second syllable "human" is pronounced /ˈhjumən/. So, in IPA phonetic transcription, the full word "metahuman" is pronounced as /ˈmɛtəhjumən/. With this knowledge, you'll never be tongue-tied when discussing superheroes!

Meaning and Definition
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METAHUMAN Meaning and Definition

  1. Metahuman is a noun that refers to a being or individual who possesses extraordinary or superhuman abilities beyond what is considered normal or typical for humans. The term is often used in the context of science fiction, fantasy, or comic books and is derived from the combination of "meta-" meaning beyond or transcending, and "human" representing the human species.

    Metahumans are depicted as having exceptional physical, mental, or supernatural powers, which can include enhanced strength, speed, agility, intelligence, telepathy, telekinesis, shape-shifting, or other extraordinary capabilities. These abilities make metahumans stand out from regular humans and enable them to carry out acts that would be impossible or highly difficult for an average person.

    In fictional universes, metahumans can originate from various sources such as genetic mutations, exposure to radiation, mystical artifacts, advanced technology, or alien heritage. They often play significant roles as heroes or villains in stories, fighting for justice, protecting society, or causing mayhem and chaos.

    The term "metahuman" has gained substantial popularity and recognition due to its frequent usage in comic books, television shows, movies, and video games, particularly in the superhero genre. It has become emblematic of characters possessing extraordinary abilities that surpass conventional human limitations, granting them a unique place within fictional worlds.

Etymology of METAHUMAN

The word "metahuman" is primarily used in science fiction and fantasy genres to refer to individuals with superhuman abilities or powers. The term can be understood by breaking it down into two parts: "meta" and "human".

1. Meta: The prefix "meta" comes from the Greek word "meta" (μετά), which originally meant "beyond" or "after". Over time, it has evolved to represent concepts such as "transcending", "changing", or "higher-order". In the context of "metahuman", it implies the idea of going beyond the normal human abilities or capabilities.

2. Human: The word "human" comes from the Latin word "humanus", which means "relating to a person" or "of a person". It refers to individuals belonging to the Homo sapiens species.