human-resources
UK[ˌhjuːmən rɪˈzɔːsɪz]US[ˌhjuːmən ˈriːsɔːrsɪz]
n
the department in a company that deals with hiring, training, and supporting employees
n
the people who work for an organization, considered as a valuable asset
Morpheme Breakdown
human
resources
human
relating to people
resources
supplies or assets
Etymology
The term is a modern compound, formed in the mid-20th century from two established English words. 'Human' traces back to Latin humanus, which itself derives from homo, meaning 'man' or 'human being', reflecting a focus on mankind. 'Resource' originates from the Latin resurgere ('to rise again'), implying a spring or source that can be drawn upon repeatedly. Combined, 'human resources' metaphorically frames a company's workforce not merely as employees, but as a renewable pool of talent and capability that is essential to organizational function and growth, analogous to natural resources like water or minerals.
Analysis
Structure: human (relating to people) + resources (supplies or assets)
- human: From Latin humanus (of or belonging to man, humane, cultivated), related to homo (man). Functions as an adjective modifying the noun 'resources'.
- resources: From Latin resurgere (to rise again), via French ressource (means of supplying a need). The base 'source' is from Latin surgere (to rise). Functions as a noun meaning assets or supplies.
Examples
She works in the human-resources department, handling recruitment and benefits.
Investing in training is crucial for developing our human resources.
The merger will lead to a restructuring of human resources across both companies.