noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

humanist

HYOO-muh-nihst

Quiz me More like this

Humanist (noun) means someone who believes in humanism — the idea that people can lead ethical, meaningful lives through reason and compassion, without relying on religion. Example: “As a humanist, she found meaning in helping others rather than in religious practice.”

noun

Someone who believes in humanism — the idea that people can lead ethical, meaningful lives through reason and compassion, without relying on religion.

"As a humanist, she found meaning in helping others rather than in religious practice."

"The organization promotes humanist values like reason and human dignity."

A scholar of subjects such as literature, history, and philosophy, especially during the Renaissance.

"Renaissance humanists studied ancient Greek and Roman texts closely."

"He trained as a humanist scholar before turning to science."

adjective

Relating to humanism or the study of the humanities.

"The university offers a strong humanist education."

"Her writing reflects a deeply humanist outlook on life."

How to use humanist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone (or something) focused on human values, reason, and ethics rather than religious belief.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with humanitarian — a humanist holds a philosophical worldview, while a humanitarian is someone focused on relieving suffering.

Easily confused with

humanitarian →

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like humanist.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: humanists

Test yourself on “humanist” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

As a _____, she found meaning in helping others rather than in religious practice.

Etymology

From Middle French humaniste, related to the study of "humane letters" during the Renaissance.

Origin: Middle French

Synonyms

View more →

humanitarian humane humanistic

Antonyms

nonhumanist

Related words

fell humanitarian brutal kindly charitable humane inhuman humanistic

Rhymes for humanist

pianist botanist organist Satanist

See all rhymes for humanist →

Frequently asked questions

What does “humanist” mean?

The word “humanist” means someone who believes in humanism — the idea that people can lead ethical, meaningful lives through reason and compassion, without relying on religion. In plain terms, someone (or something) focused on human values, reason, and ethics rather than religious belief.

How do you pronounce “humanist”?

“Humanist” is pronounced HYOO-muh-nihst (/ˈhjuːmənɪst/ in IPA).

How do you use “humanist” in a sentence?

Here is “humanist” used in a sentence: “As a humanist, she found meaning in helping others rather than in religious practice.”

What is the opposite of “humanist”?

The opposite of “humanist” — its antonyms — is nonhumanist.

What part of speech is “humanist”?

Depending on how it is used, “humanist” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “humanist” come from?

The word “humanist” comes from Middle French. From Middle French humaniste, related to the study of "humane letters" during the Renaissance.

Is “humanist” a common word?

“Humanist” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “humanist” have?

“Humanist” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who believes in humanism — the idea that people can lead ethical, meaningful lives through reason and compassion, without relying on religion.

People also searched

fell humanitarian brutal kindly charitable humane inhuman humanistic