humanist
UK: ˈhjuːmənɪst | US: ˈhjuːmənɪst
n. a person who advocates or practices humanism, emphasizing human values and rational inquiry
n. a scholar of the humanities or classical learning
adj. relating to or characteristic of humanism
The word "humanist" derives from the Latin humanus (human, cultured), combined with the suffix -ist (indicating an adherent of a practice or philosophy). Emerging during the Renaissance, it originally referred to scholars reviving classical literature and philosophy, later evolving to denote advocates of human-centered ethics over religious dogma. The morpheme "human" preserves its core meaning, while "-ist" marks agency, creating a term for proponents of humanistic ideals.
As a humanist, she focused on improving education and social equality.
Renaissance humanists studied ancient Greek and Roman texts.
His humanist approach prioritized empathy and scientific reasoning.
The museum exhibit celebrated the works of 15th-century Italian humanists.
Modern humanists often advocate for secular ethics in public policy.