humanist Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a classical scholar or student of the liberal arts
  2. noun an advocate of the principles of humanism; someone concerned with the interests and welfare of humans
    humanitarian.
  3. adjective of or pertaining to Renaissance humanism
    humanistic.
    • the humanistic revival of learning
  4. adjective of or pertaining to a philosophy asserting human dignity and man's capacity for fulfillment through reason and scientific method and often rejecting religion
    humanistic.
    • the humanist belief in continuous emergent evolution"- Wendell Thomas
  5. adjective pertaining to or concerned with the humanities
    humane; humanistic.
    • humanistic studies
    • a humane education
  6. adjective satellite marked by humanistic values and devotion to human welfare
    human-centered; humanistic; human-centred; humanitarian.
    • a humane physician
    • released the prisoner for humanitarian reasons
    • respect and humanistic regard for all members of our species

WordNet

Hu"man*ist noun
Etymology
Cf. F. humaniste.
Definitions
  1. One of the scholars who in the field of literature proper represented the movement of the Renaissance, and early in the 16th century adopted the name Humanist as their distinctive title. Schaff-Herzog.
  2. One who purposes the study of the humanities, or polite literature.
  3. One versed in knowledge of human nature.

Webster 1913