humanist

/'hju:mənist/

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The word "humanist" can be understood in two main ways: as a noun and as an adjective.

As a Noun:

1. Definition: A "humanist" is a person who believes in the principles of humanism. This means they care about human welfare and dignity, and they often focus on the value of human beings, personal fulfillment, and reason.
2. Usage: You can use "humanist" to describe someone who advocates for human rights or who values education in the arts and sciences.
3. Example: "She is a humanist who works to improve education for underprivileged children."
4. Word Variants: The related noun "humanism" refers to the belief system itself, while "humanistic" is the adjective form that describes things related to humanism.
5. Synonyms: Some synonyms for "humanist" as a noun include "philanthropist" and "advocate for human rights."

As an Adjective:

1. Definition: When used as an adjective, "humanist" describes something related to humanism or characterized by humanistic values, such as concern for human welfare and respect for individuals.
2. Usage: Use "humanist" to describe actions, beliefs, or education that focus on human values rather than religious or supernatural beliefs.
3. Example: "The school promotes a humanist education that emphasizes critical thinking and the arts."
4. Advanced Usage: In academic contexts, "humanistic" can refer to studies or approaches that prioritize human experience and rational thought, often found in the humanities, such as literature, philosophy, and history.
5. Different Meaning: In historical contexts, "Renaissance humanism" specifically refers to a cultural movement in Europe that emphasized the study of classical texts and human potential.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with "humanist," but you might encounter phrases that involve humanism, such as "the human condition," which refers to the experiences and struggles of being human.

Summary:

The term "humanist" encompasses both a philosophy that values human welfare and dignity and a person who advocates for these principles.

Academic

Adjective

1. marked by humanistic values and devotion to human welfare
   • a humane physician
   • released the prisoner for humanitarian reasons
   • respect and humanistic regard for all members of our species
2. pertaining to or concerned with the humanities
   • humanistic studies
   • a humane education
3. of or pertaining to a philosophy asserting human dignity and man's capacity for fulfillment through reason and scientific method and often rejecting religion
   • the humanist belief in continuous emergent evolution- Wendell Thomas
4. of or pertaining to Renaissance humanism
   • the humanistic revival of learning

Noun

1. an advocate of the principles of humanism; someone concerned with the interests and welfare of humans
2. a classical scholar or student of the liberal arts

Synonyms

• human-centered
• human-centred
• humanistic
• humanitarian
• humane