1
a
: a person who pursues the study of the humanities
accused by humanists of having an exclusive interest in social sciences—Publications of the Modern Language Association of America called for a greater understanding between scientists and humanists—Science
b
: an adherent or practitioner of Renaissance humanism
specifically
: a Renaissance scholar devoted to the study of classical letters
2
: a person who is devoted to human welfare : one who is marked by a strong interest in or concern for humankind : humanitarian
a humanist, a lover of all sorts of people—Yale Review a humanist, who felt deeply about inequality … wherever he saw it—Max Lerner
3
a
often capitalized
: a person who subscribes to the doctrines of scientific humanism
specifically
: a member of a religious society or sect subscribing to such doctrines
b
: a person who subscribes to a form of philosophical humanism
1
a
: of or relating to Renaissance humanism or humanists
the humanistic revival of learning
b
: of, relating to, or concerned with the humanities : cultural
the fact that humanistic subjects … have a part in the development of the students—Science Greek … the most exacting humanist study—Robert Birley
2
: of or relating to philosophical or religious humanism in any of its forms
what we need is a humanistic religion … man-centered and comfortable—R. C. Hartnett supernaturalist and humanist strategies of motivation—K. D. Burke the humanist belief in continuous emergent evolution—Wendell Thomas
3
: marked by or expressive of devotion to human welfare or strong interest in or concern for humankind : humanitarian
the liberal approach has been a humanist approach—M. W. Straight incorporate the socialist idealism of Russia with the humanist individualism of America—Cyril Connolly respect and humanistic regard for all other members of our species—Weston La Barre
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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