Agency Dictionary
Humanist
adjectivePronunciation: /ˈhjuː.mə.nɪst/
In Portuguese: Humanista
Philosophy & Ethics
History & CivilizationsWhat does “Humanist” mean?
Relating to or characterized by humanism, emphasizing human dignity, reason, and cultural agency.
Etymology
From Middle French humaniste. The word belongs to the family of Latin humanus, "human", and humanitas, "human nature, culture, kindness". It first named the scholars of the Renaissance who studied the Greek and Latin classics, the studies called the humanities. It later came to describe any outlook centred on human dignity, reason and culture, and it is used both as a noun and as an adjective.
Usage note
As an adjective, humanist and humanistic overlap; humanistic is more common in psychology and education. In typography, humanist names typefaces modelled on Renaissance handwriting.
Synonyms
- humanistic
- classical
- human-centred
- liberal
Often confused with
- humanitarian
- Humanitarian concerns the relief of suffering; humanist concerns a view of culture and of the human being.
Word family
- humanism
- humanistic
- humanity
- humanities
- humane
- human
Usage examples
A humanist library doesn’t build itself.
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
Words of the same theme
- Characternoun
- A metal block engraved with a letter used in letterpress printing, as well as the intrinsic moral quality and strength of a person.
- Antithesisnoun
- A person, thing, or concept that represents the direct or exact opposite of another.
- Hermeneuticsnoun
- The branch of knowledge that deals with interpretation, especially of literary texts and philosophical works. It examines how meaning is mediated through linguistic context.
- Agapenoun
- A selfless, unconditional, and altruistic form of love often associated in theology with divine charity.
- Erosnoun
- A passionate, romantic, and often erotic love characterized by intense longing, attraction, and creative vitality.
- Philianoun
- A deep, reciprocal, and virtuous affection among friends or equals based on shared values and mutual loyalty.
- autonomynoun
- The condition or power of self-governance, independent decision-making, and freedom from external control.
- Discursiveadjective
- Proceeding by reasoned argument or sequential exposition rather than by immediate visual intuition.
- Empiricistnoun
- A person who supports the theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience. In practice, an empiricist insists on tangible observation and verifiable testing before accepting a claim.
- Ludusnoun
- A playful, flirtatious, and lighthearted form of love free from long-term obligations or solemnity.
- Pragmanoun
- A practical, enduring, and mature love built on long-term commitment, shared duties, and realistic expectations.
- Storgenoun
- Natural familial affection, especially the instinctive bond shared among parents, children, and siblings.
Also from these editions: terms
- imperatornoun
- A title of honor originally bestowed on victorious military commanders in Rome, which later became the formal designation of the reigning emperor.
- denariusnoun
- A standard silver coin in ancient Roman currency that served as the principal denomination of daily commerce and military pay.
- honestioresnoun
- The higher-ranking social class in the high Roman Empire that enjoyed privileged legal treatment, lighter criminal sentences, and exemption from torture.
- humilioresnoun
- The lower-ranking free population in imperial Rome subject to severe criminal punishments, investigative torture, and forced labor.
- aqueductnoun
- An engineered conduit or bridge designed to convey water from distant freshwater springs into urban centers using gravity flow.
- usurpationnoun
- The wrongful seizure of sovereign power or throne through rebellion, military coup, or assassination without legal right.
- amphitheatrenoun
- An oval or circular open-air venue with tiered seating used in the Roman world for gladiatorial contests, beast hunts, and public executions.
- declamationnoun
- The formal rhetorical exercise of delivering prepared speeches on hypothetical legal cases or historical dilemmas in classical Roman academies.
- grammaticusnoun
- A secondary schoolmaster in ancient Rome responsible for teaching classical Greek and Latin literature, grammar, and poetic analysis to adolescent boys.
- poscanoun
- A popular Roman beverage made by mixing sour wine or vinegar with water, often flavored with aromatic herbs and consumed by soldiers and laborers.
- pulsnoun
- A traditional thick Roman porridge made from boiled emmer wheat or spelt that formed the staple dietary sustenance of the populace.
- Oratorynoun
- The formal skill, art, or practice of public speaking with eloquence, clarity, and persuasive power.
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