# humanist

/ˈhjumənɪst/ (US) · /hjˈuːmɐnˌɪst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/humanist
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

someone who believes that human reason and values are more important than religious beliefs. They focus on making the world better through science, ethics, and kindness.

For teachers: an adherent of a philosophical system that emphasizes human agency, rationalism, and ethics over divine or supernatural intervention. Often associated with the Renaissance movement that revived interest in classical Greek and Roman thought.

## Examples

- As a humanist, she believes in solving problems through reason.
- The speaker argued from a humanist perspective, focusing on universal human rights rather than religious tradition.
- The transition from medieval scholasticism to the humanist inquiry of the Renaissance marked a profound shift in how European scholars perceived the relationship between the individual and the state.

## Usage notes

- Often used to describe historical scholars of the Renaissance or modern secular thinkers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.