humanistic

UK: /ˌhjuːməˈnɪstɪk/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

hu•man•ism /ˈhyuməˌnɪzəm/   n. [uncountable]

1. Philosophy [often: Humanism] a system or manner of thinking or action in which human interests, values, and dignity are most important, often rejecting the importance of a belief in God or in religion.
2. devotion to or study of the humanities.

hu•man•ist, n. [countable] , adj. 
hu•man•is•tic, adj. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

hu•man•ism  (hyo̅o̅′mə niz′əm or, often, yo̅o̅′-), n. 

1. Philosophy any system or mode of thought or action in which human interests, values, and dignity predominate.
2. devotion to or study of the humanities.
3. (sometimes cap.) the studies, principles, or culture of the humanists.
4. Philosophy a variety of ethical theory and practice that emphasizes reason, scientific inquiry, and human fulfillment in the natural world and often rejects the importance of belief in God.

• human + -ism 1805–15

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

hu•man•ist  (hyo̅o̅′mə nist or, often, yo̅o̅′-), n. 

1. a person having a strong interest in or concern for human welfare, values, and dignity.
2. a person devoted to or versed in the humanities.
3. a student of human nature or affairs.
4. a classical scholar.
5. (sometimes cap.) any one of the scholars of the Renaissance who pursued and disseminated the study and understanding of the cultures of ancient Rome and Greece, and emphasized secular, individualistic, and critical thought.
6. Philosophy (sometimes cap.) a person who follows a form of scientific or philosophical humanism.

adj. 

7. of or pertaining to human affairs, nature, welfare, or values.
8. (sometimes cap.) of or pertaining to the humanities or classical scholarship, esp. that of the Renaissance humanists.
9. Philosophy of or pertaining to philosophical or scientific humanism.

• Italian umanista. See human, -ist
• 1580–90

hu′man•is′tic, adj. 
hu′man•is′ti•cal•ly, adv.