HUMANISTIC

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does humanistic mean? 

• HUMANISTIC (adjective)
  The adjective HUMANISTIC has 4 senses:

1. of or pertaining to a philosophy asserting human dignity and man's capacity for fulfillment through reason and scientific method and often rejecting religion

2. of or pertaining to Renaissance humanism

3. pertaining to or concerned with the humanities

4. marked by humanistic values and devotion to human welfare

  Familiarity information: HUMANISTIC used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• HUMANISTIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or pertaining to a philosophy asserting human dignity and man's capacity for fulfillment through reason and scientific method and often rejecting religion

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Synonyms:

humanist; humanistic

Context example:

the humanist belief in continuous emergent evolution

Pertainym:

humanism (the doctrine emphasizing a person's capacity for self-realization through reason; rejects religion and the supernatural)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Of or pertaining to Renaissance humanism

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Synonyms:

humanist; humanistic

Context example:

the humanistic revival of learning

Pertainym:

humanism (the cultural movement of the Renaissance; based on classical studies)

Derivation:

humanism (the cultural movement of the Renaissance; based on classical studies)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Pertaining to or concerned with the humanities

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Synonyms:

humane; humanist; humanistic

Context example:

a humane education

Pertainym:

humanities (studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills))

Sense 4

Meaning:

Marked by humanistic values and devotion to human welfare

Synonyms:

human-centered; human-centred; humanist; humanistic; humanitarian

Context example:

respect and humanistic regard for all members of our species

Similar:

humane (marked or motivated by concern with the alleviation of suffering)

Derivation:

humanism (the doctrine that people's duty is to promote human welfare)