What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
humanist
Example
As a humanist, she believes in the inherent goodness of people. [humanist: noun]
Example
The Renaissance was a period of humanist thought and artistic expression. [humanist: adjective]
humanitarian
Example
She volunteers for a humanitarian organization that provides aid to refugees. [humanitarian: adjective]
Example
The earthquake victims received humanitarian aid from various organizations. [humanitarian: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Humanitarian is more commonly used than humanist in everyday language, especially in the context of responding to crises and emergencies. Humanist is a more specialized term that is often used in academic and intellectual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between humanist and humanitarian?
Both humanist and humanitarian can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, humanist is more likely to be used in academic and intellectual contexts, while humanitarian is more likely to be used in social and political contexts.
