transhumanist
|trans-hu-man-ist|
/trænzˈhjuːmənɪst/
advocate of going beyond human limits
Etymology
'transhumanist' originates from modern English, specifically from the word 'transhumanism' combined with the suffix '-ist', where the prefix 'trans-' meant 'across' or 'beyond' and 'human' ultimately comes from Latin 'humanus' meaning 'human'.
'transhumanist' developed from 'transhumanism' (coined in the mid-20th century; notably used by Julian Huxley in 1957). The element 'transhuman' was formed from Latin 'trans-' + 'humanus' ('beyond human'), and the agentive suffix '-ist' was added to indicate a supporter or advocate.
Initially the components conveyed the idea 'beyond human' or 'across human', but over time the combined term came to mean specifically an advocate of using science and technology to extend or transform human capacities.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who advocates, supports, or is a follower of transhumanism — the idea that humans can and should use science and technology to enhance physical, intellectual, or psychological capacities and to overcome aging and human limitations.
Many transhumanists support research into genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and life-extension technologies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of transhumanism or its proponents; concerning the use of technology to enhance human abilities.
Transhumanist ideas about cognitive enhancement raise difficult ethical questions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/15 23:03