Dictionary

1-ist

noun suffix

: a person who does a specified action or activity

: a person who makes or produces something specified

: a person who plays a specified musical instrument

Full Definition of -IST

1
a :  one that performs a (specified) action <cyclist> :  one that makes or produces a (specified) thing <novelist>
b :  one that plays a (specified) musical instrument <harpist>
c :  one that operates a (specified) mechanical instrument or contrivance <automobilist>
2
:  one that specializes in a (specified) art or science or skill <geologist> <ventriloquist>
3
:  one that adheres to or advocates a (specified) doctrine or system or code of behavior <socialist> <royalist> <hedonist> or that of a (specified) individual <Calvinist> <Darwinist>
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Origin of -IST

French -iste, from Latin -ista, -istes, from Greek -istēs, from verbs in -izein -ize

2-ist

adjective suffix

: of, relating to, or characterized by a specified quality

Full Definition of -IST

:  of, relating to, or characteristic of <elitist>
-IST Defined for Kids

-ist

noun suffix \əst\

Definition of -IST for Kids

1
:  performer of a specified action <cyclist> :  maker :  producer <novelist>
2
:  a person who plays a specified musical instrument or operates a specified mechanical device <pianist> <motorist>
3
:  a person who specializes in a specified art or science or skill <geologist>
4
:  a person who follows or favors a specified teaching, practice, system, or code of behavior <optimist>

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