humanism

noun

hu·​man·​ism ˈhyü-mə-ˌni-zəm 

ˈyü-

1

a

: devotion to the humanities : literary culture

b

: the revival of classical letters, individualistic and critical spirit, and emphasis on secular concerns characteristic of the Renaissance

2

: devotion to human welfare : humanitarianism

renowned for his humanism

3

: a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values

especially : a philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason : secular humanism

humanist

ˈhyü-mə-nist 

ˈyü-

noun or adjective

humanistic

ˌhyü-mə-ˈni-stik 

ˌyü-

adjective

humanistically

ˌhyü-mə-ˈni-sti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌyü-

adverb

Examples of humanism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The London trio updates the naive humanism of 2000s indie-folk with modern dread and restless experimentation on its ambitious full-length debut. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 7 July 2026

But Christian humanism as a phenomenon flourished most during the Renaissance. — Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026

In a moving message this weekend, Pope Leo XIV spoke out against the rising tide of AI and urged his followers to recommit to a radical humanism. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026

The 63-year-old auteur, winner of the Cannes Palme d’Or in 2018 for Shoplifters, has made his indelible imprint on world cinema with delicate family drama, suffused with wry humor and wrenching humanism, far more so than futurism. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see human entry 1

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing humanism

• secular humanism

Rhymes for humanism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism