humanism

noun

hu·​man·​ism ˈhyü-mə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce humanism (audio)
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 noun or adjective
humanistic adjective
humanistically adverb

Examples of humanism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In setting his characters on a furious collision course, Baker seems bent on pushing realism, humanism, comedy, and action well past the point of formal compatibility. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024 Burton never finds humanism in Halloween, as Adam Sandler did in Hubie Halloween. Armond White, National Review, 11 Sep. 2024 What was humanism but an attempt to universalize and install the preferences of the ruling class, the chief members of which were white, male, and Western? John Ganz, Harper's Magazine, 22 May 2024 Daddio’s duet sustains Hall’s commitment to the humanism missing from today’s gender wars and trivialized by Swift’s pop-star conceits. Armond White, National Review, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for humanism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'humanism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see human entry 1

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of humanism was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near humanism

Cite this Entry

“Humanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanism. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!