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

That’s not hyperbole — literally no other RPGs blend humanism and sci-fi with philosophy, reflections on grief, and religious commentary the way Tetsuya Takahashi and his writers have for the last 30 years. —Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025

The writer-director Mike White has developed a sturdy blueprint for this series, combining beautiful locations, talented actors, dark social satire, gentle humanism and just a little bit of mystery. —Noel Murray, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025

Siew Ting describes the ideal marketing leader through the lens of Leonardo da Vinci—a harmonious blend of art, science, and humanism. —Aliza Knox, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

For both writers — and this is true for Renaissance humanism at large — there is no contemplative life without the active life — the two modes necessarily co-exist. —Peter Rubin, Longreads, 13 Nov. 2024

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
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism