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 humanism makes the film’s creeping discomfort even more effective. —Kate Siegel, Variety, 9 Oct. 2024

Merkel’s decision not to close Germany’s borders to a huge wave of refugees was an act of humanism. —Constanze Stelzenmüller, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021

There was an opening with humanism and with these wealthy patrons, but also there was a huge sense of (them) pushing each other and competing with each other. —Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024

Directed by Roy Ward Baker, this 1958 adaptation of Walter Lord’s nonfiction book about the sinking of the Titanic is a great example of meticulous observation and humanism. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

see human entry 1

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing humanism

• secular humanism