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

Adams is the ideal vessel for that discovery: The character is more clueless about reality than her elders, and yet her idealism is rooted in a humanism that Streep’s reactionary matron lacks. —Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024

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

Pinker focuses on four Enlightenment themes—reason, science, humanism, and progress—and the accompanying belief that applying these ideas would lead to continuous improvement in the quality of life. —Steven Radelet, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2018

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

Word History

Etymology

see human entry 1

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing humanism

• secular humanism