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

Most movies that aspire to humanism of that kind inevitably will be constrained by the need for commercial success. —Dan Bekerman, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024

And that’s the basic premise of a movement known as humanism. —Sigal Samuel, Vox, 20 Oct. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

see human entry 1

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing humanism

• secular humanism