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

At the same time, there’s hopefully enough empathetic humanism to offset all the acid. —Selome Hailu, Variety, 11 June 2025

And though Molly’s humanism usually saves the day, this time Jake has a point: aiming for a compromise, Molly accidentally negotiates the rent up by two dollars. —Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025

Yet the humanism of that idea is so complicated by the ending. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025

Tina Fey communicated moral authority by shredding the misogyny of the 2000s; Seth Meyers brought a wry humanism while also coming off like the world’s most exasperated MSNBC addict; Norm MacDonald crossed every possible line and didn’t seem too worried about it. —Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025

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