humanism

noun

hu·​man·​ism ˈhyü-mə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce humanism (audio)
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 noun or adjective
humanistic adjective
humanistically adverb

Examples of humanism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 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 See all Example Sentences for humanism 

Word History

Etymology

see human entry 1

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of humanism was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near humanism

Cite this Entry

“Humanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humanism. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

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