humanism

1 of 3

noun (1)

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

humanist

2 of 3

noun (2)

hu·​man·​ist -nə̇st 

plural -s

1

a

: a person who pursues the study of the humanities

accused by humanists of having an exclusive interest in social sciences

—Publications of the Modern Language Association of America

called for a greater understanding between scientists and humanists

—Science

b

: an adherent or practitioner of Renaissance humanism

specifically : a Renaissance scholar devoted to the study of classical letters

2

: a person who is devoted to human welfare : one who is marked by a strong interest in or concern for humankind : humanitarian

a humanist, a lover of all sorts of people

—Yale Review

a humanist, who felt deeply about inequality … wherever he saw it

—Max Lerner

3

a

often capitalized : a person who subscribes to the doctrines of scientific humanism

specifically : a member of a religious society or sect subscribing to such doctrines

b

: a person who subscribes to a form of philosophical humanism

c

: new humanist

humanist

3 of 3

adjective

"

variants or humanistic

¦⸗⸗¦nistik 

-tēk

1

a

: of or relating to Renaissance humanism or humanists

the humanistic revival of learning

b

: of, relating to, or concerned with the humanities : cultural

the fact that humanistic subjects … have a part in the development of the students

—Science

Greek … the most exacting humanist study

—Robert Birley

2

: of or relating to philosophical or religious humanism in any of its forms

what we need is a humanistic religion … man-centered and comfortable

—R. C. Hartnett

supernaturalist and humanist strategies of motivation

—K. D. Burke

the humanist belief in continuous emergent evolution

—Wendell Thomas

3

: marked by or expressive of devotion to human welfare or strong interest in or concern for humankind : humanitarian

the liberal approach has been a humanist approach

—M. W. Straight

incorporate the socialist idealism of Russia with the humanist individualism of America

—Cyril Connolly

respect and humanistic regard for all other members of our species

—Weston La Barre

Examples of humanism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But Christian humanism as a phenomenon flourished most during the Renaissance. —Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026

In a moving message this weekend, Pope Leo XIV spoke out against the rising tide of AI and urged his followers to recommit to a radical humanism. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026

The 63-year-old auteur, winner of the Cannes Palme d’Or in 2018 for Shoplifters, has made his indelible imprint on world cinema with delicate family drama, suffused with wry humor and wrenching humanism, far more so than futurism. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026

And humanism is a concept that ties together science and humanity. —Dr. Tal Patalon, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

see human entry 1

Noun (2)

probably from Middle French humaniste, from Latin humanus + Middle French -iste -ist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing humanism

• secular humanism

Rhymes for humanism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism