humanism

[ hyoo-muh-niz-uhmor, often, yoo- ]

noun

1. any system or mode of thought or action in which human interests, values, and dignity predominate.
2. devotion to or study of the humanities.
3. (sometimes initial capital letter) the studies, principles, or culture of the humanists.
4. Philosophy. a variety of ethical theory and practice that emphasizes reason, scientific inquiry, and human fulfillment in the natural world and often rejects the importance of belief in God.

humanism

/ ˈhjuːməˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the denial of any power or moral value superior to that of humanity; the rejection of religion in favour of a belief in the advancement of humanity by its own efforts
2. a philosophical position that stresses the autonomy of human reason in contradistinction to the authority of the Church
3. often capital a cultural movement of the Renaissance, based on classical studies
4. interest in the welfare of people

Derived Forms

• ˌhumanˈistic, adjective
• ˈhumanist, noun

Other Words From

• anti·human·ism noun
• semi·human·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of humanism¹

First recorded in 1805–15; human + -ism

Example Sentences

Whatever the case, she stuck with her style of “anarchic humanism” — figurative painting, not abstract — even as her style grew increasingly outdated.

From Freakonomics

It was the ultimate guarantor of the humanism he advanced against Nazism.

From The Daily Beast

For religious parents concerned that teaching humanism to kids might turn them into psychopaths, this is a very gentle book.

From The Daily Beast

These, he insisted, were harbingers of the twin plagues of socialism and secular humanism.

From The Daily Beast

Gloria Steinem famously said that feminism is, at its core, humanism.

From The Daily Beast

Our vehement prejudices leave us no patience for his appeal to radical humanism.

From The Daily Beast

There are two radical differences between Humanism and Christianity.

From Project Gutenberg

Humanism concerns itself solely with Man, so that Man is its first and last care.

From Project Gutenberg

Even Chaucer is not so complete in his humanism, his love of all sorts and conditions of men.

From Project Gutenberg

It is only possible for the rational gospel of humanism, the great religion of natural sympathy, to heal the breach.

From Project Gutenberg

The opponents of humanism are wrong to combat antiquity as well; for in antiquity they have a strong ally.

From Project Gutenberg