humanism

American  

[hyoo-muh-niz-uhm, yoo-] / ˈhyu məˌnɪz əm, ˈyu- /

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.

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humanism British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• antihumanism noun
• humanist noun
• humanistic adjective
• semihumanism noun

Etymology

Origin of humanism

First recorded in 1805–15; human + -ism

Explanation

Do you think humans should use their brains and reason to be the best they can be, instead of relying on religion? Then you believe in humanism. Humanism comes from the Latin humanitas, which means "education that befits a civilized man." This belief system or cultural movement bubbled up during the Renaissance, promoting classical Greek and Roman values like reason, justice and ethics instead of supernatural religious ideas. People who follow humanism are called humanists, and they've probably studied a lot of literature, philosophy and history.

Example Sentences

Divided into three sections hinged together by a through-line of humanism, Elizabeth Alexander reminds the reader that Jordan “was a prolific poet whose lyrical voice linked political struggle with an ethic of love.”

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2025

The United States’ unique brand of humanism, with its emphasis on the individual and risk-taking, has shaped a form of free-market capitalism that continues to drive progress.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 25, 2025

In the more than four decades since Lennon’s death, Ono has continued to create works steeped in humanism and cries for peace.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 13, 2024

Reason, humanism and Enlightenment values had no function in the concentration camps, he argued.

From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2024

This new, irrepressible sound was the still, small voice of secular humanism.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall