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 What emerges is an unapologetic account from a Catholic leader who balances his role as defender of traditional doctrine with humanism and the distinct perspective of the Global South. Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 This movie quietly evokes the quirky humanism of early Jonathan Demme — go see it! Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 15 Oct. 2023 Miguel de Cervantes experienced all of it, and that is precisely what conditioned the humanism and complexity of his work. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 Jan. 2024 It’s become a cliché to praise a filmmaker for loving his characters, as if doing so made said characters worthier of our interest, or if humanism were an inherent artistic virtue. Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2023 Episodes about a woman who made a brief career of pretending to be Aretha Franklin, the murder of a wolf in Yellowstone Park, and the unraveling of the rapper G. Dep — who voluntarily confessed to killing a man 17 years after the fact — demonstrate the show’s range and humanism. Reggie Ugwu, New York Times, 4 Dec. 2023 Under this outmoded prerogative, Korean screen icon Song Kang-ho easily could be described as his country’s simultaneous answer to both Marlon Brando and Tom Hanks, such is his seemingly contradictory blend of sardonic physicality, fearsome technique, lyrical humanism and overwhelming likability. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Dec. 2023 Comedy has a range as large as human feeling, and can express optimism (the Marx Brothers), pessimism (Jacques Tati), stoicism (Buster Keaton), and even humanism (Chaplin). Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2023 However, physicians must hold onto their unique and special gifts of humanism and empathetic care for patients. Time, 23 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'humanism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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