humanism
humanism Lexical Profile
humanism Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A rationalist outlook or philosophical system of thought that attaches prime importance to human dignity, agency, and welfare rather than divine or supernatural matters.
"Her ethical philosophy is grounded in secular humanism and a belief in universal human rights."
A Renaissance cultural and intellectual movement that turned away from medieval scholasticism and revived interest in ancient Greek and Roman literature, art, and civic learning.
"The spread of humanism across fourteenth-century Italy transformed university curricula and artistic patronage."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'humanism' (a philosophical and ethical stance centered on human agency and reason) with 'humanitarianism' (practical philanthropy and active relief of human suffering).
• Rhymes for humanism
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 19th century from the German 'Humanismus', introduced by educator Friedrich Immanuel Niethammer in 1808 and derived from the Latin 'humanitas' (human nature, civilization, kindness).