humanism

Meaning

1. (uncountable, usually) The study of the humanities or the liberal arts; literary (especially classical) scholarship.
2. (capitalized, historical, often, uncountable, usually) Specifically, a cultural and intellectual movement in 14th-16th century Europe characterised by attention to classical culture and a promotion of vernacular texts, notably during the Renaissance.
3. (uncountable, usually) An ethical system that centers on humans and their values, needs, interests, abilities, dignity and freedom; especially used for a secular one which rejects theistic religion and superstition.
4. (uncountable, usually) Humanitarianism, philanthropy.
5. (uncountable, usually) A theology within Unitarian Christianity that denied the divine nature of Christ and the transcendental nature of God.

Synonyms

humanitarianism

humanity

human nature

instinct

secular humanism

love for humanity

Translations

humanisme

Humanismus

humanismo

umanesimo

humanismo

humanisme

ανθρωπισμός

humanisme

hümanizm

humanitarisme

humanitarismo

Menschlichkeit

umanisme

humanismus

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈhjuːmənɪz(ə)m/

Etymology

From human + -ism, borrowed from German Humanismus, coined by Friedrich Immanuel Niethammer in 1808.