humanistiske

Humanistiske is the plural form of the Norwegian and Danish adjective humanistisk, meaning “humanistic” or “related to humanism.” It is used to describe plural nouns or feminine plural forms, and appears in everyday language as well as in academic and cultural contexts. Examples include humanistiske verdier (humanistic values), humanistiske tradisjoner (humanistic traditions), and humanistiske tilnærminger (humanistic approaches). In phrases naming worldviews or movements, the word can also appear in its plural form when referring to multiple elements within a category.

Etymology and form: the term derives from the Latin humanus through the medieval transmission into Scandinavian languages. The suffix -isk(-isk) is used to form adjectives meaning “pertaining to” or “characteristic of,” so humanistisk becomes humanistiske when modifying a plural noun, or when used in feminine plural contexts.

Usage and nuance: humanistiske describes qualities, values, or practices that emphasize human welfare, rational inquiry, ethics, and secular or non-religious perspectives. It is a descriptive term rather than a formal designation of a specific organization, though it can appear in discussions about humanist ethics, education, philosophy, or culture. In Norwegian, adjectives agree with number and definiteness, so the form you use depends on the noun it modifies.

See also: humanistisk (the singular form), humanisme (humanism), secular humanism.