noun

anthropomorphism

an-thruh-puh-MOR-fih-zuhm

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Anthropomorphism (noun) means the habit of treating animals, objects or other nonhuman things as though they had human characteristics and behaviour. Example: “Giving the robot a name and a personality is a small act of anthropomorphism.”

noun

The habit of treating animals, objects or other nonhuman things as though they had human characteristics and behaviour.

"Giving the robot a name and a personality is a small act of anthropomorphism."

"Children's stories are full of anthropomorphism, with talking rabbits and bears in waistcoats."

"Some biologists are wary of anthropomorphism when they describe how animals feel."

technical In theology, the practice of describing a god or gods as having human characteristics and behaviour.

"Ancient myths often show anthropomorphism, with gods who feel anger, jealousy and love."

"The scholar argued that the poem's image of a walking deity was mere anthropomorphism."

How to use anthropomorphism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTreating non-human things as if they had human traits and behaviour.

When to use it

It is a formal, somewhat academic word, used in literature, science and theology.

Memory tip

Break it into anthropo- (human) and -morphism (form) to remember that it means giving human form or traits to something else.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

avoid anthropomorphism accused of anthropomorphism religious anthropomorphism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

Giving the robot a name and a personality is a small act of _____.

Etymology

The word appeared in the mid-1700s. It is built from two Ancient Greek words, ánthrōpos, meaning human, and morphḗ, meaning form or shape.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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theanthropism

Rhymes for anthropomorphism

morphism polymorphism

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Frequently asked questions

What is anthropomorphism?

It means treating animals, objects or gods as if they had human traits and behaviour.

What is an example of anthropomorphism?

A cartoon mouse that talks, wears clothes and holds opinions is a familiar example. So is saying a car is being stubborn.

Why do scientists warn against anthropomorphism?

In science, especially biology, the word has traditionally been used as criticism when a scientist seems to give animals traits assumed to be exclusively human. In literature it is simply a storytelling device.

What is the meaning of anthropomorphism?

"anthropomorphism" (noun) means the habit of treating animals, objects or other nonhuman things as though they had human characteristics and behaviour.