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Anthropology: meaning, definitions and examples

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anthropology

 

[ ænθrəˈpɒlədʒi ]

Noun
Subjects
Context #1 | Noun

academic study

Anthropology is the comprehensive study of humans, their behavior, societies, and cultures throughout history and into modern times. This field encompasses various sub-disciplines, including cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and archaeological anthropology. Anthropologists seek to understand how human beings adapt to their environments and the diverse cultural practices that characterize different societies. By studying artifacts, languages, and social structures, they provide insights into human evolution and social dynamics.

Synonyms

cultural study, human science, social science

Examples of usage

  • Cultural anthropology explores social norms.
  • Physical anthropology studies human anatomy.
  • Linguistic anthropology examines language use.
  • Archaeologists uncover ancient civilizations.

Translations

Translations of the word "anthropology" in other languages:

🇵🇹 antropologia

🇮🇳 मानवशास्त्र

🇩🇪 Anthropologie

🇮🇩 antropologi

🇺🇦 антропологія

🇵🇱 antropologia

🇯🇵 人類学

🇫🇷 anthropologie

🇪🇸 antropología

🇹🇷 antropoloji

🇰🇷 인류학

🇸🇦 علم الإنسان

🇨🇿 antropologie

🇸🇰 antropológia

🇨🇳 人类学

🇸🇮 antropologija

🇮🇸 mannfræði

🇰🇿 антропология

🇬🇪 ანტროპოლოგია

🇦🇿 antropologiya

🇲🇽 antropología

Etymology

The term 'anthropology' has its roots in the Greek words 'anthropos', meaning 'human', and 'logos', meaning 'study' or 'discourse'. The development of anthropology as a formal field of study emerged in the 19th century, during a time when European colonial expansion brought various cultures into contact. Scholars sought to systematically study these diverse societies, leading to a growing interest in cultural practices, languages, and social structures. Early anthropologists, like Edward Burnett Tylor and Franz Boas, established foundational concepts in the discipline, focusing on cultural relativism and the importance of fieldwork. Throughout the 20th century, anthropology expanded to include critical perspectives on globalization, power structures, and identity, continuously evolving as a field to address contemporary social issues and dynamics. Today, anthropology is a vital area of scholarship that informs our understanding of human diversity and collective experience.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,857 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.