Anthropomorphism: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in academic or scientific contexts to describe the attribution of human traits to animals, gods, or objects.

• The study discussed the anthropomorphism often observed in animated movies.
• Anthropomorphism in children's literature helps to make the story more relatable.

Commonly used in literary and artistic contexts to describe giving human traits, emotions, or intentions to abstract concepts, animals, or objects.

• In poetry, the wind is often given personification, described as whispering through the trees.
• The personification of Death as a robed figure with a scythe is prevalent in many cultures.

Used in both academic and general contexts to describe making something more human-like. It can relate to both physical and behavioral traits.

• The humanization of AI is a hot topic in tech conferences.
• Photographs of animals in distress can lead to the humanization of their plight and generate empathy.

A more technical term found in academic papers or professional discussions when talking about the process of attributing human characteristics to non-human entities.

• The anthropomorphization of robots in modern technology blurs the line between human and machine.
• The anthropomorphization of climate phenomena can aid in public understanding of environmental issues.

This is used in a scientific or academic context to describe the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, often in literature, art, or psychology.

• The children's book was full of anthropomorphism, with animals behaving like humans.
• Anthropomorphism helps us to relate to characters in stories, even if they are not human.

This is used in psychology to describe the act of attributing one's own emotions or traits onto others, or in a broader sense, attributing human traits to non-human entities.

• She engaged in projection when she assumed others felt the same fear she did.
• His projection of human emotions onto his pet created a deep bond.

Typically used in literature to give human traits to abstract concepts, animals, or inanimate objects. Often used in poetry and creative writing.

• The author’s use of personification made the wind seem friendly and inviting.
• In the poem, the night is given personification and described as a caring mother.

This term is used when making something more human or giving it human characteristics, often to make it more relatable or understandable.

• The robot's humanization process included programming it to use body language and facial expressions.
• The documentary aimed at the humanization of prisoners to show their personal stories.