Anthropomorphism: meaning, definitions and examples

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anthropomorphism

[ˌanθrəpəˈmɔːrˌfɪzəm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

literature

The attribution of human characteristics or behavior to a god, animal, or object.

Synonyms

anthropomorphization, humanization, personification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
anthropomorphism	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.
personification	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.
humanization	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.
anthropomorphization	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.

Examples of usage

The novel uses anthropomorphism to make the animals more relatable to the readers.
In mythology, anthropomorphism is a common way to depict gods with human emotions and traits.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

psychology

The tendency to attribute human emotions and characteristics to inanimate objects or natural phenomena.

Synonyms

humanization, personification, projection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
anthropomorphism	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.
projection	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.
personification	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.
humanization	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.

Examples of usage

The anthropomorphism of the weather can be seen in phrases like 'the sun is smiling.'
Children often exhibit anthropomorphism when playing with their toys.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Greek words 'anthropos' meaning 'human' and 'morphe' meaning 'form' or 'shape.'
It has been used since ancient times, with examples found in early literature and mythology that described gods in human form.
The word began to gain common use in the English language around the 19th century.

Literature

Fables, such as those by Aesop, often feature animals with human qualities to convey moral lessons.
Classic literature like George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' uses anthropomorphism as a way to critique society through the behaviors of animals.
In children's books, characters like Winnie the Pooh and the Cat in the Hat emerge as timeless examples that teach lessons about friendship and imagination.

Psychology

Studies suggest that people may feel more empathetic towards animals when they perceive them as having human-like emotions.
Anthropomorphism can enhance our bond with pets, making them seem more relatable and emotionally supportive.
It helps explain why people often talk to inanimate objects, attributing feelings when experiencing loneliness or stress.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'Zootopia' and 'Finding Nemo' feature characters that exhibit human behaviors, making them relatable to audiences.
The 'Sonic the Hedgehog' franchise anthropomorphizes animals, allowing fans to connect with their adventures on a human level.
Cartoons often personify inanimate objects, as seen in 'Toy Story,' where toys have feelings and relationships similar to humans.

Science

In biology, anthropomorphism can lead to misconceptions about animal behavior, as people may attribute human motives to their actions.
In research, scientists warn against anthropomorphism when it comes to interpreting animal cognition or emotions, emphasizing species-specific instincts.
However, some scientists use anthropomorphism as a tool to make complex scientific ideas more accessible to the general public.

Translations

Translations of the word "anthropomorphism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 antropomorfismo

🇮🇳 मानवीकरण

🇩🇪 Anthropomorphismus

🇮🇩 antropomorfisme

🇺🇦 антропоморфізм

🇵🇱 antropomorfizm

🇯🇵 擬人化 (ぎじんか)

🇫🇷 anthropomorphisme

🇪🇸 antropomorfismo

🇹🇷 antropomorfizm

🇰🇷 의인화 (ui-inhwa)

🇸🇦 تشبيه الإنسان بالحيوان

🇨🇿 antropomorfismus

🇸🇰 antropomorfizmus

🇨🇳 拟人化 (nǐrénhuà)

🇸🇮 antropomorfizem

🇮🇸 mannlíking

🇰🇿 антропоморфизм

🇬🇪 ანტროპომორფიზმი

🇦🇿 antropomorfizm

🇲🇽 antropomorfismo

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,987 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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30984 nationalize
30985 paramedical
30986 trashy
30987 anthropomorphism
30988 impish
30989 alleyways
30990 scandium
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