Anthropomorphize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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anthropomorphize
[anหฮธrษหpษmษหfaษชz ]
Definition
in storytelling
To attribute human characteristics or behavior to an animal, object, or deity.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| anthropomorphize |
Used when giving human traits or behaviors to animals, objects, or gods. Often applied in literature, storytelling, or animation.
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| personify |
Used when attributing human characteristics to abstract concepts, often in poetry or literature. Can also be used when describing a person as a perfect example of a quality.
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| humanize |
Used when making something more human-like or relatable, particularly in a way that emphasizes empathy and understanding. Often applied in social contexts or discussions about characters in stories.
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| embody |
Used when something or someone physically represents an idea, quality, or concept. Often applied in discussions of art, literature, and symbolic representations.
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Examples of usage
- Many Disney movies anthropomorphize animals to make them more relatable to the audience.
- The ancient Greeks often anthropomorphized their gods, giving them human emotions and desires.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Famous examples include characters like Winnie the Pooh and the talking animals in Aesop's Fables, which use anthropomorphism to teach lessons.
- In children's literature, anthropomorphized characters help young readers understand emotions and moral lessons more clearly.
Psychology
- Humans often attribute human traits to pets, which can strengthen emotional bonds and understanding.
- Anthropomorphism can make people more empathetic towards animals, leading to better animal welfare practices.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'Zootopia' and 'Finding Nemo' use anthropomorphized characters to create engaging stories that appeal to all ages.
- Merchandise often features anthropomorphized objects, such as talking toys and animated appliances, to attract kids and enhance their play experience.
Art
- In art, anthropomorphism can be seen in cartoons, where objects like cups or cars are given faces and personalities to entertain.
- Famous painters, like Renรฉ Magritte, used anthropomorphism to create surreal images that challenge viewers' perceptions of reality.
Origin of 'anthropomorphize'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'anthropos,' meaning 'human,' and 'morphe,' meaning 'form or shape.'
- It first appeared in English in the late 19th century, emphasizing how cultures often relate to animals and objects as if they were people.
The word 'anthropomorphize' comes from the Greek roots 'anthropo-' meaning human, and '-morph' meaning form or shape. It was first used in the mid-19th century to describe the act of attributing human characteristics to non-human entities. This concept has been prevalent in various cultures throughout history, often used in storytelling, mythology, and religious beliefs.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,134, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.