Anthropomorphized: meaning, definitions and examples

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anthropomorphized

 

[ ˌanθrəˈpɒməˌraɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in storytelling

To attribute human characteristics or behavior to a non-human entity, typically an animal or object, in order to make it more relatable or understandable to humans. This technique is often used in literature, movies, and animation.

Synonyms

embody, humanize, personify.

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Word Description / Examples
anthropomorphized

Used in contexts where non-human entities (like animals, objects, or natural phenomena) are given human characteristics or behaviors. Often found in literature, animation, and discussions about artificial intelligence.

  • The animated movie anthropomorphized the animals, giving them human-like emotions and voices
  • The robot was anthropomorphized to help users feel more comfortable interacting with it
personify

Used when giving human qualities to abstract concepts or inanimate objects. Often found in literature, poetry, and rhetoric.

  • In the poem, love is personified as a gentle, caring figure
  • The car advertisement personified the vehicle as a loyal friend
humanize

Used when describing the process of making something more human or relatable, often to generate empathy or understanding. Commonly used in social sciences, media, and literature.

  • The documentary aimed to humanize the struggles of refugees
  • The author humanized the villain, showing his troubled past
embody

Used when talking about something that represents or symbolizes an idea or quality. Often used in abstract or philosophical contexts.

  • The statue embodies the spirit of freedom
  • She embodies the values of hard work and determination

Examples of usage

  • Disney movies often anthropomorphize animals, giving them human-like personalities and emotions.
  • The author anthropomorphized the tree in the story, describing it as having feelings and thoughts.
Context #2 | Verb

in psychology

To ascribe human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, such as gods, natural phenomena, or technological devices. This can be a form of cognitive bias where humans project their own experiences onto the world around them.

Synonyms

attribute human characteristics, personify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
anthropomorphized

Similar to 'anthropomorphized,' this form is used interchangeably in scholarly or detailed analysis to discuss giving human qualities to non-human figures.

  • Children's stories often feature anthropomorphized animals that talk and act like humans.
  • The cartoon character was highly anthropomorphized, walking upright and wearing clothes.
attribute human characteristics

This phrase is more versatile and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It describes the act of giving human attributes to non-human things, often to make them relatable or understandable.

  • People often attribute human characteristics to their pets, believing they can understand complex emotions.
  • In literature, authors sometimes attribute human characteristics to nature, describing the wind as 'whispering' or the trees as 'dancing.'
personify

This word is often used in literary contexts or everyday conversations to describe giving human qualities to inanimate objects, abstract concepts, or animals, typically to create vivid imagery or emotional appeal.

  • The poet personified the moon as a lonely wanderer in the night sky.
  • In the story, the stars were personified as guardians watching over the earth.

Examples of usage

  • Ancient civilizations often anthropomorphized natural forces like the sun and the moon, attributing them with human-like qualities.
  • People tend to anthropomorphize their pets, attributing human emotions and motivations to their behavior.

Translations

Translations of the word "anthropomorphized" in other languages:

🇵🇹 antropomorfizado

🇮🇳 मानवीकरण किया गया

🇩🇪 vermenschlicht

🇮🇩 diantropomorfiskan

🇺🇦 антропоморфізований

🇵🇱 antropomorfizowany

🇯🇵 擬人化された

🇫🇷 anthropomorphisé

🇪🇸 antropomorfizado

🇹🇷 insan biçimine sokulmuş

🇰🇷 의인화된

🇸🇦 مؤنسن

🇨🇿 antropomorfizovaný

🇸🇰 antropomorfizovaný

🇨🇳 拟人化的

🇸🇮 antropomorfiziran

🇮🇸 mannlegt

🇰🇿 антропоморфизацияланған

🇬🇪 ადამიანური თვისებებით დაჯილდოებული

🇦🇿 antropomorfikləşdirilmiş

🇲🇽 antropomorfizado

Etymology

The term "anthropomorphized" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "anthropos" meaning human, and "morphe" meaning form or shape. The concept of anthropomorphism has been present in human culture for centuries, with examples ranging from ancient mythologies to modern popular culture. By attributing human traits to non-human entities, anthropomorphism allows us to better understand and relate to the world around us.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,242, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.