anthropomorphism

[ an-thruh-puh-mawr-fiz-uhm ]

noun

1. an anthropomorphic conception or representation, as of a deity.

anthropomorphism

/ ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfɪzəm /

noun

1. the attribution of human form or behaviour to a deity, animal, etc

anthropomorphism

1. The attributing of human characteristics and purposes to inanimate objects, animals, plants, or other natural phenomena, or to God. To describe a rushing river as “angry” is to anthropomorphize it.

Derived Forms

• ˌanthropoˈmorphist, noun

Other Words From

• anthro·po·morphist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthropomorphism¹

First recorded in 1745–55; anthropo- + -morphism

Example Sentences

Ball’s exploration of the minds of others negotiates this path between solipsism—the skeptical philosophical position that none of us can know anything beyond our own mind—and anthropomorphism, which naively projects our own qualities onto nonhumans.

From MIT Technology Review

Directed by Drew Xanthopoulos, Fathom portrays humpbacks and other whales as complex, highly social beings without overstated anthropomorphism.

From Science News

In anthropomorphism there are many errors, but there is one truth.

From Project Gutenberg

Its anthropomorphism is only, to unobservant minds, less apparent.

From Project Gutenberg

In contrast with these childish pieces of anthropomorphism, we have the famous and sublime speculations of an often-quoted hymn.

From Project Gutenberg

Having disposed of crude anthropomorphism we must now take up the problem of attributes, which endangers the unity.

From Project Gutenberg

The barbarian culture shows sportsmanship, status, and anthropomorphism.

From Project Gutenberg