anthropology

[ an-thruh-pol-uh-jee ]

/ ˌæn θrəˈpɒl ə dʒi /

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See synonyms for: anthropology / anthropologically / anthropological on Thesaurus.com

noun

the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind.

the study of human beings' similarity to and divergence from other animals.

the science of humans and their works.

Also called philosophical anthropology. the study of the nature and essence of humankind.

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Origin of anthropology

First recorded in 1585–95; anthropo- + -logy

OTHER WORDS FROM anthropology

an·thro·po·log·i·cal

[an-thruh-puh-loj-i-kuhl], /ˌæn θrə pəˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, an·thro·po·log·ic, adjectivean·thro·po·log·i·cal·ly, adverbpseu·do·an·thro·po·log·i·cal, adjectivesem·i·an·thro·po·log·ic, adjective

sem·i·an·thro·po·log·i·cal, adjectivesem·i·an·thro·po·log·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use anthropology in a sentence

Family is an anthropological fact—a socially and culturally related fact.
Is Pope Francis Backpedaling on Gays?|Jay Michaelson|November 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The philosophical investigation of our anthropological reality is the cornerstone of higher education.
Can Higher Education Really Save Our Humanity?|James Poulos|February 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He'd come to your child's Bar Mitzvah, but his interest in synagogues seemed anthropological.
Tony Lewis, American, Jew, Remembered|Bernard Avishai|October 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And not just the evil but also the anthropological mistakenness of communism.
What Margaret Thatcher Meant to Eastern Europeans|David Frum|April 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Not in some grand gesture or anthropological experiment, just … a cup of coffee.
An Easter Resolution|Joshua DuBois|March 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Anthropological writers, by an oversight, have dwelt on Oki, but have not mentioned Ahone.
Myth, Ritual, and Religion, Vol. 1|Andrew Lang
The one is anthropological dualism, regarding the soul as a distinct entity which comes to the body from without.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac Husik
Baudru Dsir was turned over to the anthropological service; they had never seen anything like him.
The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsene Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar|Maurice Leblanc
But to break in on a creature engaged in—well, we don't know what primal private activity—is against all anthropological practice.
What's He Doing in There?|Fritz Reuter Leiber
These desks were indeed scientific, following in their construction the anthropological study of the child.
The Montessori Method|Maria Montessori

British Dictionary definitions for anthropology

anthropology

/ (ˌænθrəˈpɒlədʒɪ) /

noun

the study of humans, their origins, physical characteristics, institutions, religious beliefs, social relationships, etcSee also cultural anthropology, ethnology, physical anthropology, social anthropology

Derived forms of anthropology

anthropological (ˌænθrəpəˈlɒdʒɪkəl), adjectiveanthropologically, adverbanthropologist, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for anthropology

anthropology

[ ăn′thrə-pŏl′ə-jē ]

The scientific study of humans, especially of their origin, their behavior, and their physical, social, and cultural development.

Cultural definitions for anthropology

anthropology

The scientific study of the origin, development, and varieties of human beings and their societies, particularly so-called primitive societies.

anthropology

Origin of anthropology

OTHER WORDS FROM anthropology

Words related to anthropology

How to use anthropology in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for anthropology

Derived forms of anthropology

Scientific definitions for anthropology

Cultural definitions for anthropology