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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

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

Words related to anthropology

folklore, sociology

How to use anthropology in a sentence

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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