anthropomorphism

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

/ ˌæn θrə pəˈmɔr fɪz əm /

Save This Word!

noun

an anthropomorphic conception or representation, as of a deity.

QUIZZES

QUIZ YOURSELF ON THE 12 TYPES OF VERB TENSES!

Loosen up your grammar muscles because it’s time to test your knowledge on verb tenses!

Question 1 of 6

The verb tenses can be split into which 3 primary categories?

action, linking, and helping

dynamic, static, and auxiliary

past, present, and future

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Meet Grammar Coach

Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

Improve Your Writing

Meet Grammar Coach

Improve Your Writing

Origin of anthropomorphism

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

OTHER WORDS FROM anthropomorphism

an·thro·po·mor·phist, noun

Words nearby anthropomorphism

anthropology, anthropometer, anthropometrics, anthropometry, anthropomorphic, anthropomorphism, anthropomorphize, anthropomorphosis, anthropomorphous, anthroponomy, anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use anthropomorphism in a sentence

In anthropomorphism there are many errors, but there is one truth.
Theism or Atheism|Chapman Cohen
Its anthropomorphism is only, to unobservant minds, less apparent.
Theism or Atheism|Chapman Cohen
In contrast with these childish pieces of anthropomorphism, we have the famous and sublime speculations of an often-quoted hymn.
Myth, Ritual, and Religion, Vol. 1|Andrew Lang
Having disposed of crude anthropomorphism we must now take up the problem of attributes, which endangers the unity.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac Husik

The barbarian culture shows sportsmanship, status, and anthropomorphism.
The Theory of the Leisure Class|Thorstein Veblen

British Dictionary definitions for anthropomorphism

anthropomorphism

/ (ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfɪzəm) /

noun

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

Derived forms of anthropomorphism

anthropomorphist, 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

Medical definitions for anthropomorphism

anthropomorphism

[ ăn′thrə-pə-môr′fĭz′əm ]

n.

The attribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behavior to nonhuman organisms or inanimate objects.

Other words from anthropomorphism

an′thro•po•mor′phic adj.an′thro•po•mor′phi•cal•ly adv.

Cultural definitions for anthropomorphism

anthropomorphism

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

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.