anthropomorphism

American  

[an-thruh-puh-mawr-fiz-uhm] / ˌæn θrə pəˈmɔr fɪz əm /

noun

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

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anthropomorphism British  

/ ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfɪzəm /

noun

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

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anthropomorphism Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

• anthropomorphist noun

Etymology

Origin of anthropomorphism

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

Explanation

The idea behind anthropomorphism is that of attributing human characteristics to nonhumans — gods, animals, or inanimate objects. If you believe that your cat wants to celebrate his birthday, you are participating in anthropomorphism. The Greek words for "human" and "form" created the word anthropomorphism, originally used to give human qualities to a deity. The Greeks and Romans used the idea in stories about their gods, giving them human traits to balance their powers (and make better stories). Even today, many people picture the god they worship as a human form. Whether it's an old man with a beard, mother earth, or a bearded lady, that's anthropomorphism.

Example Sentences

Other scientists argue that pareidolia is the result of a natural human tendency called "anthropomorphism" to project human-ness or animacy onto the inanimate world.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2022

The fine catalog to “Through Vincent’s Eyes” points to the anthropomorphism of those undulating trees, which seem to dance furiously in the vivid light of a bright blue sky, just outside the hospital’s confines.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2022

They smack of narcissism, anthropomorphism and wishful thinking.

From Scientific American • Sep. 20, 2021

There is a natural human tendency toward anthropomorphism.

From Slate • Jun. 24, 2021

Those unfamiliar with horses might scoff at the notion of equine pride as a silly anthropomorphism, but the behavior is unmistakable.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand