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

"Octopus!" features contrasting perspectives from Amodio, who cautions against anthropomorphism, and Sabrina Imbler, a writer who specializes in writing from the point of view of animals.

From Salon • May 12, 2025

The otters are a good example of us doing classic anthropomorphism.

From Slate • Jun. 21, 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

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