anthropomorphism

American  

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

noun

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

---

anthropomorphism British  

/ ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfɪzəm /

noun

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

---

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.

---

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

"Anthropomorphism has been shown to be common in everyday speech, but we found there's far less usage in news writing," Mackiewicz said.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

Anthropomorphism: The tendency for people to attribute humanlike qualities or characteristics to an A.I. chatbot.

From New York Times • Mar. 27, 2023

Anthropomorphism describes the unacceptable act of humanizing animals, imagining that they have qualities only people should have, and admitting foxes into your social circle.

From Salon • Oct. 22, 2022

Anthropomorphism is taboo in science because it deceives us more often than it helps.

From Scientific American • Jul. 19, 2021

Anthropomorphism         History teaches that the popular and false notions 357:18 about the Divine Being and character have originated         in the human mind.

From Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures by Eddy, Mary Baker