anthropomorphic

adjective

an·​thro·​po·​mor·​phic ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-fik 

1

: described or thought of as having a human form or human attributes

anthropomorphic deities

stories involving anthropomorphic animals

2

: ascribing human characteristics to nonhuman things

anthropomorphic supernaturalism

anthropomorphic beliefs about nature

anthropomorphically

ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

As word lovers, we are endlessly fascinated by the uniqueness and complexity of human language. Many species use sounds and gestures to communicate with one another, but the ability to speak in full sentences, to share abstract ideas, and to write and tell stories is distinctly anthropic. Brilliant though dogs may be, they can’t verbalize their hopes and dreams. That is, unless those dogs are anthropomorphic—a trait common in works of fiction. From chatty chiweenies to tangoing tapirs, depictions of anthropomorphic animals abound thanks to our creative superpowers.

Examples of anthropomorphic in a Sentence

a story in which the characters are anthropomorphic animals

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the part of Williams is played by an anthropomorphic chimpanzee (actor Jonno Davies in a motion capture ape suit, then rendered using computer generation). —Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025

The political fable, which uses anthropomorphic animals to tell a story about power and corruption, would become one of his most celebrated works. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025

Instead, the company must hope that the sight of an anthropomorphic organ will give viewers a taste for flavored coffee. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Feb. 2025

Or Star Fox—the anthropomorphic space shooter last appeared with 2016's Star Fox Zero (one of the few Wii U games not to get a Switch rerelease), so a return is overdue. —Matt Kamen, WIRED, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek anthrōpómorphos "having human form" (from anthrōpo- anthropo- + -morphos -morphous) + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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