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

While the cropped photo of the intelligent anthropomorphic beagle's name card didn't picture the person's face, McPoland uploaded his own Instagram carousel showing off his costume as Gromit in full. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Traditionally the man-eating anthropomorphic plant is portrayed with a puppet that is voiced by a male. —Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 1 Nov. 2024

Want to watch people dissolve in the stomach acid of an anthropomorphic bed? —Annalise Frank, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024

Partly as a result of this, and partly because of its emotionally potent subject matter, the field is extremely susceptible to unwarranted anthropomorphic interpretations. —Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024

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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