Anthropomorphism
noun
The act of giving human qualities or characteristics to animals, objects, or gods.
The animated movie uses anthropomorphism by having animals talk and act like humans.
Often appears as...
- depict anthropomorphism
- study of anthropomorphism
noun
The doctrine or belief that God or gods have a human form and possess human characteristics such as gender and emotions.
In many religions, there is some degree of anthropomorphism as gods are often depicted in human form.
Often appears as...
- religious anthropomorphism
- anthropomorphism in theology
Usage tips
Formal, Neutral
Academic
noun
In psychology, the interpretation of non-human behavior in terms of human motivations, beliefs, thoughts, or emotions.
The dog owner's claim that their dog felt guilty is an example of anthropomorphism.
Often appears as...
- anthropomorphism in psychology
- anthropomorphic interpretation
Usage tips
Formal, Neutral
Academic
noun
The act of giving human qualities or characteristics to animals, objects, or gods.
The animated movie uses anthropomorphism by having animals talk and act like humans.
Often appears as...
- depict anthropomorphism
- study of anthropomorphism
noun
The doctrine or belief that God or gods have a human form and possess human characteristics such as gender and emotions.
In many religions, there is some degree of anthropomorphism as gods are often depicted in human form.
Often appears as...
- religious anthropomorphism
- anthropomorphism in theology
Usage tips
Formal, Neutral
Academic
noun
In psychology, the interpretation of non-human behavior in terms of human motivations, beliefs, thoughts, or emotions.
The dog owner's claim that their dog felt guilty is an example of anthropomorphism.
Often appears as...
- anthropomorphism in psychology
- anthropomorphic interpretation
Usage tips
Formal, Neutral
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Literary Device
Often used in stories for creativity and humor by giving non-human things human traits.
The teapot in the story scolded the cup with a motherly tone, as an example of anthropomorphism.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Dynamics
Some cultures may use anthropomorphism more in folklore and art, reflecting their traditions.
The Native American folklore is rich with anthropomorphism, like talking animals and trees.
Pro Tip 3/3Creative Misinterpretation
Recognize when animals or objects are given human traits for artistic purposes, not scientific accuracy.
The sunflower bowed to the sun each morning in the children's book, illustrating anthropomorphism.
Pro Tip 1/3Literary Device
Often used in stories for creativity and humor by giving non-human things human traits.
The teapot in the story scolded the cup with a motherly tone, as an example of anthropomorphism.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Dynamics
Some cultures may use anthropomorphism more in folklore and art, reflecting their traditions.
The Native American folklore is rich with anthropomorphism, like talking animals and trees.
Pro Tip 3/3Creative Misinterpretation
Recognize when animals or objects are given human traits for artistic purposes, not scientific accuracy.
The sunflower bowed to the sun each morning in the children's book, illustrating anthropomorphism.
Pro Tip 1/3Literary Device
Often used in stories for creativity and humor by giving non-human things human traits.
The teapot in the story scolded the cup with a motherly tone, as an example of anthropomorphism.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Dynamics
Some cultures may use anthropomorphism more in folklore and art, reflecting their traditions.
The Native American folklore is rich with anthropomorphism, like talking animals and trees.
Pro Tip 3/3Creative Misinterpretation
Recognize when animals or objects are given human traits for artistic purposes, not scientific accuracy.
The sunflower bowed to the sun each morning in the children's book, illustrating anthropomorphism.
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Video examples
Grief and love in the...
But I think that this overworry about anthropomorphism misses a fundamental point. And that is that animals can care very deeply for each other, maybe they even love each other. And when they do, a survivor's heart can be pierced by a death.
Video examples
Filming Africa’s Top...
the so-called enemy's perspective and the whole dynamic shift. We are not comfortable with the whole anthropomorphism idea and we try to deliberately avoid it in a lot of our films. We feel that
Video examples
Grief and love in the...
But I think that this overworry about anthropomorphism misses a fundamental point. And that is that animals can care very deeply for each other, maybe they even love each other. And when they do, a survivor's heart can be pierced by a death.
Video examples
Filming Africa’s Top...
the so-called enemy's perspective and the whole dynamic shift. We are not comfortable with the whole anthropomorphism idea and we try to deliberately avoid it in a lot of our films. We feel that
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Sy Montgomery
American Writer
Anthropomorphism is such an interesting concept. It means projecting human thoughts and emotions onto an animal. Which implies that thoughts and feelings belong to humans alone. Of course, if you believe in evolution, or if you believe in the Bible, that's not so. Both evolution and the Bible tell us that we're part of a family.
Quote examples
Peter York
British Journalist
Like lots of baby boomers, I was brought up on archaic anthropomorphism. Upstanding Christian dogs. Rabbits with family values. Because the ancient texts and pictures were sacred - Potter, Milne and the rest. Even concerned parents who knew Freud and Jung never saw the contradictions in feeding us on them.
Quote examples
Sy Montgomery
American Writer
Anthropomorphism is such an interesting concept. It means projecting human thoughts and emotions onto an animal. Which implies that thoughts and feelings belong to humans alone. Of course, if you believe in evolution, or if you believe in the Bible, that's not so. Both evolution and the Bible tell us that we're part of a family.
Quote examples
Peter York
British Journalist
Like lots of baby boomers, I was brought up on archaic anthropomorphism. Upstanding Christian dogs. Rabbits with family values. Because the ancient texts and pictures were sacred - Potter, Milne and the rest. Even concerned parents who knew Freud and Jung never saw the contradictions in feeding us on them.
Example 1 of 2
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