Anthropology
/ˌæn.θrəˈpɒl.ə.dʒi/noun
The study of human societies, cultures, and their development.
Did you know?The roots of 'Anthropology' connect to ancient beliefs about the divine nature of humanity, suggesting that studying humans was once thought to reveal sacred truths.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos)
“human, man, or person, often associated with the divine nature of humanity.”
16th Century
Greek
ἀνθρωπολογία (anthrōpología)
“the study of humans, comprising the word for man and discourse.”
18th Century
French
anthropologie
“the science of humanity and its characteristics.”
19th Century
English
Anthropology
“the formal study of human societies, cultures, and their development as a distinct academic discipline.”
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