Anthropomorphism
/ˌæn.θrə.pəˈmɔːr.fɪ.zəm/noun
The attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to nonhuman beings or objects.
Did you know?The concept comes from Greek philosophy, where writers like Xenophanes criticized humans for imagining gods in their own image—so the word itself sits inside a very old debate about projection and power.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
anthrōpos
“human being”
Ancient Greek
Greek
morphē
“form, shape”
Late Greek
Greek
anthrōpomorphos
“having a human form”
19th Century
English
anthropomorphism
“the attribution of human form or qualities to gods, animals, or things”
Modern English
English
anthropomorphism
“the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to nonhuman beings or objects”
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