Anthropomorphism

Origin

Coined in the mid-1700s. From Ancient Greek ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos, "man, human being") + -morphism

Full definition of anthropomorphism

Noun

1. The attribution of human characteristics or behavior to that which isn't human. from the mid-18th c.
2. (theology) the attribution of human characteristics to divine beings

Usage notes

This term carries very different connotations when used in different contexts. In literature, anthropomorphism describes merely a device of fiction writing, whereas in science (particularly biology) anthropomorphism has traditionally been used pejoratively when a scientist appears to be attributing to animals characteristics that are assumed to be exclusive to human beings.

Related terms

• anthropomorphic
• anthropomorphically