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

This mission is undertaken with the help of a magical anthropomorphic wishing star that falls from the heavens, beeping, whizzing and giggling, in the process giving Asha’s animal sidekick, an adorable baby goat in pajamas (Alan Tudyk), the gift of human speech. —Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2023

All this is accomplished with the help of a whizzing, anthropomorphic wishing star. —Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 15 Nov. 2023

Produced by Ulysses Films, the original IP is set in a world of anthropomorphic bicycles. —Ed Meza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2023

Illumination’s film aims to capture the radiant Mushroom Kingdom, a place where pretty much anything can happen and even torpedo-like projectiles have anthropomorphic qualities. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2023

Despite Silicon Valley’s positioning of AI assistants as a boost for productivity, the Bard update is a long way from resembling the anthropomorphic AI in Her. —WIRED, 7 Oct. 2023

Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie This Pixar film is set in a world inhabited by anthropomorphic elements of nature—water, fire, air, and earth. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 6 Oct. 2023

Big Spring Cave is a prehistoric Amerindian ceremonial site that dates back to 600 A.D. and showcases many anthropomorphic petroglyphs alongside freshwater springs. —Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2023

Chueh uses anthropomorphic characters — such as cats and bears — to explore complex themes of loneliness, depression and human existence. —Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2023

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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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