anthropomorphising
|an-thro-po-mor-phis-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˌænθrəˈmɔːrfaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˌænθrəˈmɔːfəˌfaɪz/
(anthropomorphise)
give human form/traits
Etymology
'anthropomorphise' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'anthropos' meaning 'human' and 'morphē' meaning 'form', combined with the causative/verb-forming suffix '-ize' (via Latin/French influence).
'anthropomorphise' was formed in English in the 18th–19th century from Greek roots 'anthropos' + 'morphē' with the verb-forming suffix (compare French/Latin formations), and entered common English usage as 'anthropomorphize/anthropomorphise'.
Initially it carried the literal sense 'to give human form', and over time it evolved into the broader modern sense 'to attribute human traits or intentions to non-human beings or things'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of anthropomorphising (gerund/nominal use).
The anthropomorphising of household pets can affect how owners treat them.
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Verb 1
to attribute human characteristics, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities (animals, objects, gods, etc.).
Many films are criticised for anthropomorphising wild animals to make them more relatable.
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Last updated: 2025/08/26 07:11