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

For me, there’s more depth with film through the RGB layers, and the random grain movement gives anthropomorphic quality like something living, not pixel fixated on one film plain as digital. —Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024

There’s less pressure on a motley crew of anthropomorphic misfits than, say, Superman, whose time in the sun lies just around the corner. —Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024

The staggered arrangement of the structures helps to define the various thematic areas of the exhibition, which begins with Baj’s early gestural abstraction, then his larval anthropomorphic figures and his iconic characters such as the Generals and the Ladies. —Andrea Onate, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024

What if Tudor Britain were plagued by anthropomorphic shapeshifters? —Matt Kamen, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024

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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