anthropomorphize

verb

an·thro·po·mor·phize ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-ˌfīz

anthropomorphized; anthropomorphizing

transitive verb

: to attribute human form or personality to

intransitive verb

: to attribute human form or personality to things not human

anthropomorphization

ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˌmȯr-fə-ˈzā-shən

noun

Examples of anthropomorphize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Understanding this fundamental difference, rather than anthropomorphizing AI agents, is key to creating effective human-AI partnerships that leverage the unique strengths of each. —

Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Hill likens working with the AI to dealing with an extraterrestrial lifeform while simultaneously attempting to anthropomorphize it. —

Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Dec. 2024 For years, researchers were cautioned not to anthropomorphize their subjects, or bestow human traits upon other animals. —

Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Nov. 2024 Do not inadvertently anthropomorphize AI due to this analogous consideration. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for anthropomorphize

Word History

Etymology

anthropomorph(ic) or anthropomorph(ism) + -ize

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler

The first known use of anthropomorphize was in 1825

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Anthropomorphize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthropomorphize. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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