Anthromorphic Meaning and Definition
Anthromorphic
Pronunciation
/ənˈθrɒmərəfɪk/
Part of Speech
Noun or adjective
Definition
A being or entity with both human and non-human characteristics or qualities, often depicted in fantasy, fiction, or mythology.
Examples
- The Disney movie featured a cast of anthropomorphic animals.
- In fantasy literature, elves are often depicted as anthropomorphic creatures with human-like qualities.
Synonyms
- Anthropoid
- Humanoform
Antonyms
- Non-anthropomorphic
- Ahuman
Additional Information
Anthropomorphism is a common technique used in storytelling, advertising, and art to make non-human entities more relatable and engaging. It can be found in various forms, including cartoons, comics, and animated films.
The concept of anthropomorphism has been debated in fields such as psychology, anthropology, and philosophy, with some arguing that it is a form of projection or identification, while others see it as a way to understand and connect with the world around us.
Etymology
The term “anthropomorphic” comes from the Greek words “anthropos” meaning human and “morphe” meaning form or shape.
Usage Notes
When using the term “anthropomorphic,” it is often important to clarify whether the entity is intended to be taken literally or figuratively.
Cultural References
Anthropomorphism has been depicted in popular culture in various forms, such as the Disney movie “The Lion King” and the comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
– “The dog is barking at the mailman” (anthropomorphic, giving human-like qualities to the dog)
Related Words or Phrases
– “Anthropoid”
– “Humanoid”
Collocations
– “anthropomorphic character”
– “anthropomorphic object”
Frequency of Use
The term “anthropomorphic” is relatively common in academic and literary circles, but less frequent in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
– “Anthormorphic”
– “Anthropomorphik”