Apedia

Human Anthropomorphic Greek Roots Anthrōp Morphos Form Beings

Anthropomorphic describes things or beings represented or thought of as having human form or attributes. It refers to the attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities.

Anthropomorphic descreve coisas ou seres que são representados ou pensados como tendo forma ou atributos humanos. Refere-se à atribuição de características humanas a entidades não humanas.

Word anthropomorphic
Date January 29, 2018
Type adjective
Syllables an-thruh-puh-MOR-fik
Etymology Anthropomorphic comes from the Late Latin word anthropomorphus, which itself traces to a Greek term birthed from the roots anthrōp- (meaning "human being") and -morphos (-morphous). Those ancient Greek roots have given form and personality to many English words. Anthrōp- relatives include anthropic ("relating to human beings or the period of their existence on earth"), anthropocentric ("interpreting or regarding the world in terms of human values and experiences"), anthropoid ("an ape"), and anthropology ("the study of human beings and their ancestors"). Derivatives of -morphos often end in -morphism, as in polymorphism ("the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms"), or -morphic, as in biomorphic ("resembling the forms of living organisms").
Examples "This animated … comedy, about a depressed horse living among other anthropomorphic animals in a version of Hollywood, somehow explores the depth of human emotion in a way that few other shows do." — Bethonie Butler, The Washington Post, 10 Dec. 2017

"The program sees the magical anthropomorphic bear Brigsby doing battle with an evil wizard in the moon while also teaching multiplication." — David Sims, The Atlantic, 28 July 2017
Definition 1 : described or thought of as having a human form or human attributes
2 : ascribing human characteristics to nonhuman things

Tags: wordoftheday::adjective

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