Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to mankind or the period of mankind's existence: The word "anthropical" describes something that pertains to human beings, their activities, or the era of human history.

Usage Notes

• "Anthropical" is a formal and somewhat rare adjective. It is most commonly used in academic, scientific, or philosophical contexts to describe phenomena, influences, or periods connected to humans.
• It is often synonymous with the more common term "anthropogenic," though "anthropical" can have a broader scope relating to human existence in general, not solely human-caused change.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The study focused on the anthropical factors affecting the ecosystem. (The study focused on the human-related factors affecting the ecosystem.)
  • Geologists debate the start date of the anthropical era in Earth's history. (Geologists debate the start date of the human era in Earth's history.)

Advanced Usage

• In scientific discourse: Used to specify a human component or origin within a broader natural system.
  • The sediment layer showed clear anthropical markers, such as microplastics. (The sediment layer showed clear human-related markers, such as microplastics.)

Variants and Related Words

• Anthropogenic (adj): (More common) Originating in human activity. Often used specifically for environmental impacts.
  • Anthropogenic climate change is a major concern.
• Anthropic (adj): Relating to human beings or the period of their existence. Often used in the "anthropic principle" in cosmology.
  • The anthropic principle is a philosophical consideration.

Synonyms

• Human
• Human-related
• Mankind-related

Antonyms

• Natural (in the sense of non-human)
• Non-anthropogenic
• Pre-human

Related Phrases/Concepts

• Anthropical influence: The effect or impact of human activity.
  • The anthropical influence on the landscape is evident.
• Anthropical period: A time period characterized by human presence and activity.
  • Some scientists refer to the current geological age as an anthropical period.

Adjective

1. relating to mankind or the period of mankind's existence