anthropomorphism

/,ænθrəpə'mɔ:fizm/

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Word: Anthropomorphism

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Anthropomorphism is when we give human traits, emotions, or behaviors to animals, objects, or even gods. For example, if a talking animal in a story acts like a human, that’s anthropomorphism.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "anthropomorphism" when discussing literature, art, or religion where non-human entities are portrayed with human qualities.
• It is often used in storytelling, cartoons, and movies.

Example:

• In the movie "Zootopia," the animals talk, wear clothes, and live in a city just like humans. This is an example of anthropomorphism.

Advanced Usage:

• In literature, anthropomorphism can create a deeper emotional connection between the audience and the character, making the story more relatable.
• In religious contexts, gods are often depicted with human forms and emotions, which helps people understand and relate to them.

Word Variants:

• Anthropomorphic (adjective): Referring to the quality of being anthropomorphic.
  • Example: The anthropomorphic characters in the book made it enjoyable for children.
• Anthropomorphically (adverb): In a way that gives human characteristics to non-human things.
  • Example: The author wrote anthropomorphically, making the trees seem alive.

Different Meanings:

• While the primary meaning relates to giving human traits to non-humans, anthropomorphism can also refer to a broader concept of human-like attributes in non-human entities in a metaphorical sense.

Synonyms:

• Personification: This is similar but more general, as it can apply to abstract concepts (like love or death) as well as animals and objects.
• Humanization: This focuses on making something more human-like in behavior or appearance.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to anthropomorphism, but you might hear phrases like “to breathe life into” which can describe how a writer makes characters relatable and lively.

Summary:

Anthropomorphism is a fun and creative way to tell stories by making animals and objects act like humans.

Academic

Noun

1. the representation of objects (especially a god) as having human form or traits

Synonyms

• theanthropism