anthropomorphize

[ an-thruh-puh-mawr-fahyz ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with or without object)

, an·thro·po·mor·phized, an·thro·po·mor·phiz·ing.

to ascribe human form or attributes to (an animal, plant, material object, etc.).

anthropomorphize

/ ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfaɪz /

First recorded in 1835–45; anthropomorph(ic) ( def ) + -ize

After all, we tend to anthropomorphize—think that nonhuman systems will behave in ways identical to humans.

Humans have a tendency to anthropomorphize non-human things, from animals to inanimate objects to robots and computers.

That I am prone to anthropomorphizing trees and seeds and Neanderthals.

Among the many frisky entries are pictures of anthropomorphized creatures both natural and mythological.

The same tendency to anthropomorphize helps sell everything from doggie sweaters to… catered birthday bashes.

Even when you worship a beast or a stone, you practically anthropomorphize it.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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