(transitive) To attribute human-like characteristics to (something that is non-human).
Used in a Sentence
anthropomorphize
Definitions, parts of speech, synonyms, and sentence examples for anthropomorphize.
Editorial note
Toddlers anthropomorphize the world in a similar way which suggests that this way of seeing the world is not socialized but a biological stage most of us go through.
Examples16
Definitions2
Parts of speech1
Quick take
(transitive) To attribute human-like characteristics to (something that is non-human).
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of anthropomorphize gathered in one view.
(transitive) To endow with human qualities.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for anthropomorphize.
verb
(transitive) To attribute human-like characteristics to (something that is non-human).
verb
(transitive) To endow with human qualities.
Example sentences
Toddlers anthropomorphize the world in a similar way which suggests that this way of seeing the world is not socialized but a biological stage most of us go through.
We don't need to anthropomorphize to recognize plain facts about crows being intelligent and intentional and social.
Actions are very, very different from beliefs when we anthropomorphize an abstract notion of a race of people.
To the extent that you can anthropomorphize a corporation, it really, really likes Ruby.
There is nothing to anthropomorphize because there's nothing special about the anthropos: the two are either examples of the same phenomenon or they're not.
Many people anthropomorphize their objects, which again is naturally human; again, objects are not for computers, they are for people.
Far too often, people anthropomorphize AI or draw from fiction.
It is funny that the OP, with a good point, gives an example of exactly why people are stupid and anthropomorphize animals, sure that crow is skiing.....
It's hard not to anthropomorphize and ascribe an emotion.
While that does not justify putting animals in unnecessary pain, it does mean we should be careful not to anthropomorphize our reactions to pain (or anything else, for that matter) onto animals.
It's a purely selfish motivation which is why we like to anthropomorphize the planet itself and pretend we're concerned for something more than just ourselves.
Please don't anthropomorphize plants...they really hate that.
Quote examples
Corporations are legal entities and don't have qualities like "loyalty", so it doesn't even make sense to anthropomorphize them.
Don't anthropomorphize evolution; it has no intent, and does not actively "select" beneficial traits.
You seem anthropomorphize "The Universe", as some God-human like creature?
If (when?) that app dies, assuming you can anthropomorphize something with that little traction "alive", two billionths of the world population are going to be really sad.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use anthropomorphize in a sentence?
Toddlers anthropomorphize the world in a similar way which suggests that this way of seeing the world is not socialized but a biological stage most of us go through.
What does anthropomorphize mean?
(transitive) To attribute human-like characteristics to (something that is non-human).
What part of speech is anthropomorphize?
anthropomorphize is commonly used as verb.