Understanding the Word: Anthropomorphise
Have you ever looked at your pet dog and felt certain that he was feeling guilty because he made a sad face, or watched a cartoon where a toaster talks and behaves like a human? When we do this, we are performing a specific psychological and literary act known as the tendency to anthropomorphise. At its core, this word describes our human habit of projecting our own emotions, thoughts, and physical traits onto things that aren't human, such as animals, weather patterns, or even inanimate objects.
What Does It Mean?
To anthropomorphise (or anthropomorphize with a 'z', which is common in American English) is a verb. It comes from the Greek words anthropos, meaning "human," and morphe, meaning "form." Therefore, when you anthropomorphise something, you are essentially giving it a "human form" or human characteristics.
This happens in many areas of life:
- In Literature and Film: Think of Winnie the Pooh or the cars in the movie Cars. Authors anthropomorphise these characters so the audience can empathize with them.
- In Everyday Life: If you say, "My computer is grumpy today because it keeps crashing," you are anthropomorphising your machine.
- In Science: Researchers are often warned not to anthropomorphise the animals they study, as it can lead to inaccurate scientific conclusions.
Grammar and Usage
Because it is a transitive verb, you usually need an object to complete the sentence. You anthropomorphise something.
Common sentence structures include:
- [Subject] + anthropomorphise + [Object]
- [Subject] + tends to + anthropomorphise + [Object]
- [Object] + is often + anthropomorphised + [by someone]
Example sentences:
- It is natural for children to anthropomorphise their toys, often pretending their teddy bears are talking to them.
- We frequently anthropomorphise our pets, assuming they share our complex human motivations.
- The film director chose to anthropomorphise the storm, giving it a voice and a vengeful personality.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake learners make is confusing "anthropomorphise" with "personify." While they are very similar, there is a slight nuance. Personification is typically a literary device where abstract ideas or inanimate objects are given human traits for artistic effect (e.g., "The wind whispered secrets"). Anthropomorphising usually refers to the actual act of attributing human qualities, feelings, or intentions to non-human living things or objects in a way that suggests they actually have those traits.
Another point to note is the spelling difference. In British English, it is spelled with an 's' (anthropomorphise), while in American English, it is commonly spelled with a 'z' (anthropomorphize). Both are correct, so choose the one that matches your target audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to anthropomorphise things?
Not necessarily! It is a fundamental part of human imagination and storytelling. However, in professional settings like biology or data science, it is generally discouraged because it can lead to false assumptions about how things actually work.
What is the noun form of anthropomorphise?
The noun form is anthropomorphism. For example, "His anthropomorphism of the garden slugs was quite entertaining."
Can I use this word in a formal essay?
Yes, it is a perfectly acceptable word for academic, psychological, or literary discussions. Just ensure you use it correctly to show that you understand the object being described is not actually human.
Conclusion
To anthropomorphise is to bridge the gap between our human experience and the world around us. Whether we are writing a fantasy novel or simply trying to make sense of our surroundings, this word helps us describe how we share our humanity with the non-human world. By understanding how and why we anthropomorphise, you gain a better grasp of both human psychology and the power of language.