Anthropomorphism (Noun)

Definition 1: Assigning human properties to an inhuman object.

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Usage 1: When the forest sighs or whispers, the moon gazes down, the sun dances along the horizon or you hear the laughter of the rivulet, anthropomorphism is afoot. Expressions like "the legs of the table," "the head of the bed," and "the foot of a mountain" are simply metaphoric extensions, new meanings of those words, as it were. To achieve anthropomorphism, the speaker must treat the object as if it were human. The adjective is "anthropomorphic" and the verb, "anthropomorphize."

Suggested usage: The word itself is rarely used except in literary discussions. However, since we use the process so widely, occasions do arise: "Desi, don't you think anthropomorphizing your driveway wanders a bit beyond poetic license?" or "I get chills when she speaks of her pet rock anthropomorphically."

Etymology: From Greek anthropomorphos "human in form" from anthropos "human being" + morphe "form, shape." "Anthropo-" is also found in anthropology "the study of humans," and misanthrope "people-hater." "Morph-" appears in morphology, the study of form(s), isomorphic "identical in form," polymorphic "able to assume different forms," as in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. (Cheryl Huff's mother called her '68 Chevy station wagon "Katie" and often remarked that "she" was always "thirsty," not realizing she was committing anthropomorphism. So, Cheryl thought we should alert the world about the word and its meaning.)

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