anthropomorfe

Anthropomorfe refers to the attribution of human form, traits, or behaviors to non-human beings or objects. The term derives from Greek anthropos (“human”) and morphe (“form”). Anthropomorphism encompasses a wide range of phenomena, from subtle projections of human emotions onto animals to explicit depictions of beings with human bodies, speech, or intentions.

The concept appears across cultures and domains, including art, mythology, literature, film, and popular culture. In science, anthropomorphism is analyzed with caution because it can bias the interpretation of animal behavior or natural phenomena; researchers often distinguish between anthropomorphic explanations and species-appropriate accounts. In design and technology, anthropomorphic design uses humanoid shapes or human-like interfaces—such as robots, virtual assistants, or mascots—to facilitate interaction. Anthropomorphism is distinct from personification, a literary device that attributes human qualities to non-human things for stylistic effect, and from zoomorphism, which attributes animal traits to humans or deities. Ethical considerations include how anthropomorphism affects empathy, welfare, and public understanding of non-human minds, as well as potential misrepresentations of non-human experiences.