question

What is the term for instilling an inanimate object with human qualities?

[Horsa]

'Anthropomorphize' is the word you are seeking and it can be applied to both things and animals.

[NearThere]

Horsa,

Would you please give an example using the word? In a sentence or context. Thank you.

[Horsa]

Some dog owners anthropomorphize their pets to the extent that they talk to them in the same way they do their children.

[NearThere]

Many thanks!

[vil]

anthropomorphize

To ascribe human characteristics to things not human.

anthropomorphism

Attribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behavior to inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena.

anthropomorphic

Having the characteristics of a human being. For example, an anthropomorphic robot has a head, arms and legs.

Anthropomorphism can refer to the representation of the gods in human form or, more generally, to the attribution of human characteristics to animals or to inanimate objects.

I will not anthropomorphize these vandals as they are willfully and ignorantly trying to destroy a building that is….
Crude anthropomorphism effectively closes the door to understanding of religion for most pupils.
In science, the cardinal sin is anthropomorphism.

Regards.

V.

[NearThere]

Vil,

I only have 2 thumbs. But you deserve this: !

Thanks!