Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Correct Usage of Anthropomorphism

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    London
    Posts
    4

    Correct Usage of Anthropomorphism

    Hello all,

    I am new to this form so please be gentle

    I'm in the middle of writing an article and am wondering if I am using the word "anthropomorphism" in the right context. Here's the paragraph

    If impossible could take human form it would be a little over a metre tall, weigh about 20 kilos and answer to the name of Eli. He would be seen with his usual hangers-on – the anthropomorphisms of frustration and exhaustion leaving the embodiment of sheer surrender languishing on the couch in an ibuprofen induced haze.

    I found this thread discussing anthropomorphism but I'm even more confused now. I understand that anthropomorphism (whew - that's a long word to type repeatedly ) means attributing human characteristics to something not human, but I'm doing the opposite. I am humanizing an actual behaviour - so is anthro...(you know what I mean) the correct word.

    I've been playing with using personification or even manifestation instead.

  2. #2
    Registered User Calidore's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    5,071
    My understanding has always been #3 in that thread: Anthropomorphism is non-human creatures or things behaving like humans, as seen in countless cartoons. Personification is describing something in humanlike terms, but without actually assigning humanlike thoughts or actions to them. Or, as I've just seen via Merriam-Webster, "representation of a thing or abstraction as a person or by the human form." Which is exactly what you're doing in your paragraph: Manifesting the abstract concept of the impossible in the personification of Eli.
    Last edited by Calidore; 06-23-2012 at 10:46 PM.
    You must be the change you wish to see in the world. -- Mahatma Gandhi

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    London
    Posts
    4
    Thank you Calidore.
    I have changed the article and put "personifications" instead. Not only does anthropomorphism not really fit, but it was pointed out to me that some of the intended audience may not know what it means.

Similar Threads

  1. Personification v.s anthropomorphism
    By Dark Lady in forum General Teaching
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 11-27-2015, 12:51 PM
  2. question about word usage
    By Patito de Hule in forum General Chat
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 02-18-2012, 11:58 AM
  3. Replies: 4
    Last Post: 10-12-2011, 11:28 AM
  4. Dramatic monologue usage
    By rejeshnair in forum Poems, Poets, and Poetry
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-08-2010, 03:53 PM
  5. Common Errors in English Usage link
    By Sitaram in forum General Chat
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 08-11-2005, 04:39 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •