Dictionary entry
anthropomorphism
also AI anthropomorphism or anthropomorphization
Definition of anthropomorphism
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: the interpretation or presentation of an AI system as if it had humanlike understanding, intentions, emotions, identity, or consciousness, often prompted by conversational language, a human voice, a name, an avatar, or first-person words such as I and me
- The assistant's apology encouraged anthropomorphism even though the sentence was generated rather than felt.
- Designers studied whether a human voice increased anthropomorphism and caused users to trust incorrect answers more readily.
Two meanings, one word
In everyday English
The attribution of human traits, emotions, intentions, or behavior to an animal, object, deity, or other nonhuman thing.
In AI
The interpretation or presentation of an AI system as if it had humanlike understanding, intentions, emotions, identity, or consciousness, often prompted by…
Origin & history
Anthropomorphism is recorded in English from 1753 and derives from Greek roots meaning human and form. The concept long predates computing; it became especially important in human-computer interaction as chatbots, voice assistants, and social robots adopted humanlike conversational and visual cues.
Test yourself
Which of these is the meaning of anthropomorphism?
Cite this entry
"Anthropomorphism." AI Dictionary, Dadgogo, https://dadgogo.com/dictionary/anthropomorphism/. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.