anthropo-

1. a learned borrowing from Greek meaning “human,” used in the formation of compound words:

   anthropometry.

anthropo-

combining_form

1. indicating man or human

   anthropomorphism

   anthropology

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthropo-¹

< Greek, combining form of ánthrōpos human being, man

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthropo-¹

from Greek anthrōpos

Example Sentences

Very typical is the following satire on the intimate relation between anthropo- and arctomorphism.

From Project Gutenberg

Ratzel performed the great service of placing anthropo-geography on a secure scientific basis.

From Project Gutenberg

The eternal flux of Nature runs through anthropo-geography, and warns against precipitate or rigid conclusions.

From Project Gutenberg

Failure to recognize this fact often enables superficial critics of anthropo-geography to make a brave show of argument.

From Project Gutenberg

As a science, anthropo-geography can deal only with large averages, and these exclude or minimize the exceptional individual.

From Project Gutenberg

Words That Use Anthropo-

What does anthropo- mean?

Anthropo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “human.” It is often used in scientific and other technical terms, including in the social sciences.

Anthropo- comes from the Greek ánthrōpos, meaning “human being” or “man.”

What are variants of anthropo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, anthropo- becomes anthrop-, as in anthropoid.

Examples of anthropo-

An example of a word you may have encountered that features the combining form anthropo- is anthropology, “the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind.”

We know that anthropo- means “human.” The –logy part of the word might also look familiar from terms like biology or theology. It is a combining form used to name sciences or bodies of knowledge. Anthropology, then, literally translates to “the study of humans.”

What are some words that use the combining form anthropo-?

• anthropocene
• anthropocentric
• anthropogenic
• anthropogenesis
• anthropogeography
• anthropography
• anthropoid
• anthropolatry
• anthropologist
• anthropometer
• anthropometry
• anthropomorphic
• anthropomorphous

What are some other forms that anthropo- may be commonly confused with?

• antho-
• anthraco-

Break it down!

The combining form -morphic means “having the shape, form, or structure” of something. What does something described as anthropomorphic resemble?