Origin of the word
The adjective anthropological is derived from anthropology and is used to refer to theories and concepts relating to the study of humankind. The word anthropology was first used between 1585 and 1595, combining the Greek words ‘anthrōpos’, or human being, and ‘lógos’, which means thought, or reason. The word was popularized in the English language during the 18th century by increasing use of the French word ‘anthropologie’ in academic texts.
Its derivatives include anthropologic, which pertains to anthropology, and anthropologically, meaning in a way that pertains to anthropology. A person who studies anthropology is known as an anthropologist.
Examples
“It is as if Michael has something of an anthropological take on the digital age, whereby ancient and standard writing systems are at odds with contemporary communication.” – The Huffington Post, Friday 28th July 2017: On Drawing: In process at the Katonah Museum of Art.
“It is an anthropological study and daring rescue all rolled up into a story that begs disbelief, but it is all true.” – Oregon Live, Friday 25th August 2017: Lost in Shangri-La: Book review.
“Matthew Engelke’s brave book is an attempt to shine a light into the anthropological darkness and demonstrate that social anthropology and social anthropologists (for all their obfuscatory language) can offer genuine insights into the modern world and help to craft solutions to 21st-century problems.” – Times Higher Education, Thursday 31st August 2017: Think Like an Anthropologist, by Matthew Engelke.
Definition
1: relating to the study of human societies, customs, and beliefs. Someone who studies anthropology is called an anthropologist.
View the full definition in the Macmillan Dictionary.
