The act of attributing human forms or qualities to entities which are not human. Specifically, anthropomorphism is the describing of gods or goddesses in human forms and possessing human characteristics such as jealousy, hatred, or love.

Mythologies of ancient peoples were almost entirely concerned with anthropomorphic gods. The Greek gods such as Zeus and Apollo often were depicted in anthropomorphic forms. The avatars of the Hindu god Vishnu possessed human forms and qualities.

Current religious holds that is not logical to describe the Christian God, who is believed to be omnipotent and omnipresent, as human. However, it is extremely difficult for the average person to picture or discuss God or the gods without an anthropomorphic framework.

In art and literature, anthropomorphism frequently depicts deities in human or animal forms possessing the qualities of sentiment, speech and reasoning. A.G.H.
Definition
anthropomorphism [Show phonetics]
noun [U]
the showing or treating of animals, gods and objects as if they are human in appearance, character or behaviour:
The books 'Alice in Wonderland', 'Peter Rabbit' and 'Winnie-the-Pooh' are classic examples of anthropomorphism.

anthropomorphic [Show phonetics]
adjective

By dictionary definition anthropomorphism is:
The attribution of human motivation, charactristics, or behavior to animals.

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Note added at 18 mins (2004-04-17 00:52:36 GMT)
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It is very natural for dog owners to sometimes think of their pets in human terms -we often call our animals by human names and they in turn often become, literally, family members. Problems can arise when we take this too far, however, and expect a dog to understand human speech and reasoning (\"I´m going out now but will be back at two, please be good!\")or when we assign human emotions to a pet to explain its actions (\"Spot must love you more, that´s why he ignores me...\")

If your pet is going to be able to function safely, contentedly, and in a well-behaved manner in your world you must learn to understand its actions in canine, not human, terms and communicate with your pets in a way they can understand.

Good Luck with our thesis Clarisa... from two animal lovers,
ARTES, Arthur and Rachel

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Note added at 20 mins (2004-04-17 00:54:53 GMT)
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REFERENCES:
Funk & Wagnalls Collge Dictionary
Animal Behavior,ASPCA

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Note added at 1 hr 45 mins (2004-04-17 02:19:29 GMT)
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\"your\" thesis of course!

Basically I agree with Asghar Bhatti's definition. But "agree" section does not permit me enough space to make my point so I decided to give answer indepent of his. In essence, this is nothing to do with Disney animation of Donald Duck or Micky Mouse, or your pet who can nod or bark (or meow) at your request. Derivation first -- "Anthro" is a prefix that is to do with human, as anthropology or anthropathy. "Morpho" part is from same origin means "shape, form". In many ancient art forms (such as rock art) deity are portrayed as human or animal form which are representative of human psyche about supernaturals being that were held in the minds of the ancients. In other words anthropomorphism is "the ascription of human form or characteristics to a deity, or to any being or thing not human". In this, mythic fairies, nymphs, cupids, sirens, marmaids etc., could be all called anthropomorphic (adjective form of anthropomorphism).
Main reference: "The Reader's Digest Great Encyclopedia Dictionary".

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Note added at 2004-04-17 04:05:40 (GMT)
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OK, context is about pet. But it is neither good, nor accurate usage.