Anthropology

/ˌænθrəˈpɒlədʒi/

nounIntermediate📊CommonScience
1 meaning2 questions

Definitions

1

The scientific study of humanity, including the physical and cultural aspects of human life.

/ˌænθrəˈpɒlədʒi/

nounneutralIntermediate
Science

The study of humanity

Anthropology helps us understand different cultures and societies.

💡 Simply: The study of people and their cultures.

More Examples

2

Her dissertation was a significant contribution to the field of anthropology.

How It's Used

Academic

"She pursued a career in anthropology, specializing in cultural studies."

Research

"His anthropological research focused on the social structures of indigenous communities."

From Greek anthrōpos ('human') + -logia ('study of'). The study of humanity emerged as a distinct discipline in the 19th century.

Initially focused on the physical aspects of humanity, anthropology expanded to encompass cultural and linguistic studies over time.

Memory tip

Anthro (human) + ology (study of) = The study of humans

Word Origin

LanguageGreek
Original meaning

"anthropos (human) + -logia (study of)"

cultural anthropologyphysical anthropologylinguistic anthropologyarchaeological anthropology

Common misspellings

anthropolgyanthropologyanthropologie

Usage

10%Spoken
90%Written