What does the prefix anthrop- mean?
Anthrop- (or anthropo-) comes from the Greek anthropos, which means "human being". It is the root of science, philosophy and culture words that put people at the center: who we are, how we live and how we think.
ESEN
Prefix · human being / humanity
anthrop-
From Greek "anthropos" (human being): appears in words about humankind, like anthropology and philanthropist.
Scientific
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
Where you will meet anthrop-
You will run into anthrop- in university courses about human cultures, in stories about animals or objects given human traits, in words for people who dislike or generously help others, and even in talk about a new geological age shaped by human activity. The idea behind all of them is the same: humans are the focus.
How it is used
Anthrop- / anthropo- combines with other roots to focus on human beings:
- anthropo- + -logy → anthropologythe study of human beings across culture, biology, and history
- mis- + anthrop- + -e → misanthropea person who hates or distrusts people (mis- = hate/wrong)
- phil- + anthrop- + -ist → philanthropista person who loves humanity and works to improve it (phil- = love)
The "Anthropocene" is the proposed current geological epoch defined by dominant human impact on Earth's systems. The suffix "-cene" (from Greek "kainos" = recent) also appears in Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene.
How it is pronounced
anthrop-/ˈæn.θrɒp/
Tap the button to hear how the prefix sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
Examples
Root word
With anthrop-
In a phrase
- ologyanthropologyAnthropology combines the study of human evolution, cultural practices, and social structures.
- omorphicanthropomorphicAncient peoples created anthropomorphic gods with human emotions, jealousies, and desires.
- ocentricanthropocentricCritics argue that an anthropocentric worldview has led to the destruction of natural ecosystems.
- (mis)anthropemisanthropeThe misanthrope avoided parties and crowds, preferring the company of books to people.
- (phil)anthropistphilanthropistThe billionaire philanthropist pledged to give away ninety percent of her wealth before she died.
- oidanthropoidAnthropoid apes such as chimpanzees share over ninety-eight percent of human DNA.
- (Anthrop)oceneAnthropoceneScientists argue the Anthropocene began when humans first started reshaping Earth's atmosphere and climate.
Common mistakes
anthropology only studies ancient or "primitive" peoples
anthropology studies all human groups, including modern and contemporary societies
Modern anthropology examines corporate cultures, online communities, gaming subcultures, and social movements. The discipline studies any human group — ancient or present-day.
A trick to remember it
Think of anthropology, the study of people: anthrop- = human being. anthropology, philanthropist (one who loves humanity).
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
Which term names the current geological epoch defined mainly by the impact of human activity on Earth?
Frequently asked questions
What does the prefix anthrop- mean in English?
The prefix anthrop- from Greek "anthropos" (human being): appears in words about humankind, like anthropology and philanthropist.
How do you pronounce anthrop-?
The prefix anthrop- is pronounced /ˈæn.θrɒp/. For example, "anthropology".
Can you give an example of a word with anthrop-?
"ology" becomes "anthropology". It is a typical example of the anthrop- prefix.
Other useful prefixes
bio-
Signals relation to life or biological processes: biology, biography, biodiversity, biofuel.
demo-
From Greek "demos" (people): appears in words about society and population, like democracy and demography.
ethn-
From Greek "ethnos" (nation, people): appears in words about peoples and cultures, like ethnic and ethnography.
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