anthropocentrism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, academic
Quick answer
What does “anthropocentrism” mean?
The belief that human beings are the central or most important entity in the universe.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The belief that human beings are the central or most important entity in the universe.
A worldview that interprets reality exclusively through human values, experiences, and perspectives, often at the expense of other species or ecological considerations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is equally formal and academic in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties: typically critical in environmental contexts, descriptive in philosophical ones.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to specialized discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “anthropocentrism” in a Sentence
[Subject] challenges/rejects/embraces anthropocentrism.The [noun] is a form/product of anthropocentrism.There is a move away from anthropocentrism in [field].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anthropocentrism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The philosopher sought to anthropocentrise Western ethical frameworks.
- Their analysis anthropocentrises the narrative of progress.
American English
- The theory anthropocentrizes all value judgments.
- We must avoid anthropocentrizing environmental policy.
adverb
British English
- The policy was framed rather anthropocentrically.
- He argued anthropocentrically for human priority.
American English
- The law is interpreted anthropocentrically by the courts.
- Thinking anthropocentrically limits our ethical scope.
adjective
British English
- His anthropocentric worldview was challenged by the ecologist.
- The report highlighted the anthropocentric bias in the legislation.
American English
- The anthropocentric model of development is unsustainable.
- She critiqued the anthropocentric assumptions in the textbook.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in CSR reports discussing a company's shift from an anthropocentric to an ecocentric model.
Academic
Common in philosophy, environmental studies, ethics, and theology papers critiquing human-centered worldviews.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in deep ecology, environmental philosophy, and some branches of ethics to label a specific ideological position.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anthropocentrism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anthropocentrism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anthropocentrism”
- Misspelling as 'antropocentrism' (missing 'h').
- Confusing it with 'anthropomorphism'.
- Using it in informal contexts where simpler terms like 'human-centered' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently. In some religious or historical philosophical contexts, it is a descriptive, neutral term. In modern environmental and ethical discourse, it is most often used critically.
Anthropocentrism is a worldview placing humans at the centre of importance. Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics or behaviour to animals, gods, or objects.
Believing that natural resources like forests or rivers exist primarily for human use and benefit, without considering their intrinsic value or role in an ecosystem, is an anthropocentric perspective.
The most direct opposite in environmental ethics is ecocentrism or biocentrism, which considers the entire ecological system or all living things as central, not just humans.
Anthropocentrism is usually formal, academic in register.
Anthropocentrism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌænθrəpəʊˈsentrɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌænθroʊpoʊˈsentrɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The term itself is conceptual.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANTHROPO (human) + CENTR (center) + ISM (belief system) = the belief system that puts humans at the centre.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMANS ARE THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE (The cosmos is conceptualized as having humanity at its literal or figurative centre.)
Practice
Quiz
Which field is MOST likely to use the term 'anthropocentrism' critically?