1
Core meaning
The systematic study of human societies, cultures, behaviour, biology, and development.
Example
Her research in anthropology examines kinship across island communities.
anthropology
/ˌænθrəˈpɒlədʒi/ · an-thruh-POL-uh-jeenoun
The systematic study of human societies, cultures, behaviour, biology, and development.
Use anthropology to express this relationship precisely: the systematic study of human societies, cultures, behaviour, biology, and development.
What anthropology Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
Anthropology combines evidence from culture, language, history, and biology.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
The museum worked with local experts rather than treating anthropology as detached observation.
Use anthropology Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Her research in anthropology examines kinship across island communities.
Anthropology combines evidence from culture, language, history, and biology.
The museum worked with local experts rather than treating anthropology as detached observation.
Precision Matters
Anthropology overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
anthropology
vs.Means the systematic study of human societies, cultures, behaviour, biology, and development.
archaeology
Means the study of past human life and cultures through material remains such as artefacts, buildings, and landscapes.
anthropology
vs.Means the systematic study of human societies, cultures, behaviour, biology, and development.
theoretical
Means based on ideas, principles, or models rather than direct observation or practical application.
anthropology
vs.Means the systematic study of human societies, cultures, behaviour, biology, and development.
spatial
Means relating to physical space, position, distance, direction, size, or the arrangement of objects.
anthropology
vs.Means the systematic study of human societies, cultures, behaviour, biology, and development.
qualitative
Means relating to qualities, characteristics, meanings, or descriptions rather than numerical measurement.
Test anthropology in Context
The field systematically studies human societies and cultures.
1
By comparing kinship, language, and ritual across living communities, the researcher contributes primarily to ___.