anthropogenic
an-thruh-puh-JEN-ik
/ˌænθrəpəˈdʒenɪk/
Originating in human activity, especially regarding environmental pollution.
It is used to distinguish human-caused changes from natural environmental variations.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'anthropos' (man/human) and 'genesis' (birth). It literally means 'born of humans.' It was first used in the 19th century in the context of human evolution before becoming a staple of climate science.
Word relationships
- human-caused: Human-caused is the plain-English equivalent; anthropogenic is the formal scientific term.
- natural: Natural refers to processes occurring without human intervention.
Commonly confused with
- anthropomorphic: Anthropomorphic means giving human traits to animals or objects; anthropogenic means caused by humans.
Word family
- anthropogeny (noun): The study of human origins.
Collocations
- anthropogenic emissions
- anthropogenic warming
- anthropogenic sources
Example sentences
- "Anthropogenic climate change is a reality, driven by the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation." Scientific consensus on climate change.
Memory hook
Think of 'Anthro' (like Anthropology, the study of humans) + 'Genic' (like Genesis, the beginning). Human-born.
When not to use
Do not use it for things humans just 'use'; use it for things humans 'created' or 'caused' to happen in nature.
Fun facts
- The term 'Anthropocene' is a proposed geological epoch defined by significant human impact on Earth's geology.
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