anthropogenic
an-thruh-puh-JEN-ik
/ˌænθrəpəˈdʒɛnɪk/
Originating in human activity, especially regarding environmental pollution.
Used to distinguish human-caused changes from natural environmental variations.
The story behind the word. A relatively modern word, combining the Greek for 'human' and 'origin'. It gained popularity in the 20th century as scientists needed a precise way to describe human impact on the planet.
Word relationships
- human-induced: More common in general speech; anthropogenic is strictly academic.
- natural: Caused by nature without human interference.
Commonly confused with
- anthropomorphic: Anthropomorphic means giving human traits to animals/objects; anthropogenic means caused by humans.
Word family
- anthropogeny (noun): The study of human origins.
Collocations
- anthropogenic climate change
- anthropogenic sources
- anthropogenic impact
Example sentences
- "Most scientists agree that the current rate of global warming is primarily anthropogenic." Scientific consensus on climate.
- "The increase in soil mercury levels was found to be anthropogenic rather than geological." Environmental impact study.
Memory hook
Anthro (human) + Genic (generated). Generated by humans. Human-born pollution.
When not to use
Do not use for things humans make intentionally, like 'anthropogenic furniture'; use 'man-made' or 'hand-crafted'.
Fun facts
- The term is a cornerstone of the 'Anthropocene'—a proposed geological epoch defined by human impact.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.