Person-like

Describing something that resembles a person, particularly in appearance, behavior, or characteristics. This often implies the attribution of human-like qualities to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or artificial constructs. It can indicate a superficial resemblance or a deeper imitation of human traits, thoughts, or actions. The degree of person-likeness can vary significantly, ranging from a slight anthropomorphic quality to a highly sophisticated simulation of human behavior and form. The term underscores the human tendency to perceive and interpret the world through a human-centric lens.

Person-like meaning with examples

• The robot's movements were remarkably person-like, mimicking the subtle gestures and facial expressions of a human. Its programming allowed it to respond to conversational cues with seemingly natural intonation. This advanced person-like interface blurred the lines between machine and being, providing a very advanced service that would allow an advanced interaction.
• The child was fascinated by the stuffed bear with its person-like eyes and button nose. He would talk to it, dress it up, and confide in it as if it were a real companion. This comforting person-like presence of his stuffed toy would give him a sense of security in times of anxiety.
• The artist created a series of sculptures depicting animals in person-like poses, wearing human clothing, and engaging in human activities. The works explored the themes of identity, anthropomorphism and the relationship between humans and animals, using these person-like representations.
• Early artificial intelligence systems were often described as person-like in their attempts to mimic human thought processes, even if they were limited in their understanding. These simplistic person-like characteristics did allow for the creation of simple chatbots that would eventually develop into more advanced AI.