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What's the word for giving human qualities to animals or objects?
The word you're looking for
Personification means giving human qualities, feelings, or actions to animals, objects, or ideas. It fits your clue exactly.
Other words that fit
Use this when an animal or thing is treated as if it were truly human, especially in stories or religion.
Use this in more technical or literary contexts when human emotions are given to non-human things.
Use this only when a thing seems to represent a human quality, not when it is described like a person.
Why this word
The most common word for giving human qualities to animals, objects, or ideas is personification. Writers use it to make descriptions vivid, such as saying “the wind whispered” or “the car refused to start.” Do not confuse it with anthropomorphism, which is closer when a non-human thing is made to act like a human being. Personification is the better everyday word for this idea.
In context
- The poem uses personification throughout.
- The author gave the moon a gentle face.
- Her story is full of personification.
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- Is personification the same as anthropomorphism?
- Not exactly. Personification gives human qualities to something non-human, while anthropomorphism makes it seem truly human.
- Can I use personification for animals?
- Yes, if you are giving them human feelings or actions in writing.
- Is this a literary device?
- Yes. Personification is a common literary device in poems, stories, and advertisements.