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What's the word for giving human traits to animals or objects?
The word you're looking for
Personification is giving human qualities, feelings, or actions to animals, objects, or ideas. It fits your query because it names this exact literary device.
Other words that fit
Use this when animals or objects are described as fully human-like, especially in stories or religion.
Use this verb when you want the action of making something seem human.
Use this verb when something represents a human quality, like 'the hero personifies courage.'
Why this word
The most common word for giving human traits to animals or objects is personification. Writers use it to make things feel vivid or emotional, like saying “the wind whispered” or “the sun smiled.” Do not confuse it with anthropomorphism, which often means giving a non-human thing a more fully human form or mind. In school literature questions, personification is usually the best answer.
In context
- The poem uses personification to make the river feel alive.
- The old house seemed to groan in the wind.
- She personified the storm as an angry giant.
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- Is personification a noun or a verb?
- Personification is a noun. The verb form is personify.
- What is the difference between personification and anthropomorphism?
- Personification gives human traits for effect. Anthropomorphism makes the thing seem truly human-like.
- Can personification be used for ideas too?
- Yes. Writers can personify ideas like death, love, or time.