Word Finder
What's the word for the practice of giving human traits 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 this concept because it makes something non-human seem human.
Other words that fit
Use this when you mean giving human traits to animals, gods, or objects, often in stories or religion.
Use this when you mean making something seem more human, but it is less specific than personification.
Use this when a quality is shown in a person or thing, not when you mean human traits given to objects.
Why this word
The best word for this idea is usually personification. Writers use it when they describe the moon as smiling, or the wind as whispering. People sometimes confuse it with anthropomorphism, but that word is more specific to giving human behavior or thinking to animals, gods, or things. In school grammar and literature, personification is the most common and safest choice.
In context
- The poem uses personification to make the sea feel alive.
- Her story is full of personification.
- “The angry storm” is a simple example of personification.
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- Is personification the same as anthropomorphism?
- Not exactly. Personification gives human traits to objects or ideas. Anthropomorphism gives human traits to animals or non-human beings.
- Can I use personification for animals?
- Yes, sometimes. But anthropomorphism is usually the better word for animals.
- Is this word common in English classes?
- Yes. Personification is a very common literature term in school and exams.