Animal Spirits

B2 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /ˈænəməl ˈspɪrɪts/

Definitions of animal spirits

noun a person's emotions, especially strong or lively ones

Example Sentences

A1 Some people believe that animal spirits inhabit certain places.

A2 The local legend tells of animal spirits that protect the forest.

B1 In many cultures, animal spirits are believed to guide and protect humans.

B2 Shamans are said to have the ability to communicate with animal spirits.

C1 The concept of animal spirits has been a topic of philosophical debate for centuries.

C2 Psychologists study the phenomenon of animal spirits and their impact on human behavior.

Examples of animal spirits in a Sentence

formal Economists often refer to the concept of animal spirits to explain the unpredictable behavior of markets.

informal Some investors believe that animal spirits drive the stock market more than anything else.

slang When it comes to investing, it's all about those animal spirits driving the market.

figurative The entrepreneur's animal spirits were evident as she fearlessly pursued her new business venture.

Grammatical Forms of animal spirits

past tense

animated

plural

animal spirits

comparative

more animal-like

superlative

most animalistic

present tense

animates

future tense

will animate

perfect tense

has animated

continuous tense

is animating

singular

animal spirit

positive degree

very animalistic

infinitive

to animate

gerund

animating

participle

animated

Origin and Evolution of animal spirits

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Greek
Story behind the word: The term 'animal spirits' originated in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the work of Plato and Aristotle. It referred to the irrational and emotional aspects of human behavior that were often likened to the instincts of animals.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'animal spirits' evolved to also refer to the unpredictable and volatile nature of economic markets, particularly in the context of John Maynard Keynes' theory of investor psychology influencing economic decisions.