Animism

Pronunciation: /ˈænɪˌmɪzəm/

Definitions of animism

noun the belief that everything in the universe has a soul or spirit

Example Sentences

A1 Animism is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.

A2 In some cultures, animism plays a significant role in their spiritual practices and beliefs.

B1 Anthropologists study animism as a cultural phenomenon that has existed for centuries.

B2 The concept of animism can be found in various indigenous religions around the world.

C1 Scholars debate the implications of animism on modern society and its impact on environmental conservation.

C2 The philosophical underpinnings of animism have influenced the way we perceive the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Examples of animism in a Sentence

formal Animism is the belief that natural objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls.

informal Some indigenous tribes still practice animism, honoring spirits in all living and non-living things.

slang I don't buy into all that animism stuff, it's just superstition.

figurative The artist's animism towards nature is evident in her paintings, which depict trees and animals as having human-like qualities.

Grammatical Forms of animism

• past tense: animized
• plural: animisms
• comparative: more animistic
• superlative: most animistic
• present tense: animizes
• future tense: will animize
• perfect tense: has animized
• continuous tense: is animizing
• singular: animism
• positive degree: very animistic
• infinitive: to animize
• gerund: animizing
• participle: animized

Origin and Evolution of animism

First Known Use: 1672 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The term 'animism' originates from the Latin word 'anima', meaning soul or life. It was first used in the context of religion and philosophy to describe the belief that natural objects, plants, and animals possess a spiritual essence or soul.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'animism' has expanded to include the belief that all things, not just living beings, have a spiritual essence. It has also been used in anthropology to describe the belief systems of indigenous cultures that attribute spiritual qualities to nature and natural phenomena.