Animality: meaning, definitions and examples

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animality

 

[ ˌænɪˈmælɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

state of being

Animality refers to the state or quality of being an animal, particularly in contrast to human qualities or characteristics. It encompasses the physical, instinctual, and behavioral aspects of animals, which may be seen as primal or fundamental in nature.

Synonyms

animal characteristics, animal nature, primitiveness

Examples of usage

  • The animality of instinct drove the predator to hunt.
  • In literature, characters are often explored through their animality.
  • The documentary showcased the animality present in various species.
  • Her artwork depicted the animality found in human behavior.

Translations

Translations of the word "animality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 animalidade

🇮🇳 पशुवादीपन

🇩🇪 Tierheit

🇮🇩 kehewanan

🇺🇦 тваринність

🇵🇱 zwierzęcość

🇯🇵 動物性

🇫🇷 animalité

🇪🇸 animalidad

🇹🇷 hayvanlık

🇰🇷 동물성

🇸🇦 حيوانية

🇨🇿 zvířecnost

🇸🇰 zvieračnosť

🇨🇳 动物性

🇸🇮 živalskost

🇮🇸 dýralíf

🇰🇿 жануарлық

🇬🇪 ცხოველური

🇦🇿 heyvanlıq

🇲🇽 animalidad

Word origin

The term 'animality' is derived from the Latin word 'animalis', which means 'having breath' or 'living being'. This Latin term comes from 'anima', meaning 'breath' or 'soul'. The concept has evolved through various philosophical and literary discourses, often contrasting the essence of being animalistic with human rationality. The use of 'animality' gained traction in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly within the fields of psychology and anthropology, as scholars began to examine the connections and distinctions between human and animal behaviors. This exploration of animality delves into the primal instincts that all living beings possess, emphasizing the inherent qualities that define life, survival, and the rudimentary motivations that govern actions. The relationship between animality and humanity has been a topic of fascination, revealing the thin line between civilized behavior and innate instincts.