Animus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
animus
[หanษmษs ]
Definitions
in psychology
a usually prejudiced and often spiteful or malevolent ill will
Synonyms
animosity, antipathy, hostility.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| animus |
Used to describe a strong feeling of dislike or hatred that is often hidden or not directly expressed.
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| hostility |
Often used to describe open, aggressive, or confrontational behavior, typically associated with an intention to harm or oppose.
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| animosity |
Typically used to describe a strong feeling of dislike or hatred that is openly shown between people or groups.
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| antipathy |
Used to describe a deep-seated feeling of aversion or strong dislike, often based on a fundamental incompatibility or disagreement.
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Examples of usage
- The criticism was rooted in animus towards the author.
- She couldn't hide her animus towards her ex-husband.
in ancient Rome
a powerful inner force believed to be a dominating character trait in Roman culture
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| animus |
Often used in a negative sense to describe a strong feeling of hostility or ill will towards someone or something.
|
| spirit |
Can refer to a person's general attitude, enthusiasm, or energy. Also used to indicate a person's essence or soul.
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| courage |
Describes the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Often used in positive contexts to highlight bravery.
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| vitality |
Refers to the state of being strong and full of energy. It is often used to describe physical health and vigor.
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Examples of usage
- The Roman warrior's animus drove him to conquer new lands.
- The concept of animus was deeply ingrained in Roman society.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In Jungian psychology, animus reflects the unconscious masculine side of a womanโs psyche, influencing her thoughts and behaviors.
- The presence of a strong animus can both empower women and lead to conflict if not harmonized with their feminine aspects.
- Interactions with the animus can surface during personal development, often challenging one's past beliefs and relationship patterns.
Literature
- In literary contexts, animus can describe a characterโs deep-seated motivations, revealing their core desires and conflicts.
- Authors often use animus to explore themes of identity and transformation, illustrating how inner conflict drives narratives.
- Famous literary works often show characters battling with their animus, symbolizing the struggle between personal ambition and societal expectations.
Cultural References
- In popular culture, the concept of animus often appears in films and books, portraying characters driven by deep-seated emotions.
- Many video games feature characters whose animus guides their journey, influencing decisions and relationships.
- Cultural discussions around animus often highlight conflicts arising from personal beliefs and the collective societal pressures.
Philosophy
- Philosophers have debated the role of animus in shaping human behavior, exploring how intentions affect morality and ethics.
- The discussion surrounding animus extends to the examination of free will, asking how much our inner drives determine our actions.
- In various philosophical traditions, understanding oneโs animus is seen as crucial for self-awareness and personal growth.
Origin of 'animus'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from Latin, where 'animus' means 'soul' or 'spirit', linking to both emotional and mental states.
- Related to the word 'animus', which denotes both courage and intention, showing how our mindset shapes actions.
- Connected to 'animus', referring to the masculine inner personality in Jungian psychology, highlighting gender dynamics in emotions.
The word 'animus' comes from Latin, where it originally meant 'the rational soul, life, or courage.' In ancient Rome, animus was believed to be a powerful inner force that drove individuals to act with courage and determination. Over time, the meaning of animus evolved to include a more negative connotation, referring to ill will or hostility. Today, 'animus' is used in both psychological and historical contexts to describe intense feelings or motivations.