Personifying: meaning, definitions and examples

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personifying

[pərˈsɒnɪfaɪɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in literature

Personifying is the act of giving human characteristics to something that is not human, such as an animal, object, or abstract concept. It is a popular literary device used to make the writing more engaging and relatable.

Synonyms

anthropomorphize, embodiment, humanize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
personifying	Personifying is often used in literature and storytelling when giving human characteristics to non-human entities or abstract concepts. The poet excelled at personifying nature, making the trees seem as if they whispered secrets. In his speech, he was personifying freedom as a vigilant guardian.
anthropomorphize	Anthropomorphize is commonly used in scientific or critical discussions when describing the act of attributing human traits or emotions to animals, objects, or deities. Children tend to anthropomorphize their stuffed animals, giving them names and personalities. The researcher cautioned against the tendency to anthropomorphize animal behavior in the study.
humanize	Humanize is often used in discussions about making something more relatable or understandable by giving it human characteristics, typically in a way that is meant to evoke empathy. The documentary sought to humanize refugees by sharing their personal stories. By humanizing the robot, the developers aimed to make it more user-friendly.
embodiment	Embodiment is used when referring to a physical or tangible manifestation of an abstract concept, idea, or quality. She is the embodiment of kindness; everyone in the community looks up to her. The hero of the story was seen as the embodiment of courage and resilience.

Examples of usage

By personifying the wind as a mischievous child, the author created a sense of playfulness in the story.
The poet used personifying language to describe the sun as a nurturing mother, providing warmth and light to the earth.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

psychology

Personifying is a defense mechanism in psychology where a person attributes human characteristics to inanimate objects or abstract concepts. It can help individuals cope with difficult emotions or situations by externalizing them onto something else.

Synonyms

attribution, externalization, projection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
personifying	Used when giving human characteristics to non-human entities or concepts, often in literature and art to create vivid imagery. The poet is known for personifying nature, with the wind whispering secrets and the trees dancing in joy. Personifying fear as a looming shadow added depth to the horror story.
attribution	Commonly used in academic and professional settings to assign credit, responsibility, or blame to someone or something. The success of the project was due to the attribution of hard work by the entire team. Incorrect attribution of sources in an essay can lead to accusations of plagiarism.
projection	Used in psychology to describe the act of attributing one's own feelings, desires, or thoughts onto someone else. Often has a negative connotation. Her constant criticism of others seemed like a projection of her own insecurities. In the meeting, his projection of failure onto the team demoralized everyone.
externalization	Used in psychology and sociology to describe the process of projecting inner thoughts and feelings onto the external world; also used in business to describe outsourcing. In therapy, externalization helps clients separate their identity from their problems. The company’s externalization of production to overseas suppliers helped reduce costs.

Examples of usage

The patient's tendency to personify their anxiety as a dark shadow helped them separate from the overwhelming emotions.
Through personifying her fears as a monster under the bed, the child felt more in control of her anxiety.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'persona', meaning 'mask' or 'character', used in theatre and storytelling.
In English, it evolved to mean giving human traits to non-human things during the 16th century.
It combines with 'ify', a suffix that indicates making or becoming, indicating the act of making something person-like.

Literature

Writers frequently employ this technique in fables, where animals are given human qualities to teach morals.
In poetry, nature elements are often personified to express emotions and create a connection with readers.
Classic examples include Emily Dickinson's portrayal of Death as a gentleman caller in her poem 'Because I could not stop for Death'.

Psychology

Using personification can help individuals process complex emotions by relating them to a character or figure.
This technique can aid in therapy by allowing clients to externalize their feelings, making it easier to discuss.
People often personify abstract concepts like love or fear, which can provide clarity and help in understanding their own feelings.

Pop Culture

Animated films like 'Toy Story' famously personify toys, exploring themes of friendship and loyalty through their characters.
The character Groot in 'Guardians of the Galaxy' embodies a tree, showcasing the charm and humor of personification in modern media.
Cartoons often bring inanimate objects to life, like 'Cars', where vehicles have personalities and stories.

Philosophy

Philosophers argue that personifying abstract ideas can shape our understanding of ethics and morality.
This technique can lead to the concept of 'moral personification', where society views systems like corporations or countries as entities with responsibilities.
Debates about climate change often involve personifying Earth to highlight the urgency and emotional resonance of environmental issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "personifying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 personificando

🇮🇳 व्यक्तित्व देना

🇩🇪 personifizieren

🇮🇩 memersonifikasikan

🇺🇦 персоніфікація

🇵🇱 personifikacja

🇯🇵 擬人化する

🇫🇷 personnifier

🇪🇸 personificar

🇹🇷 kişileştirme

🇰🇷 의인화하다

🇸🇦 تجسيد

🇨🇿 personifikace

🇸🇰 personifikácia

🇨🇳 拟人化

🇸🇮 osebnostiti

🇮🇸 persónugera

🇰🇿 персонализация

🇬🇪 პერსონიფიცირება

🇦🇿 şəxsiləşdirmək

🇲🇽 personificar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,687 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34684 phishing
34685 mimed
34686 penalise
34687 personifying
34688 prefigure
34689 convolute
34690 valance
...