'animality' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'animalitas,' where 'animal-' (from 'anima') meant 'living being; breath, soul.'

'animalitas' transformed into the French word 'animalité,' and eventually became the modern English word 'animality'; the regular English plural formed as 'animalities.'

Initially, it meant 'the state or quality of being animal; animal life,' and later broadened to 'animal nature or characteristics' and figuratively 'brutish tendencies.'