animistic
|an-i-mis-tic|
/ˌænɪˈmɪstɪk/
ascribing souls to things
Etymology
'animistic' originates from the noun 'animism' (coined in the 19th century) plus the adjectival suffix '-istic', ultimately from Latin 'anima' meaning 'breath, soul'.
'animistic' developed from English 'animism' (borrowed via French 'animisme'), which was based on Latin 'anima' ('soul, breath'); the adjective form was formed by adding the suffix '-istic' (from Greek/French adjectival formation) to create 'animistic'.
Initially tied to the idea of 'soul' or 'breath' (from Latin 'anima'), it came to denote specifically the doctrine or qualities of 'animism' and now means 'relating to or characterized by belief in spirits in natural things'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to animism; connected with the belief that natural objects, places, and creatures possess a spiritual essence.
Her animistic beliefs led her to treat the river as a living being.
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Adjective 2
attributed with or showing the tendency to ascribe souls or spirits to inanimate objects or natural phenomena.
The tribe's animistic rituals honored the spirits of the forest.
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Last updated: 2025/08/12 12:37