animus
|an-i-mus|
/ˈænɪməs/
multiple minds or spirits
Etymology
'animus' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'animus', where 'animus' meant 'mind, spirit, courage'.
'animus' entered English via Medieval/Neo-Latin usage; the Latin 'animus' was borrowed into English (from 16th century onward) retaining its form and varied senses.
Initially, it meant 'mind, spirit, courage' in Latin, but in English its meanings have specialized to senses such as 'hostile feeling', 'intent/purpose', and the Jungian technical sense 'the masculine aspect of a woman's psyche'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
hostile feeling or ill will toward someone; animosity
There was obvious animus between the two politicians during the debate.
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Noun 2
a guiding intention or purpose; motivating spirit behind an action or policy
The animus behind the reform was to reduce inequality.
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Noun 3
in Jungian psychology, the masculine aspect of a woman's personality
Jung described the animus as the unconscious masculine part of a woman's psyche.
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Last updated: 2025/08/12 15:51