Animality is a term that refers to the qualities and characteristics of animals. It is often used to describe the behavior, instincts, and physical attributes of non-human creatures. The concept of animality has been a subject of discussion in various fields, including philosophy, psychology, and anthropology. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of animality and its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Animality can be defined as the state or quality of being animal-like. It is a term used to describe the natural instincts and behaviors of animals, such as hunting, mating, and territorialism. Animality is also used to refer to the physical characteristics of animals, such as fur, claws, and teeth.
In philosophy, animality is often associated with the concept of the “animal nature” of human beings. This idea suggests that humans have innate animalistic tendencies that influence their behavior and decision-making processes.
Origin
The term animality comes from the Latin word “animalis,” which means “having breath” or “living being.” It is derived from the word “anima,” which means “soul” or “life force.” The concept of animality has been present in human thought for thousands of years, with ancient cultures often associating animals with various deities and spiritual forces.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of animality can vary slightly depending on the dictionary consulted. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, animality is defined as “the quality or state of being animal-like.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines animality as “the quality or condition of being animal; the animal nature or character.”
Associations
Animality is often associated with concepts such as instinct, primal behavior, and wildness. It is also associated with the physical attributes of animals, such as strength, speed, and agility. In some cases, animality is associated with negative qualities, such as aggression, violence, and lack of control.
In philosophy, animality is often associated with the idea of the “other,” or that which is different from human beings. This idea can lead to the dehumanization of animals and the justification of their mistreatment.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of animality include animalism, bestiality, and beastliness. These terms all refer to the qualities and characteristics of animals.
Antonyms
Antonyms of animality include humanity, civility, and refinement. These terms refer to qualities that are associated with human beings and their culture.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as animality include animate, animation, and animism. These words all relate to the concept of life and vitality.
Example Sentences
- The hunter’s animality was evident in the way he tracked his prey.
- The dog’s animality was on full display as it chased its tail around the yard.
- The philosopher argued that humans must embrace their animality in order to fully understand themselves.
- The artist’s painting captured the raw animality of the lion in the wild.
- The politician’s speech was criticized for its appeal to people’s animality rather than their reason.