animalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Literary / Academic
Quick answer
What does “animalism” mean?
The philosophical belief that humans are essentially animals, lacking a higher spiritual or rational nature, or the physical, instinct-driven aspects of human behaviour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The philosophical belief that humans are essentially animals, lacking a higher spiritual or rational nature, or the physical, instinct-driven aspects of human behaviour.
In George Orwell's novel 'Animal Farm', 'Animalism' refers to the system of egalitarian principles and commandments established by the rebelling animals as an allegory for Marxism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The literary reference (Orwell) is more universally recognised in British educational contexts.
Connotations
In both, the term is heavily coloured by its literary use. Outside literature, it carries a negative connotation of brutishness.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general use, appearing almost exclusively in philosophical/literary discussion.
Grammar
How to Use “animalism” in a Sentence
[Subject] espouses/advocates/rejects animalism.The novel explores the tenets of animalism.His philosophy degenerated into sheer animalism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “animalism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The animalistic behaviour of the crowd was shocking.
- He rejected the animalistic view of humanity.
American English
- The movie portrayed a raw, animalistic struggle for survival.
- She argued against an animalistic reduction of human emotions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in philosophy, literature, and political theory courses discussing human nature or Orwell.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The riot was pure animalism.'
Technical
A niche term in philosophical discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “animalism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “animalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “animalism”
- Using it as a synonym for 'love of animals' (that is 'animal lover' or 'zoophilia').
- Confusing it with 'animism' (the belief that objects have spirits).
- Misspelling as 'animalisticism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not at all. 'Animalism' is a philosophical or ideological term. A person who loves animals is an 'animal lover' or 'animal rights advocate'.
They are easily confused. 'Animalism' concerns the animal nature of humans. 'Animism' is a religious belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.
Rarely. In most philosophical discourse, it is a label applied by critics. Within the specific context of Orwell's 'Animal Farm', it starts as a positive ideal but becomes corrupted.
No. It is a low-frequency, specialised term used primarily in academic discussions of philosophy, literature, or political theory.
The philosophical belief that humans are essentially animals, lacking a higher spiritual or rational nature, or the physical, instinct-driven aspects of human behaviour.
Animalism is usually formal / literary / academic in register.
Animalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈænɪməlɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈænɪməˌlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANIMAL + ISM. An '-ism' (belief system) that says we are just animals.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN BEINGS ARE ANIMALS; MORALITY/SOCIETY IS A CONSTRUCT ABOVE INSTINCT.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is 'animalism' most appropriately used?