animatism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “animatism” mean?
The attribution of life and personality (but not individual spirit or soul) to natural phenomena, objects, or the universe as a whole.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The attribution of life and personality (but not individual spirit or soul) to natural phenomena, objects, or the universe as a whole; a belief in a generalized, impersonal supernatural power.
In anthropology and religious studies, a foundational concept describing a belief system that perceives a diffuse, non-personal supernatural force or energy inherent in things, preceding the development of animism (belief in individual spirits). It can also refer, more broadly, to a tendency to imbue inanimate things with lifelike qualities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in both academic traditions.
Connotations
Neutral, scholarly. Carries connotations of early anthropological theory (e.g., Robert Marett).
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively within specific academic discourses.
Grammar
How to Use “animatism” in a Sentence
[Anthropologists] + [study/describe/observe] + animatism[The concept] + [is] + [central to/derived from] + animatism[Culture X] + [exhibits/displays] + features of animatismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “animatism” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The anthropologist argued that animatism represented a more primitive stage than animism.
- Marett's lectures focused extensively on the concept of animatism in Melanesian cultures.
American English
- Her thesis explored the evidence for animatism in early Neolithic artifacts.
- The textbook chapter clearly distinguishes animatism from the later development of totemism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in anthropology, religious studies, history of religions, and philosophical anthropology to describe a type of religious belief.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be misunderstood.
Technical
Precise term within its field to contrast with 'animism' and 'totemism'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “animatism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “animatism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “animatism”
- Confusing it with 'animism' (they are distinct stages in anthropological theory).
- Misspelling as 'animation' or 'animism'.
- Using it in non-academic contexts where it will not be understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Animatism involves belief in a generalized, impersonal supernatural power or life force inherent in things (e.g., a concept like 'mana'). Animism involves belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct, individual spiritual essence or soul.
It is most closely associated with the British anthropologist Robert Marett (1866-1943), who used it to describe a stage of religious belief he considered more primitive than animism.
As a formal, labelled system, no. However, elements reminiscent of animatistic thought—such as beliefs in luck, curses, or impersonal magical forces—can be found in various modern cultural practices and superstitions.
The Polynesian concept of 'mana'—an impersonal supernatural power that can reside in people, objects, or actions—is often cited as a classic example of the type of force central to animatism.
The attribution of life and personality (but not individual spirit or soul) to natural phenomena, objects, or the universe as a whole.
Animatism is usually academic / technical in register.
Animatism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ɪ.mə.tɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.məˌtɪz.əm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANIMATism = ANIMAl-like (life) + isM (system/belief). It's the 'ism' of believing in a general life-force, not individual animal spirits.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE UNIVERSE IS A LIVING ENTITY (with a singular, impersonal life force).
Practice
Quiz
In anthropological discourse, what is the primary conceptual relationship between 'animatism' and 'animism'?