totem: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal, Academic, Anthropological
Quick answer
What does “totem” mean?
A natural object or animal believed to have spiritual significance and adopted as a symbol by a group, especially in indigenous cultures.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A natural object or animal believed to have spiritual significance and adopted as a symbol by a group, especially in indigenous cultures.
Any symbol or emblem representing a group, idea, or hierarchy, as in the phrase 'totem pole' denoting a social or organizational hierarchy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal; both dialects use the word similarly, but in American English, it is more frequently referenced due to the prominence of Native American culture.
Connotations
In both, it implies a cultural or spiritual symbol; in American context, often linked to specific tribal traditions.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in anthropological and cultural discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “totem” in a Sentence
[group]'s totemtotem of [group]totem for [purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “totem” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- In some ethnographic accounts, tribes totem certain animals for ceremonial purposes.
American English
- The community totems the eagle as a representation of freedom and strength.
adjective
British English
- The totem pole in the museum is a magnificent artifact.
American English
- She studies totem animals in Native American cultures.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; occasionally in metaphors for corporate hierarchy, e.g., 'climbing the totem pole'.
Academic
Common in anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies to discuss symbolic representations in societies.
Everyday
Used in expressions like 'totem pole' to describe rankings or hierarchies, e.g., in sports or organizations.
Technical
In anthropology, refers to specific objects or animals with spiritual significance in cultural rituals and beliefs.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “totem”
- Mispronouncing the vowel sound as /ɒ/ instead of /əʊ/ or /oʊ/.
- Using 'totem' interchangeably with 'logo' or 'brand' without acknowledging its cultural depth.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The word 'totem' comes from the Ojibwe language, adopted into English in the 18th century.
It is not extremely common in everyday speech but is well-known in academic and cultural contexts, and in idioms like 'totem pole'.
Use it as a noun to refer to a symbolic object or animal, e.g., 'The bear is their clan totem.'
Yes, such as 'totemic' (adjective), 'totemism' (noun referring to the belief system), and 'totemize' (verb, though less common).
A natural object or animal believed to have spiritual significance and adopted as a symbol by a group, especially in indigenous cultures.
Totem is usually formal, academic, anthropological in register.
Totem: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊtəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊtəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “low man on the totem pole”
- “totem pole”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'totem' as 'to-team' – a symbol that unites a team or community.
Conceptual Metaphor
A totem serves as a metaphor for group identity, social structure, or hierarchical positioning.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'totem'?