Definition

1. Noun:
   • The belief that natural objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls or conscious life: Animism is a religious or philosophical doctrine attributing a spiritual essence to plants, inanimate objects, and natural events.
   • The attribution of a living soul to inanimate objects and natural phenomena: This concept often involves the belief that spirits inhabit rocks, rivers, mountains, and animals, influencing human affairs.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The anthropologist studied the tribe's animism, which held that the river and the ancient trees were sacred beings.
  • Animism is a core component of many indigenous spiritual traditions around the world.

Advanced Usage

• Philosophical/Anthropological Context: In academic discourse, "animism" is often discussed as a foundational stage in the development of religious thought, contrasting with monotheism or modern scientific materialism.
  • The debate centered on whether early human societies universally passed through an animistic stage.

Variants and Related Words

• Animist (noun): A person who believes in or practices animism.
  • The animist made an offering to the spirit of the forest.
• Animistic (adjective): Relating to or characterized by animism.
  • Their animistic beliefs were reflected in their respectful treatment of the natural world.

Synonyms

• Spiritualism: (in this specific context) The belief that spirits are present in the natural world.
• Pantheism: (related but distinct) The doctrine that God is identical with the universe and its phenomena. Note: Pantheism often sees a single divine spirit in everything, while animism typically involves many distinct spirits.

Idioms and Phrases

Noun

1. the doctrine that all natural objects and the universe itself have souls
   • animism is common among primitive peoples