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animismo

animism

noun ah-nee-MEES-moh Rare
Arts & Culture Religion

Origin: From Latin anima ('soul, spirit') + -ismo.

Usage Note

Animismo is the belief that natural objects, phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls or spiritual essence. It is used in anthropology and religious studies to describe indigenous belief systems. The related adjective is animista, which also serves as a noun (un animista — 'an animist').

Examples

"El animismo atribuye espíritu a los elementos naturales."

Natural Translation

Animism attributes spirit to natural elements.

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