Personification

As a Noun

1. The representation of an abstract idea, quality, or concept in human form.
2. A literary device where human traits are given to non-human things, such as objects, animals, or nature.
3. A perfect example or embodiment of a particular quality or characteristic.

As Other Form

• Personify (Verb): To attribute human qualities to something non-human or to represent an abstract idea in human form.

Word History

The word personification comes from the Latin persona, meaning “character” or “mask,” combined with the suffix -fication, meaning “the act of making.” It entered English through French and became a key concept in literature and philosophy, describing how ideas and objects can be depicted as human-like.

Examples

1. The poet used personification, describing the wind as whispering through the trees.
2. She is the personification of kindness and generosity.
3. In mythology, death is often personified as the Grim Reaper.

Synonyms

Embodiment, representation, symbol, manifestation, anthropomorphism

Related Words

Metaphor, allegory, depiction, exemplification

Antonyms

Abstraction, inanimate, disembodiment