animality
UK[ˌænɪˈmæləti]US[ˌænɪˈmæləti]
n
The physical, instinctive, or sensual nature of humans, often contrasted with the rational or spiritual nature.
n
The state or quality of being an animal; the characteristics of animals.
Morpheme Breakdown
animal
ity
animal
living being
ity
state or quality
Etymology
The word 'animality' is a relatively modern English formation, constructed by directly appending the abstract noun suffix '-ity' to the existing noun 'animal'. Its core component, 'animal', traces back to the Latin animal, meaning 'a living being' or 'creature that breathes', itself derived from anima, signifying 'breath', 'soul', or the vital principle. This etymological journey from 'breath' to 'living creature' encapsulates the ancient understanding of life itself. In forming 'animality', the suffix '-ity' (from Latin -itas) abstracts the concept, shifting from denoting the creature itself to the collective state or quality of being animal-like, particularly emphasizing physical, instinctive, and non-rational attributes, often in philosophical or theological contrast to human rationality or spirituality.
Analysis
Structure: animal (living being) + ity (state or quality)
- animal: From Latin animal (a living being, animal), from anima (breath, soul, life force). Serves as the base noun denoting a living creature.
- ity: A suffix from Latin -itas, denoting a state, condition, or quality. Serves as a noun-forming suffix.
Examples
The novel explores the conflict between human rationality and base animality.
Some philosophers argued that morality is what elevates us above mere animality.
The documentary focused on the raw animality of predators in the wild.