What does animatism mean?
Animatism is the belief or practice of attributing life, consciousness, or an impersonal supernatural power to inanimate objects and natural phenomena. The term was introduced by the British anthropologist R. R. Marett around 1900 as part of his theory of religious evolution. Whereas animism — the older and better-known concept associated with E. B. Tylor — holds that natural objects are inhabited by spirits or souls, animatism posits something vaguer: a diffuse, non-personal force akin to mana that dwells in rocks, rivers, storms, and places without any individual will behind it. Marett suggested this kind of belief might represent an earlier stage of religion than spirit-worship. Beyond anthropology, the word is occasionally applied more loosely to describe the human tendency, especially visible in young children, to treat objects as if they were alive. It remains a specialized term, encountered mainly in academic writing on religion and cognition.
The attribution of an impersonal life force or supernatural power to inanimate objects and natural phenomena; a putative early stage of religion distinct from animism.
"Marett treated animatism as a primitive form of religiosity centered on awe before a nameless power."
Primarily used in anthropology and comparative religion; often discussed alongside the related term animism.
The general tendency to regard inanimate things as being alive or possessing consciousness.
"Developmental psychologists have observed animatism in toddlers who believe their toys feel pain."
Rarely pluralized; the plural appears only when discussing multiple distinct instances or systems of such belief.
"The survey compared animatisms recorded across several Melanesian cultures."
Coined by anthropologist Robert Marett in 1900, animatism describes the idea that a mysterious force — not gods, not ghosts — lives inside rocks, rivers, and storms.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of animatism
Animatism derives from the Latin verb animare, meaning 'to give life to' or 'to animate,' itself rooted in anima, 'breath, soul, or vital principle.' It was coined in English by the anthropologist R. R. Marett at the turn of the twentieth century, building on the Latin root already present in words such as animate, animation, animal, and animus. Its formation parallels that of the closely related term animism, from which Marett sought to distinguish it.
How animatism is actually used
A technical term used chiefly in anthropology, comparative religion, and psychology of religion; rare in everyday conversation. It carries no strong connotation of praise or criticism, though it is sometimes invoked when describing children's tendency to treat objects as alive.
Easily confused with animatism
Animism attributes souls or spirits to natural objects, whereas animatism attributes an impersonal, non-spiritual life force or power to them.