animality

noun

an·​i·​mal·​i·​ty ˌa-nə-ˈma-lə-tē How to pronounce animality (audio)
Synonyms of animalitynext
1
: a quality or nature associated with animals:
a
: vitality
b
: a natural unrestrained unreasoned response to physical drives or stimuli
2
: the animal nature of human beings

Synonyms

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Examples of animality in a Sentence

in his portrayal the actor emphasizes the working-class hunk's fundamental animality
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This strangeness causes all sorts of internal agitation, an uneasiness about humanity’s closeness to animality. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2025 But also, something more intrinsic — something like her animality. — Camille Bromley Gabra Zackman Krish Seenivasan David Mason, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of animality was in 1615

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Cite this Entry

“Animality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/animality. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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