Personification – Definition, Meaning and Examples | How to Pronounce Personification?

The use of figurative language will help you give a different meaning to a word outside the literal one. Personification is a commonly used figurative language that can make your writing more creative. Personification can be used in creative writing to describe scenes and indirectly express feelings. In this article, we have put together all the essential information about personification including its definition, common examples, its significance, etc.

What is Personification?

Personification is a figure of speech that makes use of human traits to describe inanimate objects. Personification can be considered as a type of metaphor. This figure of speech is used to create more interesting and engaging scenes or characters.

Personification Examples

Personification is a commonly used stylistic device. Given below is a list of examples of personification.

  • When fall changed to winter, the trees could be seen as wearing white.
  • The brown grass was begging for water.
  • Our society needs strong leaders.
  • The sunflowers nodded in the wind.
  • My piano is of pretty good manners but he can make them sound rude.
  • The traffic noises fought long.
  • The angry storm pounded the tin shelter.
  • A school of rainbow trout swam across the river.
  • The silence crept into the classroom.
  • This city never sleeps.
  • The sun stretched its golden arms and spread light
  • I wanted some money, but the ATM died.
  • This essay says that turnip is good for you.
  • Unfortunately, when she stepped out, her foot cried.
  • The sunflowers hung their heads.
  • That door jumped in my way.
  • The school bell called us from outside.
  • In addition, the storm trampled the town.
  • I am not able to get my calendar to work for me.
  • This advertisement speaks to me
  • My alarm yelled at me this morning.
  • I love onions, but they don’t love me.
  • The sign on the door insulted me.
  • My phone is not happy with me today.
  • That bus is driving too fast.
  • My computer works very hard.
  • However, the mail is running too slow today.
  • Fear seized the patient at the time of surgery
  • The cupboard groans when you open it.
  • Can you see that star winking at you?
  • Books reach out to kids.

Explore our other Literary Devices to improve your knowledge of Grammar Concepts and get a grip in the language.

Importance of Personification

The use of personification has several benefits. These include:

  • Helps you to better explain concepts and ideas.
  • Provides energy and emotion to otherwise lifeless scenes.
  • Helps express characters’ feelings and emotions.

Personification

Anthropomorphism Vs Personification

Just like personification, anthropomorphism gives human characteristics to objects or animals. It can be considered as a kind of personification. Animals or objects are described as real people with abilities. Hence anthropomorphism is stronger than simple personification.

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FAQs on Personification

1. What is personification?

Personification can be considered as a type of metaphor that makes use of human traits to describe inanimate objects.

2. Give examples of Personification?

Common examples of personification include: In addition, the storm trampled the town, I can’t get my calendar to work for me, This advertisement speaks to me, etc.

3. Distinguish between Personification and Anthropomorphism?

Like personification, anthropomorphism gives human characteristics to objects or animals. Animals or objects are described as real people with abilities. Hence anthropomorphism is stronger than simple personification.

4. What is the significance of using personification?

The use of personification has the following advantages: Helps you to better explain concepts and ideas, provides energy and emotion to otherwise lifeless scenes, and helps express characters’ feelings and emotions.

Conclusion

As a stylistic device, personification is used to assign human attributes to inanimate objects. The main function of this figure of speech is to breathe life into inanimate objects or characters. The use of personification will make your writing vivid and have the reader’s attention to what you write. So make sure you include personification and grab the reader’s attention!

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