Basic Details
Word: Personification
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A way of describing something non-human as if it has human qualities, like feelings or actions.
Synonyms: Anthropomorphism, embodiment
Antonyms: Dehumanisation
Idioms and Phrases
- To give life to: To make something seem lively or full of character. Example: "The writer used personification to give life to the old tree, making it feel like it was whispering secrets."
- A heart of stone: Used when something is described as unfeeling or unemotional. Example: "Though the mountain seems unyielding, in this story, it has a heart of stone that echoes the struggles of the villagers."
Usage Examples
Example 1: In the poem, the author uses personification to describe the wind as "whispering secrets through the trees."
Example 2: Personification can make a story more engaging by allowing readers to connect with objects like "the sun smiled down on us."
Example 3: The children's book featured a talking rabbit, a perfect example of personification to capture young readers' imaginations.
Fun Fact
Did you know that personification has been used in literature for centuries, dating back to ancient times? Authors have often used this technique to create vivid imagery that helps readers relate to the story!
Famous Quote
"A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds." - Davy Crockett. This quote reflects personification by suggesting that we can understand a tree as if it has intentions or purpose.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "personification" mean?
a) Describing a human-like character
b) Describing animals as if they are human
c) Describing non-human things with human traits
d) A type of poem
Answer: c) Describing non-human things with human traits
2. Which of these is a synonym of "personification"?
a) Dehumanisation
b) Anthropomorphism
c) Metaphor
d) Simile
Answer: b) Anthropomorphism
3. What is the antonym of "personification"?
a) Humanisation
b) Dehumanisation
c) Artification
d) Embodiment
Answer: b) Dehumanisation
4. Which sentence uses "personification" correctly?
a) The sun danced through the clouds, cheering everyone up.
b) The cat quickly ran up the tree.
c) She brought her lunch to school.
d) The fish swam in the clear water.
Answer: a) The sun danced through the clouds, cheering everyone up.
5. Which idiom uses the concept of personification?
a) A heart of stone
b) A fish out of water
c) Barking up the wrong tree
d) In the driving seat
Answer: a) A heart of stone
