The Latin roots of the word 'animus'

'Animus' is a word borrowed from Latin 'animus'. The word entered the English language some time around 1816.

animus [noun] [1816]

• basic attitude or governing spirit
• disposition
• a usually prejudiced and often spiteful or malevolent ill will
• an inner masculine part of the female personality in the analytic psychology of C. G. Jung

Etymology: Latin, spirit, mind, courage, anger.

Topics: Society:Culture.

Origin: From Latin to English.

note: Derived from Latin animus (rational soul/mind/life/mental powers/consciousness) related to anima (soul/spirit) and ultimately from the PIE root *ane- (to breathe). It historically referred to the animating or rational part of the psyche though it evolved to imply temper active hostility or ill will in English.

See 'animus' on the Loan Words Map

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