Personify

To attribute human qualities or characteristics to non-human entities, animals, or abstract ideas, making them relatable or understandable through human emotions, behaviors, and traits. This literary device is often used in poetry and literature to create vivid imagery and deepen the connection between the audience and the subject. Personification allows readers to engage more fully with ideas and themes by presenting them in a familiar context.

Personify meaning with examples

• In his poem, the author chooses to personify the ocean by describing it as 'angry' and 'jealous', creating an emotional connection between the reader and the vast body of water. Through this technique, the ocean becomes more than just a setting; it embodies human emotions that enhance the thematic depth of the work.
• The marketing campaign cleverly personifies the brand's product by depicting it as a friendly character that helps customers solve problems, establishing an emotional bond with the audience. By attributing human-like qualities to the product, consumers may feel more inclined to trust and relate to the brand, influencing their purchasing decisions.
• In children's literature, animals are often personified to teach moral lessons, as seen in fables where squirrels and rabbits can talk and hold conversations. This technique simplifies complex lessons, making them accessible and entertaining for young readers while instilling values and life lessons in an engaging manner.
• When the artist paints the sun as a smiling face, she personifies it to convey warmth and happiness. This artistic choice transforms what is commonly seen as a celestial body into a symbol of joy and positivity, inviting viewers to feel uplifted through shared human experiences.
• In his speech, the politician personified hope by saying it 'walks beside us', suggesting that it is a living force guiding people through challenges. By making hope relatable, this rhetoric engages listeners' emotions and encourages them to see hope as an active participant in their lives.