Anima
/ˈæn.ɪ.mə/noun
The Latin word for 'soul' or 'spirit', often associated with life force.
Did you know?In alchemical traditions, 'anima' represents the vital essence that connects the physical to the spiritual, embodying the concept of the soul's journey.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁n̥eh₁-
“to breathe, to blow, representing life force.”
Latin
Latin
anima
“soul, spirit, breath, essential life force.”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
anima
“the principle of life or consciousness.”
Renaissance
English
anima
“adopted into English to signify the soul, especially in philosophical contexts.”
Modern English
English
anima
“used in psychological and spiritual discourse to represent the inner self or spirit.”