Which term attributes human characteristics to nonhuman things?

Which term attributes human characteristics to nonhuman things?

• A. Pun
• B. Metaphor
• C. Irony
• D. Personification

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is assigning human traits to something that isn’t human. When a writer describes wind as if it can whisper, or the sun as if it smiles, they’re using personification—the human qualities are given to nonhuman things to create a vivid image or mood. That’s why this term fits best. A pun is wordplay that relies on double meanings or sound similarities, not on making nonhuman things seem human. A metaphor makes a direct comparison between two unlike things but doesn’t necessarily animate the thing with human attributes. Irony centers on a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs, not on attributing human traits to nonhuman things. So the expression that attributes human characteristics to nonhuman things is personification.

The main idea here is assigning human traits to something that isn’t human. When a writer describes wind as if it can whisper, or the sun as if it smiles, they’re using personification—the human qualities are given to nonhuman things to create a vivid image or mood.

That’s why this term fits best. A pun is wordplay that relies on double meanings or sound similarities, not on making nonhuman things seem human. A metaphor makes a direct comparison between two unlike things but doesn’t necessarily animate the thing with human attributes. Irony centers on a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs, not on attributing human traits to nonhuman things.

So the expression that attributes human characteristics to nonhuman things is personification.