1. in Jungian psychology, the feminine aspect of the male psyche
Usage: psychology; technical
2. the soul or animating principle of a living being
Usage: philosophy; formal

Examples

• Jung believed that men must integrate their anima to achieve psychological wholeness.
• The concept of anima represents the unconscious feminine side of a man’s personality.
• Ancient philosophers debated whether the anima was separate from the physical body.
• In his dreams, the anima appeared as various female figures.
• The therapist helped him explore his relationship with his anima.
• Classical texts often refer to the anima as the life force within all creatures.