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pathetic fallacy

noun [U or S]
 
 
specialized

Definition

the use by a writer or poet of words that give human feelings or qualities to objects, nature, or animals, for example by referring to the 'cruel sea'Figurative use of languageLinguistic terms and linguistic style
(Definition of pathetic fallacy noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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