Which term refers to giving human traits to inanimate objects?

The term that refers to giving human traits to inanimate objects is personification. This literary device allows authors to create vivid imagery and emotional connections by attributing characteristics, emotions, or actions to objects or animals that would not typically possess them. For example, saying "the wind whispered through the trees" gives the wind a human action, enhancing the reader's experience by making the description more relatable and evocative.

In contrast, metaphor involves making a comparison between two unrelated things without using "like" or "as." Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words, which creates rhythm and can enhance a piece of writing's musical quality. Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement used for emphasis or effect, not meant to be taken literally. Each of these other options serves distinct purposes in writing, but only personification specifically addresses the attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities.