What term refers to giving human qualities to nonhuman things?

The term that refers to giving human qualities to nonhuman things is personification. This literary device allows writers to create vivid imagery and emotional connections by attributing human characteristics to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts. For example, saying that "the wind whispered through the trees" gives the wind a human action and emotion, thereby enhancing the reader's experience and understanding of the scene.

Imagery, while related, specifically pertains to the use of descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating mental pictures. Metaphor involves making a direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as," whereas symbolism involves using symbols to represent larger concepts or ideas, rather than imbuing them with human qualities. Thus, personification stands out as the correct answer since it directly involves the attribution of human traits to nonhuman entities.