Animate
/ˈænɪmeɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo give life, motion, or spirit to something.
/ˈænɪmeɪt/
To give life or motion to
He animated the story with vivid descriptions.
💡 Simply: To make something come alive or move.
More Examples
The puppet show was expertly animated.
How It's Used
"The artist skillfully animated the characters in the film."
"Her enthusiasm animated the entire team."
Possessing life; living.
/ˈænɪmət/
Possessing life; alive.
The animate world is full of wonders.
💡 Simply: Alive.
More Examples
Only animate objects can feel pain.
How It's Used
"All animate beings require energy to survive."
From Latin *animātus*, past participle of *animāre* "to give breath or life to, to enliven", from *ānima* "breath, soul, life".
Historically, 'animate' was used more frequently in the sense of 'giving life' in a spiritual or metaphysical context.
Memory tip
Think 'anim' like 'animal' - giving life to something.
Word Origin
"to give life or breath to"