Inanimate
/ɪˈnænɪmət/
Definitions
Lacking the qualities of life; not living.
/ɪˈnænɪmət/
Not alive; not having the qualities of life.
The museum exhibited a collection of inanimate objects from ancient civilizations.
💡 Simply: Imagine a rock or a table. They don't move, breathe, or eat like you do. That's because they're inanimate. They're just… things!
👶 For kids: Not alive, like a rock or a toy.
More Examples
He stared at the inanimate statue, lost in thought.
The artist tried to capture the beauty of the inanimate landscape on canvas.
How It's Used
"Scientists often study the interaction between living organisms and inanimate objects."
"The philosopher distinguished between animate and inanimate matter."
From Latin *inanimatus*, meaning 'lifeless, without breath', from *in-* (not) + *animatus* (animated, from *anima*, 'breath, life').
The word 'inanimate' has been used since the 16th century to describe things that are not alive. It was used extensively in scientific and philosophical discussions.
Memory tip
Think of 'in-' as not and 'animate' as alive. Inanimate means not alive.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: animatus