Main Entry: ¹an·i·mate

Pronunciation: \ˈa-nə-mət\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin animatus, past participle of animare to give life to, from anima breath, soul; akin to Old English ōthian to breathe, Latin animus spirit, Greek anemos wind, Sanskrit aniti he breathes

Date: 15th century

1 : possessing or characterized by life : alive
2 : full of life : animated
3 : of or relating to animal life as opposed to plant life
4 : referring to a living thing <an animate noun>

— an·i·mate·ly adverb

— an·i·mate·ness noun