inanimate

in·an·i·mate

adj \(ˌ)i-ˈna-nə-mət\

Definition of INANIMATE

1

: not animate: a : not endowed with life or spirit <an inanimate object> b : lacking consciousness or power of motion <an inanimate body>

2

: not animated or lively : dull

— in·an·i·mate·ly adverb

— in·an·i·mate·ness noun

Examples of INANIMATE

1. <“pathetic fallacy” is the literary term for the ascription of human feelings or motives to inanimate natural elements>

Origin of INANIMATE

Middle English, from Late Latin inanimatus, from Latin in- + animatus, past participle of animare to animate

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to INANIMATE

Synonyms: insensate, insensible, insentient, senseless, unfeeling

Antonyms: animate, feeling, sensate, sensible, sensitive, sentient

Related Words: exanimate, lifeless; comatose, unconscious

Near Antonyms: aware, cognizant, conscious; animated, lively, vibrant

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Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate