animate
13 synonyms and 1 antonym for animate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To bring something to life, or to make a picture or object appear to move on its own.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To bring something to life, or to make a picture or object appear to move on its own.
“The studio animated the entire film using hand-drawn cels.”
Etymology
From Latin animatus, "filled with breath or spirit," from anima ("soul, breath") — the same root as "animal" and "animation."
Full origin of animate →Frequently asked questions
What does “animate” mean?
The word “animate” means to bring something to life, or to make a picture or object appear to move on its own. In plain terms, to make something move or seem alive, or to fill it with energy.
How do you pronounce “animate”?
“Animate” is pronounced AN-ih-muht (/ˈæn.ə.mət/ in IPA).
How do you use “animate” in a sentence?
Here is “animate” used in a sentence: “The studio animated the entire film using hand-drawn cels.”
What part of speech is “animate”?
Depending on how it is used, “animate” can be a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “animate” come from?
The word “animate” comes from Latin. From Latin animatus, "filled with breath or spirit," from anima ("soul, breath") — the same root as "animal" and "animation.".
Is “animate” a common word?
“Animate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “animate” have?
“Animate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to bring something to life, or to make a picture or object appear to move on its own.
