inanimate
Inanimate (adjective) means not alive and incapable of movement on its own, like a rock or a chair. Example: “The child talked to her stuffed animals as though the inanimate toys could hear her.”
How to use inanimate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes objects with no life in them — the opposite of animate or living.
Word forms
more inanimate comparative, inanimated past tense, inanimates plural, inanimates singular, most inanimate superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The child talked to her stuffed animals as though the _____ toys could hear her.
Etymology
From Late Latin inanimatus, from in- plus animatus, "animated" or "given life."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for inanimate
See all rhymes for inanimate →Frequently asked questions
What does “inanimate” mean?
The word “inanimate” means not alive and incapable of movement on its own, like a rock or a chair. In plain terms, describes objects with no life in them — the opposite of animate or living.
How do you pronounce “inanimate”?
“Inanimate” is pronounced ihn-A-nih-muht (/ɪnˈænɪmət/ in IPA).
How do you use “inanimate” in a sentence?
Here is “inanimate” used in a sentence: “The child talked to her stuffed animals as though the inanimate toys could hear her.”
What part of speech is “inanimate”?
“Inanimate” is an adjective.
Where does the word “inanimate” come from?
The word “inanimate” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin inanimatus, from in- plus animatus, "animated" or "given life.".
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