adjective
B2
Upper-Intermediate
inanimate
ihn-A-nih-muht
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.”
adjective
1
Not alive and incapable of movement on its own, like a rock or a chair.
"The child talked to her stuffed animals as though the inanimate toys could hear her."
"A statue is an inanimate object, no matter how lifelike it looks."
How to use inanimate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes objects with no life in them — the opposite of animate or living.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
inanimate object
inanimate matter
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Word forms
- Plural
- inanimates
- Third person singular
- inanimates
- Past tense
- inanimated
- Comparative
- more inanimate
- Superlative
- most inanimate
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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Related words
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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