verb

animate

AN-ih-muht

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."

"Software can now animate a character's face from just a photo."

To give energy, purpose, or excitement to something.

"A shared sense of mission animated the whole team."

"Passion for the cause animated her speech."

adj

Alive, or full of energy and movement.

"Philosophers have long debated what separates animate matter from inanimate matter."

"His animate gestures made the story more engaging."

How to Use Animate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo make something move or seem alive, or to fill it with energy.

Common mistake

As an adjective ("animate objects") it means simply "alive"; the verb usually refers to giving movement or motivation.

Easily confused with

animated →

more animate comparative, animated past tense, animates singular, most animate superlative

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The studio _____ the entire film using hand-drawn cels.

From Latin animatus, "filled with breath or spirit," from anima ("soul, breath") — the same root as "animal" and "animation."

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