inanimate
UK: ɪnˈænɪmət | US: ɪnˈænɪmət
adj. lacking life or consciousness; not alive
adj. dull or lifeless in character; lacking energy
inanimate = in<not> + animate<alive>
- in (prefix): From Latin in-, meaning "not" or "without."
- animate (root): From Latin animatus (past participle of animare, "to give life"), derived from anima ("soul, breath, life").
Etymology Origin:
The word "inanimate" combines the negative prefix in- with animate, which traces back to the Latin anima (life force or soul). The fusion reflects a clear opposition: in- negates the vitality implied by animate, resulting in "lifeless" or "without spirit." This logical pairing has persisted in English since the 16th century, maintaining its core meaning of absence of life.
Rocks and metals are inanimate objects.
The lecture was so dull that the audience sat inanimate.
The artist’s skill brought the inanimate statue to life in the viewer’s imagination.
In biology, viruses are often debated as animate or inanimate entities.
Her inanimate expression revealed nothing of her inner thoughts.