inanimate

/in'ænimit/

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Word: Inanimate

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "inanimate" describes something that is not alive. It refers to objects or things that do not breathe or show signs of life.

Usage Instructions:

Use "inanimate" when you want to describe things that cannot move on their own or do not have any life. It is often used in contrast to "animate," which means living or having life.

Examples:

1. The book on the table is an inanimate object; it cannot move by itself.
2. Inanimate toys like dolls and action figures do not have feelings or thoughts.

Advanced Usage:

In literature or poetry, "inanimate" can be used metaphorically to describe feelings or situations that seem lifeless or dull. For example, "The inanimate landscape reflected her mood of despair."

Word Variants:

• Inanimacy (noun): The quality of being inanimate.
• Inanimately (adverb): In a way that is lifeless or without energy.

Different Meanings:

While "inanimate" primarily refers to non-living things, it can also describe something that lacks energy or spirit, such as a conversation that feels dull.

Synonyms:

• Lifeless
• Non-living
• Immobile
• Unmoving
• Motionless

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "inanimate," but you might hear phrases like “inanimate objects” or “inanimate life” in discussions about art or philosophy.

Summary:

"Inanimate" is a useful word to describe anything that is not alive, such as a rock, a car, or a pencil.

Academic

Adjective

1. appearing dead; not breathing or having no perceptible pulse
   • an inanimate body
   • pulseless and dead
2. not endowed with life
   • the inorganic world is inanimate
   • inanimate objects
3. belonging to the class of nouns denoting nonliving things
   • the word `car' is inanimate

Synonyms

• breathless
• pulseless
• nonliving
• non-living