What does exanimate mean?
Exanimate is an adjective that describes something or someone that lacks animation or vitality. It is often used to describe a body or a person who has lost all signs of life, but it can also be used to describe something that lacks vitality or animation. In formal or technical contexts, exanimate is a precise and formal term that is often used to describe a situation or a condition. In other contexts, it can be used to describe a person or a thing that seems lifeless or unresponsive. The word exanimate is derived from the Latin words 'ex' meaning 'out of' and 'animare' meaning 'to animate'. It has been used in English since the 17th century and is still used today in various contexts. Exanimate is a useful word to know because it can help to describe a situation or a condition in a precise and formal way. It is also an interesting word because it highlights the importance of animation and vitality in our lives.
adjectiveLacking animation or vitality; lifeless; dead.
- Lacking animation or vitality; lifeless; dead.
"The exanimate body lay still on the operating table."
"The exanimate body lay still on the operating table."
"The artist's exanimate sculpture seemed to stare back at the viewer."
The plural form exanimates is used to describe multiple bodies or people who have lost all signs of life.
"The exanimates lay still on the operating table."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exanimate
The word exanimate is derived from the Latin words 'ex' meaning 'out of' and 'animare' meaning 'to animate'. It was first used in English in the 17th century and has been used since then to describe something or someone that lacks animation or vitality.
How exanimate is actually used
In formal or technical contexts, exanimate is often used to describe a body or a person who has lost all signs of life. In other contexts, it can be used to describe something that lacks vitality or animation.