inanimate

[ in-an-uh-mit ]
/ ɪnˈæn ə mɪt /

adjective

not animate; lifeless.
spiritless; sluggish; dull.
Linguistics. belonging to a syntactic category or having a semantic feature that is characteristic of words denoting objects, concepts, and beings regarded as lacking perception and volition (opposed to animate).

Origin of inanimate

From the Late Latin word inanimātus, dating back to 1555–65. See in-3, animate

OTHER WORDS FROM inanimate

in·an·i·mate·ly, adverb in·an·i·mate·ness, in·an·i·ma·tion [in-an-uh-mey-shuhn] /ɪnˌæn əˈmeɪ ʃən/, noun

Example sentences from the Web for inanimate

British Dictionary definitions for inanimate

inanimate
/ (ɪnˈænɪmɪt) /

adjective

lacking the qualities or features of living beings; not animate inanimate objects
lacking any sign of life or consciousness; appearing dead
lacking vitality; spiritless; dull

Derived forms of inanimate

inanimately, adverb inanimateness or inanimation (ɪnˌænɪˈmeɪʃən), noun

Medical definitions for inanimate

inanimate
[ ĭn-ănə-mĭt ]

adj.

Not having the qualities associated with active, living organisms; not animate.

Other words from inanimate

in•ani•mate•ness n.