animate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "animate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to bringing something to life or making it lively, often in the context of art, storytelling, or technology. Example: "The artist was able to animate the characters in her story, making them feel real and engaging to the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In particular, exuberant buyers may be more rational than many assume.Robert Shiller, a Yale University economist and prescient housing-bubble spotter, reckons that "animal spirits" animate investors during bubbles.

The Economist

But I prefer Robert Shiller's assessment that animal spirits animate investors during irrational bubbles (Free exchange), leading one to wonder whether their awakening and revival would be all that beneficial.Tracy Miller Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire*Letter appears online only.

The Economist

We are beings that can enter into dialogic relations not just with human others but with other animate beings, such as animals, or a tree, as well as with the Divine Thou.

SEP

The wisest course would be to plan technological interventions to come on the understanding that the true intelligence of the Indian city will continue to reside where it always has: in the people who live and work in it, who animate it and give it a voice.

The Guardian

We'll operate as a democracy, this symbolic configuration hints, yet some force of divinity will animate us.

The Guardian

The inability or unwillingness of the government to stem the attacks on the Rohingya, a stateless people though most have lived in the country for generations, has raised doubts as to whether the regime is really changing its spots with respect to human rights and the ethnic divisions within the country.Similar concerns animate complaints about another leg of Mr Obama's brief tour, to Cambodia.

The Economist

Yet nothing seems to animate them like these tracks from almost 20 years ago.In this section The Company that ruled the waves Frog-hunters of the Western Ghats The game A path through time immemorial How Luther went viral The faith (and doubts) of our fathers The servant problem Why have servants?

The Economist

With the help of his son and daughter-in-law, Dr Rosling then developed Trendalyzer software (now called Gapminder) to animate the bubbles".It was a conscious intent to make the data look alive," he explains.

The Economist

For in his urge to break through stereotypes and enmity, he skids over the real social, economic and political concerns that animate fundamentalist groups.

The Economist

For most of its history, Islam has had a deep aversion to the lifelike portrayal of animate beings, especially human beings, and above all to the representation of Muhammad, the messenger of God or indeed any of the preceding prophets, such as Nuh (Noah) or Isa (Jesus).

The Economist

When it does so, it will abolish, once and for all, a distinction as old as human thought: that between animate and inanimate matter.It is not considered polite, in the circles of synthetic biology as the subject is known, to mention the "F" word.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "animate", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it about bringing something to life literally, or more about adding energy and vigor?

Common error

Avoid using "animate" excessively in formal writing when more precise verbs like "activate", "stimulate", or "energize" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "animate" is as a verb, used to describe the act of giving life, motion, or energy to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to impart motion or appearance of motion and to give spirit or vigor to something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "animate" functions primarily as a verb, signifying the act of bringing something to life or infusing it with energy and motion. As Ludwig AI indicates, "animate" is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, including art, storytelling, and technology. Its usage is frequent in news, media, and scientific publications. When using "animate", consider whether you want to convey a sense of literal life or a more abstract sense of energy and vigor. Alternatives include "bring to life", "energize", and "invigorate", depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bring to life

Focuses on creating the initial sense of life or activity.

Give life to

Similar to bring to life but can also imply nurturing or sustaining.

Liven up

Emphasizes making something more cheerful or exciting.

Energize

Highlights the infusion of energy and vitality.

Invigorate

Suggests restoring strength and vigor.

Stimulate

Implies encouraging activity or development.

Inspire

Focuses on arousing feelings, thoughts, or actions.

Spark

Suggests initiating something, often with excitement.

Galvanize

Emphasizes stirring into action or awareness.

Quicken

Emphasizes accelerating or hastening the process of life.

FAQs

How can I use "animate" in a sentence?

You can use "animate" to describe bringing something to life, giving it vigor, or inspiring action. For example, "The director sought to "animate" the characters with compelling backstories."

What is a good synonym for "animate" when referring to adding energy?

Alternatives include "energize", "invigorate", or "stimulate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "animate" and "bring to life"?

"Animate" can refer to both literal and figurative senses of giving life or energy. "Bring to life" often emphasizes making something feel real or vivid.

Is it appropriate to use "animate" in scientific writing?

Yes, "animate" is appropriate, especially when discussing the distinction between "animate and inanimate" objects or processes. However, ensure the context aligns with its specific meaning.