an´i|mate|ly

an|i|mate «verb. AN uh mayt; adjective. AN uh miht», verb, -mat|ed, -mat|ing, adjective.

–v.t.

1. to make lively, gay, or vigorous: »

His arrival animated the whole party. Our teacher is able to animate a lecture on a dull subject with witty remarks.

SYNONYM(S): enliven.

2. to arouse to action of any kind: a) to inspire; encourage: »

The soldiers were animated by their captain's brave speech.

SYNONYM(S): inspirit, embolden. b) to move mentally; stir up; incite. SYNONYM(S): prompt.

3. a) to put in motion by causing to act or work: »

Among the things the Americans showed were the Lionel train, a model of Norris Dam, some sewing machines, and some mechanical saws—all animated (New Yorker).

SYNONYM(S): actuate, automate. b) to prepare in the form of an animated cartoon: »

to animate a film sequence.

4. a) to be a motive or reason for; give life to; make alive: »

Poetry, that force which…animates matter (Samuel Johnson).

SYNONYM(S): quicken, vivify. b) Figurative. to cause to move as if alive: »

a field of corn animated by the wind.

–adj.

1. having life; living. Animate nature means all living plants and animals. »

Scientists now believe there are many worlds in outer space having animate beings.

SYNONYM(S): alive.

2. lively; vigorous; animated.

╂[< Latin animāre (with English -ate¹) < anima life, breath]

–an´i|mate|ly, adverb.

–an´i|mat´er, noun.