NYT Dictionary

ANIMATE

/ˈæn.ə.mət/
AdjectiveVerbAN-i-matean-i-mate · 3 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2025

Meaning

That lives.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English animat(e), from Latin animātus, perfect passive participle of animō (“to fill with breath, quicken, encourage, animate”) (see -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from anima (“soul, spirit, breath”); see anima. The verb derives from the adjective, see -ate (verb-forming suffix).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

alivelivingvitalabove groundalive and kickingalive and wellanimateanimatedextantkicking

Antonyms

inanimatelifelessasleepat restblessedcadaverousclay-colddeceasedbreathlessresting

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle:

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