Definition of inanimate

inanimateadjective

vô tri

/ɪnˈænɪmət//ɪnˈænɪmət/

The word "inanimate" originated in the 15th century from the Latin words "in" meaning "not" and "animus" meaning "soul" or "life". In Latin, the word "inanimatus" referred to something that was lacking soul or life. The term was later adopted into Middle English as "inanimate", initially meaning "dead" or "lifeless". Over time, the meaning of "inanimate" expanded to include objects or things that were not living or moving, but not necessarily dead. These objects were seen as lacking the spark of life or vitality. Today, the word "inanimate" is used to describe non-living objects, such as rocks, furniture, or machines, as opposed to living things, like animals or humans. Despite its origins in the concept of soul or life, the word "inanimate" has become a neutral term that simply distinguishes between living and non-living things.

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not alive in the way that people, animals and plants are

không sống động như con người, động vật và thực vật

Example:
  • A rock is an inanimate object.

    Một tảng đá là một vật vô tri.

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dead or appearing to be dead

đã chết hoặc dường như đã chết

Example:
  • A man was lying inanimate on the floor.

    Một người đàn ông nằm bất động trên sàn nhà.

Related words and phrases