inanimate

word

Definition

Not alive, especially not living like a person, animal, or plant; often used to describe objects or things without life or movement.

Usage & Nuances

Used in formal and scientific contexts; usually describes objects, materials, or sometimes refers to lacking energy or emotion. Common with nouns like 'object', 'matter', or 'body'. Not used for people or animals.

Example Sentences

A rock is an inanimate object.

basic

Plants are alive, but a chair is inanimate.

basic

The museum displays many inanimate artifacts.

basic

He talked to the statue as if it wasn't inanimate.

natural

Sometimes inanimate things seem to tell a story just by being there.

natural

The room felt cold and inanimate after everyone left.

natural