Animate

mediumPositive tone

AN-ih-mayt

verb

Definition

To give life, energy, or spirit to

Memory hook

ANIM-ATE: Give ANIMA (soul/life) to something -- like an animator bringing cartoons to life.

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Word roots

animalife, soul, breath(Latin)

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Examples

Her enthusiasm animated the entire team.
The documentary animated historical events with vivid imagery.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

Her enthusiasm ______ the entire team.
Show answer

animated

Synonyms

enliveninvigorateenergizeinspire

Antonyms

deadendampenstiflesuppress

Categories

View all Vitality words

GRE Tip

Animate is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "enliven" or "invigorate" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "deaden".

Read: How to Memorize GRE Words That Actually Stick

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