Definition

The quality or state of being not alive or lacking the ability to move or act.

Example

The inanimateness of the rocks made them seem lifeless and unchanging.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about the inanimateness of objects around us?

Yeah, it's interesting how we often forget they can't move or feel anything.

Right? Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if they could talk.

That would be wild! Imagine the stories they could tell.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inanimateness → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "animus" (from Latin, meaning spirit or life) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state of being). The word describes the state of being without life or spirit, hence inanimate.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not having life' ('in-') and 'spirit' ('animus') to remember that 'inanimateness' refers to the state of being lifeless.

Visually Confused Words