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anim-

anim-

9.5
A root from Latin meaning life, mind, or spirit used in words like animal and animate
  • other
  • Specialized
: anim-
  • Words like 'animal' and 'animate' share the root anim-, which means 'soul' or 'spirit'.

Examples

  • Did you know that anim- is a Latin root meaning 'soul'?

  • In 'animate', the anim- root refers to giving life or movement.

  • The prefix anim- appears in many English words related to life and spirit.

  • Understanding the root anim- can help you guess the meanings of unfamiliar words.

  • Can you name some words that include the root anim-?

  • The prefix anim- is derived from Latin and is used in words that describe life and vitality.

  • In the word 'animated', the anim- root indicates something that is full of life or energy.

Synonyms

pneumo-
vsanim-
  • Specialized
9.9

Related to spirit or to breath

is used broadly for soul or life in everyday word formation

Surface Forms

anim- main

Etymology

Anim- comes from a Latin word meaning 'soul' or 'life', and it appears in words like animal and animate. Think of it as the idea of 'having life' or 'spirit', which is why animate means 'to give life or movement' and animal is a living creature.