ENGLISH
REFERENCE

animation

n.
US //ˌænəˈmeɪʃən// UK //ˌænɪmˈeɪʃən// an·i·ma·tion
  1. 1 moving drawings/graphics (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a film or computer game made from many drawings or models that are shown quickly to look like they are moving.

    the technique of photographing successive drawings or positions of models to create an illusion of movement when the film is shown as a sequence.

    Example

    The studio uses 3D animation to make their characters look more realistic.

    Example

    Modern animation has evolved from hand-drawn cells to sophisticated computer-generated imagery that can simulate complex physics and lighting.
    • live action
  2. 2 liveliness and energy (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the quality of being full of energy, excitement, or spirit.

    the state of being full of life, vigour, or spirit; vivacity in expression or movement.

    Example

    She spoke with great animation about her plans for the new business.

    Example

    The conductor led the orchestra with such animation that the audience remained captivated throughout the entire four-hour performance.
    • lethargy
    • dullness
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  1. 3 giving life to something (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of bringing something to life or making it appear alive.

    the act of imparting life, spirit, or motion to a previously inanimate object or concept.

    Example

    The animation of the puppet was so smooth it almost looked human.

    Example

    The myth describes the animation of the clay figure by a divine breath, transforming a statue into a living being.
  2. 4 grammatical category shift (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Academic Science

    changing a word from a 'thing' category to a 'living being' category in grammar.

    the linguistic process of converting a lexical item from the inanimate to the animate grammatical category.

    Example

    In some languages, the animation of a noun changes how the verb is spelled.

    Example

    The researcher argued that the animation of certain abstract concepts in the dialect was a result of prolonged personification in local folklore.

    Usage

    Used primarily in the context of morphological or syntactic analysis.

Origin

From Latin animatio, from animare, equivalent to animate + -ion.

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