ENGLISH
REFERENCE

anime

n. C / U
A2 Elementary US //ˌænɪˈmeɪ// UK //ˈænɪmˌeɪ// ani·me Archaic

n. a style of animation that comes from Japan. It often features colorful art, energetic characters, and stories for both kids and adults.

n. a style of Japanese film and television animation, typically characterized by high-contrast graphics, vibrant characters, and often fantastic or futuristic themes.


SIMPLE

My favorite anime has over five hundred episodes.

CONTEXTUAL

The local cinema is hosting a festival to celebrate the history of Japanese anime and its global influence.

COMPLEX

While early anime was primarily produced for domestic consumption, the medium has evolved into a massive international industry with a diverse range of genres spanning from slice-of-life to psychological horror.

Etymology 1

Borrowed from Japanese アニメ (anime), an abbreviation of アニメーション (animēshon), itself borrowed from English animation, from Latin animātiō, from animāre.

Etymology 2

Borrowed from French animé (“animated”) (from the insects that are entrapped in it); or native name.

Usage

Used as an uncountable noun when referring to the medium as a whole, and as a countable noun when referring to specific series or films.

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