Inanimate often describes physical objects that cannot move or grow. The inanimate sculpture frightened the child in the dark.
Pro Tip 2/3
Science Context
In science classes, inanimate is used to differentiate non-living materials from living organisms. Water and air are inanimate, though essential for life.
Pro Tip 3/3
Contrast with Animated
Contrast 'inanimate' with 'animated' when describing objects in art or storytelling to indicate lack of movement. Unlike the animated characters, the inanimate background remained static.