Animate meaning : To impart motion or the appearance of motion to. To give spirit or vigour to; to stimulate or enliven; to inspirit. That which lives. Possessing the quality or ability of motion. Dynamic, energetic. (grammar, of a noun or pronoun) Having a referent that includes a human, animal, plant or other entity which is considered alive. (grammar) Inflected to agree with an animate noun or pronoun.