Animal Means Having Breath
An animal is a living creature that is not a plant. The Latin root is breath, which was once the test for being alive.
An animal is a multicellular organism that feeds on other organisms. The word rests on *anima*, breath or soul: to the Romans, what separated an animal from a stone was that it breathed. The same root gives *animate*, *animation* and *unanimous*, which literally means of one mind.
- A living creature other than a plant. *Wild animals.*
- A mammal as opposed to a bird or fish. *Animals and birds.*
- A brutal person. *He behaved like an animal.*
- Relating to physical nature. *Animal instincts.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | animal | A farm animal. |
| Plural | animals | Wild animals. |
| Adjective | animal | Animal fat. |
| Verb | animate | Animate the drawing. |
| Adjective | animated | An animated discussion. |
How it is used in a sentence
- Humans are animals too.Biologically accurate.
- The vote was unanimous.Same root: of one mind.
- Animal welfare legislation.Modifier.
Words from *anima*
- Animate — to give life or movement to
- Animation — the illusion of movement in drawings
- Unanimous — of one mind
- Magnanimous — of great spirit, generous
- Equanimity — an even mind, calmness
From Latin *animale*, a living being, from *anima*, breath or soul — cognate with Greek *anemos*, wind.
Are humans animals?
Biologically yes. Everyday speech often contrasts people with animals, but that is a social distinction, not a scientific one.
Is unanimous related?
Yes. It combines *unus*, one, with *animus*, mind, giving of one mind.