'animate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'animatus,' from 'animare' meaning 'to give life,' based on 'anima' meaning 'breath, soul.'

'animare' (Latin) formed the past participle 'animatus,' which passed via Middle French 'animer' (and/or directly from Late Latin) and eventually became the modern English word 'animate.'

Initially, it meant 'to give life or breath,' and it later broadened to include the sense 'to make lively or energetic' (and as an adjective, 'alive' versus 'inanimate').