'inanimate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inanimatus,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'animatus' meant 'alive or animated.'

'inanimatus' transformed into the French word 'inanimé,' and eventually became the modern English word 'inanimate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'not alive or animated,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.