Animation Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/əˈnɪmeɪʃən/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The process of creating the illusion of motion or the impression of movement by displaying a sequence of static images or frames, often used in film, video, and digital media.

Etymology

The word “animation” comes from the Latin “animalis,” meaning “endowed with life,” and the Greek “anima,” meaning “soul.” The term has evolved to encompass various forms of motion pictures, digital art, and visual storytelling.

Usage Notes

Animation is often used in marketing and advertising to create engaging visuals and promote products or services. It is also used in education and entertainment to convey complex information or tell stories.

Cultural References

Animation has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and cartoons, such as Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937), Anime’s “Akira” (1988), and Pixar’s “Toy Story” (1995). It has also been used in video games, such as “Mortal Kombat” (1992) and “Call of Duty” (2003).

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Bring to life” or “animate” are common phrases used to describe the process of creating animation.

Related Words or Phrases

Motion graphics
Visual effects
Digital art

Collocations

Animation studio
Animation software
2D/3D animation

Frequency of Use

Animation is a widely used term in modern language, particularly in the fields of film, video games, and digital media.

Common Misspellings

Animiation
Animatian
Anymation

Examples

The animation in the movie was breathtaking.
The company created a 3D animation for their new product launch.

Synonyms

Motion picture
Visual effects
Digital animation

Antonyms

Still image
Static
Uncolored

Additional Information

Animation has evolved significantly over the years, from traditional hand-drawn techniques to modern computer-generated imagery (CGI) and 3D modeling. It has also branched out into various styles and genres, including anime, cartoon, and stop-motion animation.

Animation has become a crucial tool in many industries, including film, television, advertising, video games, and education. It has the power to captivate audiences, convey complex messages, and create memorable characters and stories.