Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Animation has 7 different meanings across 1 category:
quality of being active or spirited or alive and vigorous
"The little boy's infectious animation made it impossible for anyone to stay gloomy during the party."
the activity of giving vitality and vigour to something
"The new manager's infectious energy brought a fresh animation to the entire team, turning their daily meetings into lively brainstorming sessions."
the making of animated cartoons
"After years of studying animation, she finally landed a job at the studio where they create famous cartoon movies."
general activity and motion
"The child's eyes widened with pure animation as he waved his arms while telling a story about flying dragons."
The act of animating, or giving life or spirit.
"Her voice filled the room with animation as she recounted her thrilling adventure from yesterday."
In plain English: Animation is the process of making drawings or computer images move to look like real life.
"The children watched the colorful animation with wide eyes."
Usage: In everyday contexts, animation refers to the technique of creating moving images frame by frame, such as in cartoons and digital media. Do not confuse this with the abstract sense of liveliness, which should be reserved for describing a person's energetic demeanor.
The word animation comes from the Latin verb animare, meaning "to give life." It entered English through the suffix -ion added to the root of the related word animate.