Animations: meaning, definitions and examples

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animations

[ˌanɪˈmeɪʃənz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

digital media

Animations are sequences of images or videos that create the illusion of movement when played in a rapid succession. They are commonly used in movies, video games, advertisements, and educational materials.

Synonyms

animated videos, cartoons, motion graphics.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
animations	Used generally to refer to any type of moving visual image created using various techniques, including 2D or 3D animation, motion graphics, and stop-motion. Suitable for broad, general discussions about the art form or industry. The festival showcased some of the best animations from around the world. She specializes in creating animations for video games.
cartoons	Commonly used to refer to simplified and often humorous animations, typically aimed at children but can also be for adult entertainment. Often features exaggerated characters and storylines. The kids love watching cartoons on Saturday mornings. Classic cartoons like Bugs Bunny are still popular today.
motion graphics	Often used in professional settings to describe animated graphic design elements used in multimedia projects. Frequently applied in commercials, title sequences, and presentations, focusing on text and graphical elements' movement. The documentary's introduction featured stunning motion graphics. Motion graphics are essential for creating engaging promotional videos.
animated videos	Refers specifically to videos created using animation techniques, often used in marketing, educational content, or YouTube channels. Emphasizes the format as a moving image sequence intended for viewing as a video. We created animated videos to better explain our product features. His YouTube channel is full of funny and educational animated videos.

Examples of usage

Cartoon animations are popular among children.
The company used animations to explain their new product.
She creates animations for her YouTube channel.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

emotional expression

Animations can also refer to exaggerated or theatrical gestures or expressions used to convey emotions or reactions. They are often used in theatrical performances, storytelling, and communication.

Synonyms

expressions, gestures, mimicry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
animations	Best used when referring to digital or computer-generated movements and images, often in films, video games, or presentations. The movie used a lot of animations to bring the characters to life The presentation was more engaging because of the animations
gestures	Actions or movements of the body, especially the hands or head, that convey a particular message or emotion, often used in face-to-face communication. She used a lot of hand gestures while explaining the directions His friendly gestures made everyone feel comfortable
expressions	Refers to facial expressions or phrases that convey emotions or thoughts, commonly used in everyday interactions and conversations. Her face was full of expressions, making it easy to understand what she was feeling He used a lot of colorful expressions that made his speech interesting
mimicry	The act of imitating someone's behavior, voice, or mannerisms, often for humorous effect or to critique someone, and can have a negative connotation if done mockingly. His mimicry of the professor was spot-on and made everyone laugh The child's mimicry of his parents' mannerisms was cute

Examples of usage

The actor's facial animations were captivating.
She used animations to express her excitement.
His animations added humor to the presentation.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Early animation can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with devices like the 'phenakistoscope' in the 1830s helping to create the illusion of moving images.
Walt Disney's creation of 'Steamboat Willie' in 1928 marked the first synchronized sound cartoon, revolutionizing the animation industry.
The term 'animation' comes from the Latin word 'anima,' meaning 'soul,' reflecting the way animators bring life to drawings.

Technology

The development of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in the 1970s led to a significant evolution in animation, allowing for more realistic and complex visuals.
Software like Adobe Flash and After Effects has made animation creation accessible to a broader audience, democratizing animation production.
Motion capture technology records the movements of actors to create lifelike animations in video games and films, melding real-life performances with animated visuals.

Cultural Impact

Japanese anime has become a global phenomenon, blending unique storytelling styles with artistic animation techniques that influence creators worldwide.
Animations are increasingly used in education, helping to engage students and convey complex information in accessible formats.
Advancements in virtual reality have led to immersive animations that allow users to experience stories in a more interactive way.

Artistic Techniques

Traditional hand-drawn animation requires artists to create sequences of images, with each frame slightly different from the last, to create smooth movement.
Stop-motion animation involves photographing physical objects in incremental movements, which are then played back as a film, giving a unique, tactile quality.
In 3D animation, artists build digital models using software, allowing for intricate designs and realistic textures that enhance the visual experience.

Psychology

Studies have shown that animated characters can evoke emotions and empathy in viewers, making them effective tools for storytelling.
Animations can enhance memory retention, as people are more likely to remember information presented in an engaging, visual format.
The upbeat and lively nature of animations can positively influence viewers' moods, often making content more enjoyable and relieving stress.

Translations

Translations of the word "animations" in other languages:

🇵🇹 animações

🇮🇳 एनिमेशन

🇩🇪 Animationen

🇮🇩 animasi

🇺🇦 анімації

🇵🇱 animacje

🇯🇵 アニメーション

🇫🇷 animations

🇪🇸 animaciones

🇹🇷 animasyonlar

🇰🇷 애니메이션

🇸🇦 رسوم متحركة

🇨🇿 animace

🇸🇰 animácie

🇨🇳 动画

🇸🇮 animacije

🇮🇸 hreyfimyndir

🇰🇿 анимациялар

🇬🇪 ანიმაციები

🇦🇿 animasiyalar

🇲🇽 animaciones

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,410, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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26407 interlinked
26408 disown
26409 weeded
26410 animations
26411 candidiasis
26412 chimera
26413 canoeing
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