animated

American  

[an-uh-mey-tid] / ˈæn əˌmeɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. full of life, action, or spirit; lively; vigorous.

   an animated debate on the death penalty.

2. made or equipped to move or give the appearance of moving in an animallike fashion.

   animated puppets.

3. containing representations of animals or mechanical objects that appear to move as real ones do.

   an animated window display.

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animated British  

/ ˈænɪˌmeɪtɪd /

adjective

1. full of vivacity and spirit; lively

2. characterized by movement and activity

   an animated scene met her eye

3. possessing life; animate

4. moving or appearing to move as if alive

   an animated display

5. pertaining to cinematographic animation

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Other Word Forms

• animatedly adverb
• nonanimated adjective
• overanimated adjective
• overanimatedly adverb
• semianimated adjective
• unanimated adjective
• unanimatedly adverb

Etymology

Origin of animated

First recorded in 1525–35; animate + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Although overall cinema attendance is way down from the Golden Age of Hollywood, 21st-century families still flock to major superhero movies and animated hits, with movies like “Avatar” and “Avengers: Endgame” setting box-office records.

From The Wall Street Journal

The now-iconic scene, notably from Walt Disney’s 1955 animated classic “Lady and the Tramp,” remains one of the most timeless cinematic moments of romance, often referenced like clockwork every Valentine’s Day.

From Salon

It featured a behind the scenes look at the animation process, a dance class and sing-along screening of the animated musical.

From BBC

She has already appeared in several animated series but has never spoken, as she doesn't have a mouth.

From BBC

We’ve seen animated animals belt out tunes in the “Sing” movies.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• energetic
• spirited
• vivid