Animated

adj.energetic, joyfuleveryday

Meaning 1

Showing lively energy through movement, expression, or conversation.

Reach for it when describing visible enthusiasm that makes an interaction feel active

An animated exchange began when the students compared their designs.

everyday
excited
heightened emotion explains the behavior
not when Excitement can be nervous and less controlled than animation.
everyday
lively
bright energy is present without strong intensity
not when Lively can describe a place even when no person is expressive.
warm
enthusiastic
positive interest drives the visible energy
not when Someone can be animated by anger rather than enthusiasm.
professional
expressive
face, voice, or gesture communicates feeling clearly
not when Expressiveness may be slow and controlled, not lively.
literary
vivacious
a person's sparkling social energy deserves elegant praise
not when Vivacious is gendered in some ears and unsuitable for a debate.

Created as a sequence of images that appear to move.

Reach for it when identifying the visual production method of a film or graphic

The museum commissioned an animated map of the river's changing course.

playful
cartoon
a simple illustrated moving style is meant informally
not when Cartoon can imply childishness or a static drawing.
professional
computer-generated
the production technology is the relevant distinction
not when Computer-generated images need not be animated.
professional
motion-graphic
designed text and shapes move for explanation
not when This technical label excludes character animation.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.