English

animatedly

gb/ˈænɪmˌeɪtdli/ us/ˈænɪmˌeɪtdli/
C1 English
Senses
0 senses
adverb C1 property
1

in a lively, excited way

In an excited and energetic way.

Usage pattern: [someone] speaks/talks/chats/discusses [something] animatedly
Common mistake:
Don’t use it to mean “as a cartoon”; for that, English usually uses “animated” (e.g., an animated film).
Synonyms
enthusiastically (Focuses on eager interest rather than visible liveliness.) | excitedly (Stronger sense of heightened emotion.) | lively (Emphasizes energy and spirit, often in conversation.)
Antonyms
quietly (Without much energy, volume, or display of feeling.) | listlessly (Showing little interest or energy.) | calmly (Without excitement or strong outward emotion.)
Collocations
talk animatedly |speak animatedly |chat animatedly |discuss animatedly |argue animatedly |debate animatedly |converse animatedly |explain animatedly |tell someone animatedly |respond animatedly
Themes
communication |emotions |social
Examples
  • They stood by the doorway, talking animatedly about the concert.
  • She explained the plan animatedly, waving her hands as she spoke.
  • The two colleagues discussed the new proposal animatedly over lunch.
Learner examples
  • He talked animatedly about his trip.
  • We discussed the idea animatedly.
adverb C1 property
2

with animated facial expressions

With a lot of expression and movement.

Usage pattern: [someone] gestures/smiles/nods/reacts [in some way] animatedly
Common mistake:
Avoid pairing it with verbs that already strongly imply extreme excitement unless you want emphasis (e.g., “screamed animatedly” sounds odd).
Synonyms
expressively (Highlights clear expression, not necessarily high energy.) | vivaciously (Suggests a charming, upbeat liveliness (slightly more literary).) | energetically (Focuses on physical energy more than emotional expression.)
Antonyms
blankly (With little or no expression.) | impassively (Without showing emotion.) | slowly (Without quick, lively movement.)
Collocations
gesture animatedly |wave animatedly |nod animatedly |react animatedly |smile animatedly |point animatedly |shrug animatedly |move animatedly |look animatedly |turn animatedly
Themes
body_language |emotions |communication
Examples
  • He nodded animatedly as she described the idea.
  • The children pointed animatedly at the parade floats.
  • Her face lit up, and she smiled animatedly when she heard the news.
Learner examples
  • She nodded animatedly.
  • The kids waved animatedly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
animatedly
IPA
GB/ˈænɪmˌeɪtdli/
US/ˈænɪmˌeɪtdli/
Syllables & stress
an - im - atedly (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (an)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: animatedly
  • Plural: animatedlies
Word family
Forms
animatedlies noun
Core family
animate verb B2 animation noun B1 animated adjective
Related words
animator noun
Negative and opposite forms
inanimate adjective C1
Advanced or less common
reanimate verb reanimation noun
Expressions

No expressions linked to this entry yet.

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