These words all describe people, things or actions that are full of or display great vigour and energy. Lively is the most general word and suggests energy of motion and great activity: a lively kitten; a party that turned out to be a very lively occasion; a gathering in which there was much lively conversation.

Animated , close in meaning to lively, is normally limited in application to people or to behaviour: an animated argument between a motorist and a traffic policeman; to become animated and talkative after two drinks.

Buoyant , spirited , sprightly and vivacious all suggest a manner of speaking or acting marked by energy and good humour. Buoyant , which carries the suggestion of its literal meaning of floating, describes an irrepressible or resilient energy in manner or outlook: buoyant laughter; buoyant confidence in the future. Spirited suggests a high degree of vitality, sometimes mixed with daring.

• Young stallions are very spirited animals; He made a spirited denial of having any knowledge of the crime.

Sprightly and vivacious add to the idea of energy the element of quick-wittedness and brightness: sprightly jokes; a sprightly old lady; a vivacious telling of a story; vivacious young girls.

Brisk may be applied to actions that exhibit an abundance of energy: He passed us at a brisk walk. Brisk may also describe a sharp, businesslike manner that approaches curtness but also implies a controlled vitality: He always spoke to his subordinates in a brisk tone.