ambitious vocabulary for creative writing

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How to Use Vocabulary in Creative Writing to Make Brilliant Stories

If you want to be a writer or really like writing, it’s important to know that vocabulary in creative writing is very important – as it can help you be the best writer you can be.

Creative writing is the way for people to express themselves and share their imaginative stories with others. It doesn’t follow regular writing rules, so it allows writers to create stories, poems, and essays that deeply connect with the readers’ emotions. When you are writing in a creative approach, it is very important to have a large and strong set of words that you know and understand well. This allows you to express your thoughts clearly, create strong mental pictures, and provoke feelings in your readers’ mind.

With Vocavive App , we have been helping students learn and master a strong collection of important English vocabulary. Having this kind of collection of a wide range of words helps writers express their ideas clearly and genuinely, making their creative ideas come alive on paper.

In this article, we will further discuss the words that can greatly help you to create a well-crafted story. We will give you helpful advice and tips to improve your writing skills – which includes choosing the right words, avoiding using the same words too much, and using good transitions.

Let’s get started?

Exploring the Significance of Vocabulary in Creative Writing

Creative writing is incredibly important because it lets us express ourselves and connect with others. It allows us to unleash our imagination, share personal stories, and evoke emotions in readers. The best kind of Creative writings have a great storytelling . They are full of rich expressions that take the reader through a journey.

Now, when it comes to writing effectively, having a good vocabulary is vital. Why?

A wide range of words helps us to convey our thoughts, emotions, and visuals in the best possible way. The work gets easier for the writer. But is it only that?

It also enables us to create vivid imagery in readers’ minds, develop intriguing characters, and construct realistic worlds. Numerous research studies have demonstrated this link between a strong vocabulary and writing proficiency. Research conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) reveals that a larger vocabulary enhances the quality and complexity of writing. When we know and use a variety of words, our writing becomes more creative, clear, and profound.

Another study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students with an extensive vocabulary tend to produce more engaging and captivating stories.

Overused Words That Will Make Your Writing Sound Weak

Using a variety of words is important when writing creatively. However, we should try not to use words and phrases which have been used too much in creative writing. We might use those words thinking it will improve the richness, when in fact, it can do the opposite. Those commonly used and overused words can make our writing sound boring and unoriginal.

Let’s look at a list of commonly used words that we should be careful not to use too much.

• Awesome – The word “awesome” is used too much and doesn’t give enough details to describe something impressive or remarkable.
• Beautiful – A word that is often used without giving any specific details or personal viewpoints.
• Brilliant – The word “brilliant” is often used to say something is really good or smart, but it might sound overused.
• Cool – An informal word that many people use a lot, but it doesn’t give a clear meaning anymore.
• Cute – Often used to describe something charming or appealing, but it can be used too much and become unoriginal.
• Different – Different is a word that is commonly used to describe something but doesn’t give much information or understanding about it.
• Simple – Simple things are repeated too much and don’t have much meaning, so they don’t show all the details or difficulties involved.
• Great – A word that is often used but it doesn’t provide many details and can be unoriginal.
• Nice – A word that is used too much and doesn’t have enough clear details to describe something well.
• Really – Often used as a word that doesn’t have much meaning and doesn’t make things clearer or more important.
• Amazing – Often used without giving details or showing the real specialness of something.
• Surprising – Used too much and doesn’t have a strong effect because people use it to describe things that happen or experiences that they have frequently.
• Breathtaking – It has been used so much that it lost some of its power and impact.
• Difficult – Often used without giving specific details or explanations about the difficulties being talked about.
• Compelling – Means when something is persuasive or captivating, but it is often used too much and lacks originality.
• Important – Often used to highlight significance without giving different viewpoints or specific details.
• Dramatic – Often used to describe something intense or powerful, but can be unoriginal.
• Effective – Effective is a word we use a lot but it doesn’t tell us much and doesn’t give us any new or special information about what we’re talking about.
• Encouraging – Means giving support or motivation, but it is often used without giving examples or details to explain why it is encouraging.
• Exciting – A word that people use too much, and it’s not very specific in describing the real nature or specialness of an exciting experience or event.
• Fabulous – Frequently used to describe something exceptional or marvelous, but its frequent usage has diminished its impact.
• Fantastic – Often employed as a generic term to convey excitement or positivity, but can lack specificity and originality.
• Fascinating – A common choice to describe something intriguing or captivating, but its frequent usage can make it sound clichéd.
• Fortunate – Frequently used without providing unique details or perspectives on the nature of the good fortune.
• Genius – Overused to describe exceptional intelligence or talent, but its frequent use can diminish its impact.
• Helpful – A commonly used term that lacks specificity, failing to convey the specific ways in which something or someone is helpful.
• Incredible – Often used generically to express disbelief or awe, but its frequent usage can dilute its impact.
• Inspiring – Frequently used to describe something that motivates or encourages, but can sound clichéd without offering specific examples.
• Interesting – A generic term used to convey engagement or curiosity, but its overuse can make it sound unoriginal.
• Magnificent – Frequently used to describe something grand or impressive, but its frequent usage can lessen its impact.
• Memorable – Often used without providing specific details or insights into what makes something truly memorable.
• Outstanding – A common descriptor for excellence, but its overuse can make it sound less impactful or unique.
• Powerful – Frequently used to convey strength or influence, but its frequent usage can make it lose some of its impact.
• Remarkable – Often used to describe something extraordinary or noteworthy, but its frequent usage can diminish its impact.
• Significant – A frequently used term to express importance or meaning, but its overuse can make it sound clichéd.
• Spectacular – Often used to describe something visually stunning or impressive, but its frequent usage can make it lose impact.
• Striking – Frequently used to describe something visually or emotionally impactful, but its overuse can diminish its effect.
• Substantial – A common term used to convey importance or size, but its overuse can make it sound generic or lacking in specificity.
• Successful – Often used without providing specific criteria or context for defining success.
• Surprising – Frequently used to convey unexpectedness, but its overuse can make it sound less impactful or genuine.
• Terrific – A commonly used term to express enthusiasm or positivity, but its frequent usage can make it sound clichéd.
• Unique – Often used to describe something one-of-a-kind or distinct, but its frequent usage can diminish its impact.
• Valuable – Frequently used to express worth or importance, but its overuse can make it sound less impactful or specific.
• Vivid – A commonly used term to describe something vibrant or intense, but its frequent usage can make it sound unoriginal.
• Wonderful – Often employed as a generic term to convey delight or positivity, but its frequent usage can diminish its impact.
• Worthwhile – Frequently used to express value or significance, but its overuse can make it sound less impactful or meaningful.

Use these 14 Types of Transition Vocabulary In Creative Writing

Effective transitions help connect ideas and make it easier for readers to follow along with the story or information. By using connecting words and phrases, writers often make their work easier to understand and flow better. Here are the Transition Words and Phrases you should keep in your volt.

Addition: again, also, besides, too, furthermore, moreover, in addition, first, second, third, next, lastly

Contrast: but, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, conversely, yet, although, even though, while, whereas

Comparison: similarly, likewise, in the same way, as, just as, than, like

Cause and Effect: because, therefore, thus, hence, as a result, consequently, so, for this reason, due to

Time: after, before, during, since, then, when, while, afterwards, next, finally, initially

Sequence: first, second, third, next, then, afterward, finally, to begin with, to start with

Emphasis: indeed, in fact, certainly, of course, truly, really, definitely, undoubtedly

Restatement: in other words, to put it another way, that is, as I said, in short

Clarification: to be more specific, to clarify, in other words, that is to say

Summarization: in summary, to sum up, all in all, in conclusion, to conclude

Example: for example, for instance, to illustrate, as an illustration, as shown

Concession: admittedly, it is true that, I agree that, I grant that, I will admit that

Refutation: however, on the contrary, yet, still, nevertheless, in spite of

Concluding Remarks: to conclude, in conclusion, in summary, to sum up, all in all

Question: How do I Use These Transition Words to Create a More Compelling Read?

To make your paragraphs flow better, it’s important to keep a few practical tips around you that connect your ideas smoothly. First, think carefully about how to move smoothly from one idea to another in your writing. Plan out the order that makes the most sense for your thoughts.

By doing this, you can find out where you need to use transition words and phrases to help readers understand how ideas are connected. Try out different connectors like “also,” “however,” or “likewise,” to keep your readers interested and add some variety to your writing.

Make sure to think about the situation and what you want to say when you write. Choose words that clearly show how your ideas connect to each other. It’s important to put transitions in the right places in sentences to make sure the writing flows smoothly and makes sense. You can put them at the start, in the middle, or at the end of sentences.

Vocabulary Gems to Dazzle Your Teacher in Essay Writing

As students, we often find ourselves striving to impress our teachers with well-crafted answer scripts. Beyond accurate content, an impressive essay demands the strategic use of vocabulary to showcase our language prowess and command over the subject matter. Let’s take a look at it with an example.

Before Using Vocabulary:

Imagine you are writing an essay about the American Revolution. In the fayirst scenario where there is no vocabulary, your essay may read like this –

“The American Revolution was a significant event in history. The colonists fought against British rule for their freedom.”

After Using Vocabulary:

Now, let’s see the same essay with an improved vocabulary usage –

“The American Revolution stands as a pivotal milestone in history, epitomizing the relentless spirit of the colonists who valiantly waged a battle for their emancipation from British dominion .”

Which one do you think has more richness?

See, the “after” scenario here elevates the description of the American Revolution by incorporating words like “pivotal milestone,” “relentless spirit,” and “valiantly waged a battle.”

Your classroom might have 20+ students. To stand out from the general crowd, you can use vocabulary like these. It not only demonstrates a more nuanced understanding of the said topic, but it also brilliantly captures the attention of the reader, including your teacher. She might feel more convinced to give you an A.

How to use specific words, descriptive language, and figurative language in creative writing

When describing emotions, shy away from simplistic and overused terms, such as “happy” or “sad”, or “very important”. Instead, try to opt for colorful alternatives that bring your characters’ feelings to life. For instance, rather than stating “The boy was happy,” say “The boy was grinning ear to ear, his eyes twinkling with excitement.” Such descriptions allow your readers to experience the joy alongside the character.

You also need to pay attention to employing descriptive language that adds depth and color to your writing. For example, replace mundane phrases like “The sky was blue” with a more captivating expression. It could be “The sky was a brilliant azure blue, stretching out like a vast ocean.” When you are using such rich language, your readers can feel as though they’re witnessing the scene firsthand.

Coming to figurative language, utilize similes, metaphors, and personification. This will leave a lasting impact on your audience who want to enjoy and feel connected to your story. For example, if you had to merely write an expression such as “The boy was strong” – you could very well say “The boy was as strong as an ox.” When this is done, the comparison to “an ox” not only conveys strength but also makes the description more memorable for the reader.

In Conclusion

In your journey as a budding writer, remember that mastering vocabulary in creative writing is not just a skill but a powerful tool for self-expression and captivating your readers. It is a skill that is essential for any writer, but it is especially important for creative writers. When you have a wide vocabulary, you have a wider range of tools to express yourself and bring your stories to life. You can use more precise language to describe your characters, settings, and events.

So don’t be afraid to experiment with new words. The more you use them, the more comfortable you will become with them, and the better your writing will be.

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500 Descriptive Words To Improve Your Writing

These  descriptive words  will help improve your writing. All these  describing words  are from my own personal notes. I’m an avid, and active, reader, and over the last couple of years I’ve jotted down the descriptive words that I pop out to me.

This list of descriptive words for writing was born from a desire to become enhance my vocabulary and become a better storyteller, and writer. Three things I care a lot about – just a  fun fact about me .

I’ve learned over time – and with many failures – that working with describing words on a page is akin to a potter at the molding wheel. And as writers, we use them to slowly shape our stories whether it’s writing about  driving around the world  or inspiring people to create their own list of  bucket list ideas .

The list is separated by  parts of speech ; You’ll find a list of adjectives, descriptive phrases, action verbs, and more.

At the end are some phrases I like, that I have read here or there over the years. Make sure to check out our  list of descriptive adjectives  as well.

I hope you use this  list of descriptive words , and phrases and garner inspiration to enhance your tales.

500 Describing Words to Improve Your Writing

“This is one of the best resources I’ve come across in a long time…”

Get our Descriptive Word Cheat Sheet for FREE . You’ll get immediate access to our PDF cheat sheet of Descriptive Words. A resource you won’t find elsewhere. Perfect for papers, writing and resumes!

1 – although.

“he was making headway, albeit rather slowly.”

1 – very typical of a certain kind of person or thing.

“the archetypal country doctor”

1 – without purpose or direction.

“Don’t live an aimless life.”

1 – To face or endure danger or pain; showing courage.

The brave healthcare workers are putting their life on the line.

1 – perplexed and confused; very puzzled.

“I had a bewildered look on my face”

1 – giving out or reflecting a lot of light; shining.

The sun was bright in his eyes.

2 – vivid and bold color.

The grass in Ireland is bright green.

1 – Bright or Radiant.

The brilliant light was blinding.

1 – Clever or Smart

He was a brilliant student. He always chose to use the right word.

1 – unlimited, infinite, or immense.

The boundless energy of the kid wore me out.

1 – socially unconventional in a way regarded as characteristic of creative

Running this  travel blog  has led me to live a boho life.

2 – woman’s fashion aesthetic is characterized by flowing print fabrics, layers of clothing, and costume jewelry such as long strings of beads, dangling earrings, and multiple bangles.

she went for the boho look in a floor-length green dress teamed with a fringed  jacket  and chandelier earrings.

1 – hurt by repeated blows or punishment.

he finished the day battered and bruised.

2 – damaged by age or used repeatedly.

I finished the day battered and bruised.

1 – a taste sensation that is peculiarly sharp or acrid.

The bitter fruit tasted terrible.

1 – lacking due thought or consideration

Zack Morris showed a blithe disregard for the rules.

2 – Happy or Lighthearted Character

Want to watch a blithe romantic comedy?

1 – having a blue tinge; somewhat blue.

The bluish tint of the water was stylish.

1 – Lost in deep sadness of thought.

The kid was brooding that his parents wouldn’t buy the toy.

1 – having the characteristic of a baby.

He acted babyish when he lost the game.

1 – not fake; or counterfeit

This is a bona fide masterpiece.

1 – lose or hanging.

My eyes are baggy after a red-eye flight.

1 – loved very dearly.

The teacher was beloved by his students.

1 – a low murmuring or humming sound.

The buzzing bee flew across the park.

1 – strong, or strongly built.

The burly bear was intimidating.

1 – having a lot of bounce.

The trampoline was extra bouncy.

2 – confident or having a jaunty rhythm.

The man was bouncy and full of life.

1 – very apt to stay afloat.

The pool floaty was extremely buoyant.

2 – cheerful.

The buoyant salesman was very charming.

1 – lacking plants or life.

The bleak desert was barren.

2 – Cold and Miserable Outlook.

After his divorce, he had a bleak outlook on life.

1 – expressing or marked by earnest entreaty or pleading.

The beseeching peasant feared for his life.

1 – having the taste of butter.

The buttery bread warmed the soul.

1 – having feelings or actions control or remaining calm.

Even though he was afraid he remained composed.

1 – caverns in either size, shape, or atmosphere.

The cavernous mansion stood empty.

2 – Giving the impression of dark and vast.

The cavernous eyes.

1 – a series of columns set at specific intervals, and supporting a roof.

The ancient marble colonnades are just one reason to explore the  best islands in Greece .

1 – free from worry or anxiety.

he was a carefree soul.

1 – having a rough texture; large grains.

The treated wood was coarse.

1 – anxious to protect or avoid potential danger or mishaps.

he was careful not to get into trouble.

1 – making or liable to make a harsh, high-pitched sound when being moved or when pressure or weight is applied.

“I climbed the creaky stairs”

1 – dirt free, unmarked, or have been washed.

the room was clean.

1 – having a wavy outline

The crenelated coast when  backpacking Thailand  is breathtaking. ..

1 – covered by clouds.

It was too cloudy to go hiking.

1 – present from birth.

“a congenital defect of the heart.”

1 – a striking array of colors.

The colorful painting lit up the room.

1 – rude language.

They didn’t allow the colorful speech to get past the sensors.

1 – Happy / Sprightly

He was chipper after getting  married in Sweden .

1 – rude shortness

The curt manager’s comments angered the waiter.

1 – confused

The chef was confounded by the dinner tickets.

1 – continuing occurrence

I suffer from chronic indigestion.

2 – present and encountered.

Chronic meddling always causes problems.

1 – relating to the community / Collective ownership.

The communal garden gives us great vegetables every year.

1 – huge in size, power, or stupendous.

The colossal rocks blocked the dusty path.

1 – pleasing

Chicago food  has some of the most delectable meals I’ve ever had.

1 – delicate

The dainty glass broke from the fall.

2 – tasty

The dainty sandwich was filling.

1 – untidy in appearance

Boys often have a disheveled room.

1 – devoted to a cause or purpose

Star Wars has dedicated fans.

2 – given a purpose

He has a dedicated server to protect his data.

1 – awarded or received marks of honor.

He was decorated with a medal for winning the race.

2 – furnished with something ornamental

A hallmark of the parade are the decorated floats.

1 – chosen but not yet installed

the ambassador designates the future assignments.

He has a designated server to protect his data.

1 – bright, brilliant, or showy, colorful, and impressive.

The dazzling fireworks were the highlight of the festival.

1 – eating food quickly.

The Lion is a devouring beast.

2 – destructively consuming/absorbing

Don’t let devouring loneliness defeat you.

1 – below / far from the surface

His joy was buried deep below the surface of an ocean of swirling emotions.

Deep-Pocketed 

1- Having a great deal of money; being wealthy.

The deep-pocketed businessman donated a large sum of money to the charity. 

Disagreeable 

1- Having a disposition that is not pleasant or agreeable; disagreeable behavior or remarks.

“I’m sorry I was so disagreeable earlier. I had a really bad day.” 

DILAPIDATED

1 – fallen into decay or deteriorated

The dilapidated home needed an intense amount of love and care.

1 – serving for ornamental decoration.

The decorative replica was made to be displayed. And invoked a strong emotion.

1 – moving from the common direction.

Do follow the popular path. Instead, go into the unknown, and discover your divergent path.

Compassionate 

1 – Showing concern and sympathy for others, especially those in distress.

When I saw the homeless man on the side of the road, I felt compassion for him and wished I could help him. 

Entertaining  

1 – A movie that is enjoyable and amusing.

The new comedy starring Melissa McCarthy was very entertaining. 

1 – hard to pin down, identify, or isolate.

They knew the elusive thief lurked nearby.

1 – enthusiastic joy

They were exuberant about their upcoming trip to some of the  most beautiful places in the world .

1 – vertical position

Few erect columns were peppered throughout the temple ruins.

1 – having the ability to expand.

The expansive landscape is seemingly never-ending.

1 – deriving style, ideas, and taste from a wide range of sources.

The eclectic mix of opinions caused an argument.

EXASPERATING

1 – cause a strong feeling of annoyance

The planes exasperating delay made everyone late.

1 – fully detailed or well planned.

The elaborate design of Bangkok’s royal palace is breathtaking.

1 – uttered, or emphasizing on.

The emphatic refusal helped them close the deal.

1 – productive / desired effects.

The efficient writer finished before the deadline.

2 – being involved or an immediate agent.

The efficient action helped make a change.

EVER-DEEPENING

1 – go deeper

He had an ever-deepening love for sports.

1 – thorough / all possibilities

The exhaustive to-do list was intimidating.

1 – seemingly without end

The endless forest instilled a mood of tranquility.

EXTRAVAGANT

1 – exceeding normal limits or excessively elaborate

The extravagant building is grand.

2 – extremely high in price

The extravagant purchase maxed out his credit card purchase.

1 – elegance

The elegant clothes belonged to the king.

1 – relating to or named after

The eponymous landscape outside Dingle is one of the  best places to visit in Ireland .

1 – relating to a celebration,  festival , or feast.

The festive dinner got a little out of hand.

1 – tinged with red in the face, from shame, heat, or physical exertion.

Caught in a lie, his face became flushed with embarrassment.

1 – very hot or passionate desire.

I have a fervent desire to explore the world.

FAST-MOVING

1 – moving quickly

The fast-moving current washed away our supplies.

FANTASTICAL

1 – based on fantasy

Game of Thrones takes place in a fantastical world, filled with dragons, and magic.

1 – unrestrained violence or brutality

The ferocious lion hunted his prey.

1 – having to do with the burial.

They found treasure in the Pharaoh’s funerary chamber.

1 – focused on something.

The dog was fixated on the squirrel.

1 – loving having fun.

The fun-loving locals love putting on their annual festival.

1 – covered with grass

The grassy knolls are stunning.

1 – a large number of

He had charm galore.

1 – repulsion, or inspiring horror.

The movie was too gruesome for me.

1 – possessing glory

When  backpacking New Zealand  you see glorious landscapes. 

Good-Looking 

1 – Very good-looking, or beautiful. Can be used to describe people, things, or places. For example, “She is a glorious sight in that dress.” 

1 – painful or distressing

It was a harrowing adventure filled with an unexpected twists, turns, and sacrifices.

1 – an unrestrained expression

I was greeted with a hearty welcome.

2 – wholesome or substantial

I enjoyed the hearty meal.

1 – relating to an herb

Those herbaceous florae were savory.

1 – alone

He was isolated during the exam.

INTOLERABLE

1 – not tolerable or unbearable

The intolerable noise kept me up all night.

1 – picturesque or pleasing

The idyllic Irish landscapes are some of the best in Europe.

1 – great in size or degree

Our immense Universe is without limits.

1 – extreme degree

The intense amount of work was overbearing.

1 – irk or tedious

Sometimes we all have to do Irksome tasks.

1 – prone to act, acting momentarily

To lose weight sometimes we have to deny our impulses for bad food.

1 – tempting

The inviting meal made my mouth water.

1 – existing in, or belonging to

The innate behavior of a child was to cause trouble.

1 – memorable or cannot be washed away or erased.

The indelible landscape means there are hundreds of  places to visit in the United States .

INFURIATING

1 – the feeling of extreme anger.

The infuriating delay at the airport made him miss his flight.

1 – spotless / extremely clean

Singapore is an immaculately clean country.

2 – having no flaw

The glass in Venice is immaculate.

1 – having many complex parts

Mona Lisa is an intricate painting. Making it the most famous in the world.

1 – belonging to the inside,

I great battles happen inside the interior of our minds.

1 – sprightly

he took a jaunty stroll through the park.

1 – having a disorienting effect

The jarring truth is that dreams without goals, remain dreams.

1 – ready, or in favor of

I am keen to go to the bar.

2 – sensitive perception

He had a keen nose.

1 – having lungs

The lunged fish swan in the pond.

1 – transparent or clear; Glasslike

The limpid waters in Thailand or famed around the world.

1 – expending or bestowing excess

The lavish palace of Versailles is one of the most popular  day trips from Paris .

1 – outlandish, or eccentric

Some ludicrous movies aren’t bad.

1 – filled with desire or lust

She was filled with lascivious thoughts.

1 – lack of interest, or energy

His listless attitude held him back in life.

1 – sad or lonely

Ah, the lonesome road, has many trails, but many rewards.

1 – highly significant, outstanding

The monumental task can be accomplished by taking little steps every day.

1 – expressing sadness

A melancholy nature will keep you stuck.

MERITORIOUS

1 – deserving reward or praise.

A meritorious life of service.

1 – intrusive or getting involved in

The meddlesome raccoon knocked over the trash can.

1 – Huge, exceedingly large

Many of the mammoth  caves in the United States  are worth visiting.

1 – existing today

Many modern-day advances give our lives ease.

1 – inferior in size or degree

The minor problems in life or nothing to sweat over –  life is too short .

1 – covered by mist.

The heavy air of the misty morning endowed the park with an eerie coolness.

1 – covered by mystery

The monk has a mysterious nature.

OUT-OF-PLACE

1 – not where it should be

The restaurant felt out of place.

1 – elaborate or excessively decorated

The ornate .ruins draw in visitors.

OUTSTANDING

1 – standing out

His outstanding skills put him in line for a promotion.

2 – unpaid

Outstanding bills can be stressful.

1 – lack of sharpness

His obtuse answer made no sense.

1 – lacking remembrance, or memory

Don’t be oblivious to the opportunities that life presents you.

1 – wealth, abundance

The opulent hotel is worth the price tag.

1 – characteristic of a person

His hot temper was peculiar.

2 – different from the normal

The book had a particular plot twist in the book.

1 – not spoiled, or corrupted

The pristine beaches had soft sand.

2 – earliest state

The pristine state of the forest

1 – a sense of peace

The peaceful forest instilled a peace of tranquility.

1 – argumentative quarrelsome

He has a pugnacious nature.

1 – mental and emotional state of fear

Don’t panic. Breathe and slow down.

1 – able to be passed

The currents were passable during the low tide.

1 – turning, a pivot

Taking my first trip to Ireland was a pivotal moment in my life.

1 – critical

It was a pivotal piece of the puzzle.

1 – polishing, smooth, glossy

Polish your writing before publishing the piece.

1 – by or in itself

That’s not the facts per se, but valuable to know.

1 – notably luxurious or rich

His plush life made him soft.

1 – elevated or arrogant

The pompous rhetoric is hurtful.

2- exhibiting an air of self-importance.

The pompous politician lost sight of his vision.

1 – extreme or severe

After rigorous training, he was ready to test himself.

Sidesplitting 

1 – When something is so funny that it causes one’s sides to split, it is side-splitting.

My mom’s joke was sidesplittingly funny.

1 – like thunder

The thunderous roar of the waves beating along the coast.

DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: ACTION and Strong VERBS

These are some of the best words. They are great when wanting to show a clear meaning of a sentence or improve a short story.

1- regard something as being caused by.

I attribute my grammar skill to how many questions I ask.

1 – provide clear evidence; declare that something exist.

I attest that life is good

1 – make minor changes.

I had to amend your application before sending it in.

1 – regard (an object, quality, or person) with respect or warm approval.

I admire your commitment to learning the English Language.

1 – praise enthusiastically

I acclaimed actor won the best actor for his deep performance.

1 – achieve or complete successfully.

I accomplish my goals.

1 – increase in sound

They amplify the sound at the concert.

2 – make copies of something

The notes amplify that new evidence. ..

1 – change, or make changes too

They altered the rules of the game.

1 – (of a problem, opportunity, or situation) emerge; become apparent.

“a string of new difficulties have arisen “

2 – get or stand up.

“he arose at 5:30 to work out.”

1 – to clear out or save (Usually water from a boat)

They bailed him out of trouble.

1 – talk enthusiastically for a long time

Just one of the many  fun facts about me . Sometimes I like to babble about travel.

1 – to set upon

We were beset with locals trying to make a sale.

2 – to set with ornaments

The roses are beset with thrones.

1 – fail to give a true notion or impression of (something); disguise or contradict.

I newspaper story belied the facts.

2 – fail to fulfill or justify (a claim or expectation); betray.

The notebooks belie Darwin’s later recollection.

1 – hit repeatedly with blows.

He battered the broken car.

1 – become perplexed.

I was bewildered by the lack of work the team had done.

1 – bend the head or upper part of the body as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame.

It is common to bow in Asia.

2 – play (a stringed instrument or music) using a bow.

The techniques by which the pieces were bowed.

1 – think deeply about something that makes the person unhappy.

He brooded over his bad day.

1 – encourage or help

I need to boost my spirits.

2 – push from below

She needs to boost to master the English Language.

1 – cast a spell or enchant.

I was bewitched by the lush landscape.

1 – low murmuring or humming sound.

Flies buzz when they fly.

1 – lock with a bar that slides into a socket.

He bolted the door for protection.

2 – ran away quickly.

He bolted down the street.

1 – strike hard.

He bashed the wall in anger.

2 – criticize.

He bashed the smoking industry.

1 – break or burst

They bust the water balloon.

2 – lose something

He went bust at the poker table…

1 – squeeze together

Compress the laptop’s file to save space.

1 – to bring to an end.

The summit concluded with world peace.

2 – to reach a logical end or decision.

The magazine concludes that Rome is one of the  most beautiful cities in the world .

He concluded his college application with a question.

1 – unmarked, free dirt

He cleaned the room every other week.

1 – fall or hang in copious or luxuriant quantities.

“the cool water cascading down the waterfall.”

1 – decrease in size, number, or range.

“glass contracts as it cools.”

2 – become shorter and tighter to affect the movement of part of the body.

“The heart is a muscle that contracts about seventy times a minute”

1 – wind into rings

The sailor coiled the rope.

1 – to cover something

Massive trees canopied the small island.

1 – to form short bends or ripples / Wrinkle

Don’t crinkle my shirt.

2 – a think crackling sound

The crinkling bag woke up the dog.

1 – chuckle or laugh

He chortled with amusement.

2 – sing or chant

She chortled in her happiness.

1 – broken into small parts.

The  Greek Islands  are filled with crumbling ruins.

1 – beg or sponge

He cadges for a free cup of coffee.

1 – sharp, quick, repeated noises

The crackling fire.

1 – to dig and bring to light.

Don’t dredge up those painful memories.

1 – travel somewhere in a hurry

I dashed through the forest.

2 – strike, or destroy

The ship was dashed upon the rocks.

She dashed his spirits.

1 – cause (someone) to feel consternation and distress.

A deep  feeling  of dismay overtook the room.

1 – greatly astonish or amaze

I’m often dumbfounded after watching the task force meetings.

1 – eat / destroy / adsorb quickly

I want to devour the big meal.

2 – read eagerly

Amy always devours a good book.

1 – make (someone’s) clothes or hair messy.

Boris Johnson disheveled his hair before being on camera.

1 – to lessen the courage of

A lesser man would be daunted by this challenge.

1 – to set apart for a purpose. to distinguish as a class

We designate this room as the class lab.

2 – to point out a location

A marker designating where the trial starts.

1 – to feel aversion to (Offend)

His distaste for the joke was apparent.

1 – to dig

Suspicion led him to delve into his wife’s bag.

1 – to search for information

He delved into the past to find the problem.

1 – to get carried along (by water, air, etc)

The windy drift pushed the hot air balloon to the west.

1 – a pile of something in heaps

Snow drifts covered the landscape.

1 – to stray or move from a principle, standard, or topic.

Don’t deviate from your goals. Stayed focused even when life is tough.

1 – to cause annoyance or irritation

I hope you’re not exasperated by this list of descriptive words.

1 – Set up / to fix/put together in an upright position

The father and son erected the tree house.

1 – to become known,

Jane emerged from her travels a most well-rounded person.

1 – To make it ornamental or make it more attractive.

Frank embellished his life story to impress his date.

1 – to furnish / to provide with

I’m endowed with a  good sense of humor .

1 – allure or tempt

He was enticed by the smell of the chocolate.

1 – eliminate by wearing away surface

The rocks are effaced by wear and tear.

1 – rot slowly

Don’t let your anger fester about your tough English test.

1 – steal secretly

He filches the cookie from the jar.

1 – give a false appearance

The company feigned how bad his leg hurt.

1 – containing frescoes

The frescoed walls of the chapel inspired my love of art.

1 – to pass quickly or shift

The chortling birds flitted around the forest.

1 – to flow in an irregular current

The stream gurgling stream swept over the rocks.

2 – ta gurgling sound

The gurgling stream blocked the path.

1 – to gather,

Tim garnered his courage before presenting his  essay  to his teachers.

1 – move quickly

He hastened his journey home.

1 – lift or raise by tackle

Hoist the flag.

1 – lift or raise or pull

He heaved the trunk onto the oak table.

1 – a harmful or disquieting occurrence

The past mistakes haunted him.

2 – to visit often to seek the company of

I spend a lot of time haunting the bookstore.

1 – cross one with another.

The intertwined vines were impassable.

1 – place a body in a tomb or grave

The king was interred with all the honor due him.

1 – weave.

It’s dangerous to interweave lies and the truth.

1 – to make, irritated, or weary

He was irked trying to learn all the  English grammar  rules.

1 – endow or influence

He imbued the spirit of the old times.

INTERSPERSE

1 – spaced in intervals

The interspersed paintings covered the east wing.

1 – sharp uneven surface

The jagged mountains dotted the horizon.

1 – come into contact or pushing

The jostling crowd flooded to the door.

2 – vying for a position.

The workers began to jostle for the new job.

1 – expend or bestow

His lavish habits cost him a lot of money.

1 – slow parting

The effects lingered long after it was over.

1 – take a large shape or an impending occurrence

The  teacher  loomed over the  student  to make sure he wasn’t cheating.

1 – an area to stop

Lay-by the dock the ship tied up.

1 – utter barely audible sounds in a low voice.

He muttered to himself about his workload.

1 – hypnotizing

The mesmerizing beauty of the  best islands in Croatia  is not easily forgotten.

1 – settle snugly

A small town nestled among the mountains.

1 – grab or catch

He nabbed the best spot in the class for the  English lesson .

1 – a slow trickle, to seep out of something

The oozing gunk stained the floor.

1 – exiled

He was ostracized after his betrayal was made public.

1 – to peer through / to look furtively.

Don’t peek around the corner.

1 – to go deep into, or thrust into something.

I plunged into the task of self-development.

1 – landscape with a level surface, and little change

He wandered the plateau looking for his lost wallet.

1 – search for information.

His friend probed him with questions about the girl.

1 – sprinkled throughout

The olive trees peppered the Greek countryside.

1 – work laboriously

The book plodded along slowly.

1 – soaked in

The city was steeped in charm.

1 – a loud sharp noise

He shirked when he thought he saw a ghost.

1 – to spread without restraint

The sprawling landscape of the desert is one of the best  things to do in Tucson .

1 – fill with things or with satiety

He was stuffed after Thanksgiving dinner.

1 – feeling to do something (usually wrong)

He was tempted to eat the candy.

DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: LIST OF ADVERBS

1 – Suddenly or Unexpectedly.

The car stopped abruptly.

2 – In a rude manner.

His mom abruptly cut him off.

3 – Steep

The hill ascends abruptly.

Apathetically 

1- Without enthusiasm or interest.

She played with the dog apathetically, barely looking at it. 

ADDITIONALLY

1 – extra factor or circumstance.

brokers finance themselves additionally by short-term borrowing.

2 – used to introduce a new fact or argument.

Additionally, the regulations require a clean environment.

ALTERNATELY

1 – one after the other or next

Alternately, don’t give up when things get hard.

Begrudgingly 

begrudgingly (adverb) – unwillingly; reluctantly 

I begrudgingly gave him my number.

 Deliberately 

1- done or planned with care and intention

The mother deliberately left the child in the car while she went into the store. 

 Dramatically 

1. in a dramatic manner

The actress dramatically read the lines from the script. 

EFFECTIVELY

1 – being effective or in effect

John effectively finished his to-do list before stopping for the day.

1 – evident or provide evidence

He was evidently born in Ohio.

1 – expert in something

He expertly navigated his way through the maze of alleyways.

Extraordinary 

1 – strikingly unusual or different; remarkable

This painting is extraordinary! 

FURTHERMORE

1 – what precedes

Furthermore, people should travel more.

1 – a gloomy or somber

He grimly walked to see his boos.

1 – a sinister character

The dark figure had a grimly stance that shadows seemed to cling to.

Inquisitively 

1- Inquisitively is defined as in a curious or questioning manner. 

Looking inquisitively at someone means looking at them in a way that suggests you want to know more about them. For example, you may be staring intently at their face as if you are trying to read their thoughts. 

Intelligently

1 – In an intelligent way

The mother cat was intelligently trying to get her kitten out from under the car. 

1 – to a great degree

The immensely talented writer self-published his book.

INTENTIONALLY

1 – intentional manner or awareness

He intentionally arrived at the airport early.

1 – intense

He intensely focused on the problem at hand.

IMPULSIVELY

1 – from impulse

He impulsively got up early every morning.

He invitingly offered me a free drink.

INFURIATINGLY

1 – extreme anger

Moving to my wife in Sweden is an infuriatingly slow process.

1 – born or existing in.

He innately loved filling his head with quotes about adventure.

1 – lasting or unforgettable cannot be removed.

The indelibly hued landscape when  backpacking Italy  changed my life.

INTRICATELY

1 – complex with many parts

The intricately designed plot has levels of detail.

1 – eager or intense

They are keenly attuned to your bad behavior.

1 – clear; glassiness

The limpidly rushing water of the cascading waterfall.

LUDICROUSLY

1 – meriting laughter or exaggeration

He ludicrously lost his wallet.

Synonym for Richly or Grandly

1 – marked by excess

The lavishly decorated crown marked him as king.

Methodically 

1 – In a precise and orderly way.

The scientist methodically recorded the data. 

MONUMENTALLY

1 – large, or to an extreme degree

He monumentally failed in his task.

1 – without doubt

The claims were patently false.

1 – peace or tranquility

he peacefully listened to the sounds of birds singing outside his window.

1 – strict

He rigorously worked at his craft every day.

ROMANTICALLY

1 – romantic

He was romantically involved with her.

DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: NOUNS

1 – the process of absorbing.

The absorption of the spilled water.

2 – The whole occupation of the mind.

The absorption of my work overtakes every other desire.

1 – strong desire to do or to achieve something which takes hard work.

People trying to improve their skills with this list of descriptive words for  writing  have a lot of ambition.

2 – determination to achieve success.

life offers many opportunities for those with ambition.

1 – a large quantity of something.

I have an abundance of ambition.

2 – The condition of having a copious quantity of something; bountifulness.

The vineyard has an abundance of grapes.

1 – a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime.

“He’s a wine aficionado.”

1 – a dark volcanic rock that displays a columnar structure and is made of fine-grained.

The fertile soil was made of decomposed basalt.

1 – something of monstrous size

That’s a behemoth-sized lion.

1 – a person who is socially unconventional in a way regarded as characteristic of creative artists; a bohemian.

The town bohos opened an art gallery.

1 – an increase

A boost in the economy.

1 – a room or pantry used for storing wine or hard liquor.

Can you grab the wine out of the buttery?

1 – a beer that has a strong hop taste; or liquor with the sharp taste of plant extracts.

What bitters do you have on tap?

1 – a combination of qualities of color, such as shape, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.

“I was struck by her beauty .”

Synonym  for Rock or Stone

1 – a large rock, mostly worn smooth by years of erosion.

The boulder blocked the path.

1 – move quickly.

He buzzed through these descriptive words.

1 – Irish name for a beehive hut.

The ruins of a clochán sat on the other side of the field.

1 – a written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.

“both parties must sign employment contracts “

1 – a mass of something that falls or hangs in copious or luxuriant quantities.

“A cascade of pink bougainvillea.”

2 – a large number or amount of something occurring or arriving in rapid succession.

“a cascade of antiwar literature”

1 – an ornamental decoration at the ridge of a roof or top of a wall or screen.

High on the roof was a cresting decoration.

1 – Someone who chips

The chipper was hard at working cutting down the tree.

1 – one delegated by a superior to execute a duty or an office

The commissary was tasked with finding a cure.

1 – a series of loops

The coil of pumps was confusing.

2 – everyday troubles

Sometimes we all need to shrug off the coils of the workday.

1 – any of an order (Coniferales) of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs having usually needle-shaped or scalelike leaves like pine, cones, and arillate fruit.

The group of conifer trees took over the forest.

1 – to create

Christians believe in the creation story.

1 – an agreement or promise / attached to someone or something

I have a commitment to my wife.

1 – a cover carried above by a person of rank / or a cloth suspended

The canopy covered the diners on the patio.

1 – a heap of stones in a heap. Usually a landmark or memorial. Typically on a hilltop or skyline.

The stony cairn marked the way back.

Characteristics

1- Colorful Having many different colors. The sunset was so colorful.

Loyalty is one of his best characteristics

1 – something to eat considered rare and luxurious

What is your favorite delicacy in Italy?

2 – the quality or state of being dainty of someone or something

Spiderwebs have a delicacy.

1 – to flow along

To drift through life is sad.

2 – an underlying meaning or design.

The spy understood the drift of his orders.

1 – dislike food or drink

Many have a distaste for mushrooms.

1 – representation in images or  describing words  depicting something or someone.

The depiction of the movie wasn’t congruent with the book.

1 – a deep place or state of being

The depths of our abilities remain unknown until we push for greatness.

1 – an arrangement, or state of being engaged

Social engagement took most of my day.

1 – a massive structure

The social edifice holds together certain rules.

plural noun

1 – city districts / or surroundings in your space or vicinity

The crystal environs of the waterfalls.

1 – a public showcase

The art exhibition was a success.

1 – a high position of superiority, Commanding or in a profession.

His eminence in the film made him a legend.

1 – refined taste, dignified gracefulness

The novel had an air of elegance and wit.

EXASPERATION

1 – a state of exasperated or exasperating someone/feeling irritation

He was exasperated after working all day.

1 – the act of representing a medium

I don’t understand the expression that artists are trying to achieve.

FOCAL POINT

1 – point of attention.

The focal point of this blog post is  describing words  that help others master descriptive  writing .

1 – an embarrassing mistake or error.

Interpreting someone is considered a social faux pas.

1 – the front of the building

The store’s facade was highly decorated.

1 – a false, or fake appearance

His friends saw through his thinly veiled facade.

A love this descriptive word.

1 – a boisterous and loud burst of laughter.

The joke caused a guffaw in the room.

1 – enthusiastic and filled with joy.

1 – a gloomy or somber outlook

He had a grim disposition on life.

The grim tale left me afraid.

1 – the quality or current state

The grandeur of ancient Rome inspired our world.

1 – grand

Many of the  best places to visit in Europe  are grand in design, scope, and scale.

1 – strong wind

The gust of wind caused the bike to tip over.

1 – an outburst of feeling

He had a gust of energy that came with the good news.

1 – either side of an arch.

The dog loves to have his back haunches scratched.

1 – a great number

A host of ants took over the picnic.

1 – something to indicate

He gave the indication that he was going to travel this summer.

1 – a stage or exception

In this instance, we all need to be quiet.

2 – example

For instance, pasta tastes better in Italy.

1 – inside limits or inner constitution

Travelers loved the lavish interior of the modern-day art gallery.

1 – limestone land or limestone plateau

The karst lands were filled with sinkholes and caverns.

1 – a plant organism made up of alge

Working the lichen spotted lake held a natural charm rarely found.

1 – machine for interlacing

Working the loom is hard and painful.

1 – soil made of silt, sand, and clay.

The loam ground was hard to walk.

LAUNDERETTE

1 – a self-service laundry

The launderette was packed with others.

1 – causing wonder and astonishment

Abu Simbel, in Egypt, is a marvel to behold.

1 – a great number of

This myriad  list  of descriptive words is very helpful – like our list of descriptive words for personality -.

1 – middle of the day

The midday meal made him want a nap.

1 – a single massive stone in a column or obelisk

Monoliths pepper the old landscape.

1 – a single massive stone in a column or obelisk from prehistoric origin.

The Menhir’s of Stonehenge tower over all who stand before it.

METROPOLITAN

1 – one who lives in a metropolis

The metropolitan knew the city backward and forwards.

1 – wealth and Abundance

The opulence of the Blue Mosque makes it one of the  best things to do in Turkey .

1 – of an unusual size

The outsize bed wouldn’t fit.

1 – a dirty slovenly place

Clean up this pigpen of a room.

1 – the quality of excitement or attractive

He was charming and had a large amount of pizzazz.

1 – an earnest entreaty

They plead for another helping of mashed potatoes.

1 – a bar something is hung on

The bird sat on the perch.

1 – a medical instrument for exploring

The doctor used a probe to discover what was wrong.

1 – a person despised or rejected

The thief was treated as a pariah.

1 – chasing after

Our pursuits define our lives.

1 – contradictory phases or conclusions.

Life is full of many a paradox.

1 – state of fear

Don’t panic about your writing . Just learn more descriptive words that will improve your writing.

1 – a close inspection; under a microscope

His paper was under a lot of scrutiny.

1 – riot or commotion

Tumult uprisings are a big part of history.

2 – loud noise

a tumult of noise kept me from sleeping.

1 – tiles

The tiling walls were stunning.

DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: LIST OF PREPOSITIONS WITH DEFINITION

preposition

1 – surrounded by; in the middle of

He walked amid the rolling hills and lush landscape.

2 – in an atmosphere or against a background of.

Mid accusations of cheating the student were suspended.

DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: DESCRIPTIVE PHRASES

Here are a lot of describing words that I’ve picked up from various books, and blog posts. I fell in love with this word list. And are great for adding detail.

Pro tip:  The  describing words  are all around you. Listen to how people use descriptive language in your favorite movies, tv shows, and podcast. Try to find describing words in the things you read. The  lesson  you are looking for and the right words are all around you! You just have to look for the lesson to find the best describing word.

ARID STEPPE

1 – one of the vast treeless tracts in Europe and Asia.

The arid steppe of Mongolia is famous around the world.

ATLANTIC SWELLS

1- Waves crashing on the coast.

The Atlantic swells crashed against the crenelated coast.

BROODING SUMMITS

1 – sad terrain, a  phrase to describe  mountain ranges.

The brooding summits, covered in clouds, look like a storm is coming.

BEHIND THE TIMES

1 – not aware of or using the latest ideas or techniques; out of date.

When it came to tech, he was behind the times.

CRYSTALLINE LAKES

1 – a good description to describe a still lake. Or a phrase lake on a nice day.

The crystalline lake boasted the perfect space to camp.

CRUMBLING CASTLES

1 – a castle falling apart.

Ireland’s peppered with crumbling castles.

CRESTING MOUNTAINS

1 – descriptive of a scenic mountain range.

The cresting mountains of New Zealand are unforgettable.

EVER- DEEPENING

1 – getting deeper

The ever-deepening snow made the terrain impassable.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The historical significance of Rome echoes even until today.

INFINITE HILLS

The infinite hills of New Zealand lure thousands of visitors a year. This is one of my favorite descriptive phrases.

ICY ROLLERS

1 – cold waves

The icy rollers of the Atlantic Ocean beat along the coast.

INDELIBLY WILD

The indelibly wild forest of Peru.

LUNAR-SCAPED

1 – landscape similar to that on the moon

The Lunar-scaped beaches on Milos, put it high on many travelers’  lists of Greek Islands  to visit.

LONG-FORGOTTEN

The long-forgotten castle has centuries of neglect.

A great  descriptive word  for the forest!

1 – covered by moss

The moss-clad rocks sat along the stream.

MODERN HIGH-RISE SKYSCRAPERS

The hundreds of workers wasted their lives in modern high-rise skyscrapers.

Descriptive Words for Food

1 – having a pleasing smell

1 – having a brittle texture and a dry, brittle sound when broken

Crunchy 

1 – having a brittle texture and a crisp, crackling sound when broken

1 – having a strong, satisfying flavor

1 – having a pleasing, sugary flavor

1 -having a sour, acidic taste

Salty 

1 – having a salty, savory flavor

1 – not having a strong or distinctive flavor

 1 – having a hot, pungent flavor

1 – having a lot of flavors 

1 – something that tastes extremely good 

1- providing the body with essential nutrients 

1 – making someone want to eat something 

Scrumptious

1 – extremely delicious and appetizing 

1 – a sweet liquid produced by flowers and used as a drink or in cooking 

1 – producing an excessive flow of saliva 

1 – of or relating to the sense of taste 

1 – arousing or tempting the appetite 

1 – having an extremely pleasing taste 

1 – delightfully beautiful or elegant 

1 – extremely luxurious and expensive 

Scintillating

1 – brilliantly sparkling 

1 – strikingly unusual or different 

1 – restoring or invigorating 

1 – promoting good health

1 – energetically alive and vigorous 

1 – pleasantly firm and fresh 

1 -full of juice 

1 – having a strong, distinctive taste 

Mouth-watering 

1- so delicious as to make the mouth water 

1 – easily broken or chewed and having a delicate, pleasing texture 

Descriptive Words for Trees

Words to describe trees is one of the most requested updates for this post. So I have updated the list with a bunch of tree descriptive words. I hope you enjoy it! 

• massive 
• towering 
• gigantic 
• enormous 

Descriptive Words in Spanish

• ágil – agile
• bello – beautiful
• brillante – brilliant
• cálido – warm
• claro – clear
• colorido – colorful
• cortés – courteous
• curioso – curious
• dulce – sweet
• enérgico – energetic
• fresco – fresh
• gentil – gentle
• inteligente – intelligent
• joven – young
• ligero – light
• lindo – pretty
• maduro – mature
• maravilloso – marvelous
• nervioso – nervous
• optimista – optimistic
• pacífico – peaceful
• perezoso – lazy
• romántico – romantic
• sensible – sensible
• serio – serious
• simpático – likable
• triste – sad
• vibrante – vibrant 

LIST OF DESCRIPTIVE ADJECTIVES

Here are some words to describe the positive qualities of people’s personalities. And using words like this to showcase a  personality  can connect those feeling with your readers.

affectionate – readily feeling or showing fondness or tenderness.

Agile – able to move quickly and easily.

Altruistic – showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish.

amiable – having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.

bright – giving out or reflecting much light; shining. – A very common descriptive phrase.

Bonza – excellent; first-rate.

charming – very pleasant or attractive.

Conscientious – wishing to do one’s work or duty well and thoroughly

imaginative – having or showing creativity or inventiveness.

List of Common Adjectives

These are great for common adjectives that can be used for anything from a descriptive phrase, descriptive writing, or a cover letter. 

compassionate

distinguished

enthusiastic

fashionable

fascinating

independent

influential

intelligent

mesmerizing

WORD LIST OF ATTRIBUTIVE ADJECTIVES

What are attributive adjectives?

These are words to can be placed inside a sentence that can modify a person or a thing. These  different adjective  are only used before nouns.

Example Sentence:  The tender steak made my mouth water.

Heart-stopping

Too-yummy-to-be-believed

Face-to-face vicious

adjective for thick vines

• coiling, twisting, writhing
• constricting
• claustrophobic 

WORD LIST OF MULTIPLE ADJECTIVES

What are multiple adjectives?

Sometimes called paired adjectives. This is using more than one word to describe a noun.

Almost an adjective can be multiple adjectives if it can be paired together with other describing words to describe a noun. The key is to put them in the right order.

But here are some common ones.

Example Sentence:  The thick, dense college application seemed daunting.

Smart, energetic

Small, round

Short, Fast

Pretty Little

WHAT ARE COORDINATE ADJECTIVES

Similar to paired adjectives,  Coordinate adjectives

are two – or maybe even more – adjectives that describe the same noun. They are separated by a common.

LIST OF POSITIVE ADJECTIVES

Positive words are a great way to make your readers feel something about a character, place, or object. Positive words of descriptive are powerful.

Example: He was brave enough to use a new word to showcase his skill in front of the class.

Adventurous

Affectionate

Broadminded

Knowledgeable

Self-confident

Warmhearted

descriptive words starting with m

Magnificent.

impressively beautiful, elaborate or striking

Example: The view from the top of the mountain was simply magnificent.

given to unpredictable changes in mood or feelings

Example: He was in a moody state after his fight with his girlfriend.

Melancholic

feeling or expressing a deep sadness or gloominess

Example: The melancholic music helped me release my emotions.

Mischievous

Playful or causing trouble in a playful way Example: The mischievous child kept on playing pranks on his siblings.

difficult or impossible to understand or explain

Example: The disappearance of the man is still a mysterious case to this day.

having or showing impressive beauty or dignity

Example: The Taj Mahal is a majestic work of art.

having a smooth, rich, or full flavor or personality

Example: The mellow sound of the saxophone helped me relax.

relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past

Example: The modern technology we have today has made life easier.

Magnanimous

generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or less powerful person

Example: Despite losing the game, he still remained magnanimous and congratulated the winning team.

unassuming or moderate in size, quantity, or importance

Example: She is a modest person who never seeks attention.

Descriptive Words Starting With N

feeling or showing anxiety or worry.

Example: I’m nervous about my upcoming job interview.

having or showing high moral principles or ideals.

Example: He was a noble man who always put others before himself.

making a lot of sound, often in an unpleasant or disruptive way.

Example: The party next door was very noisy and kept us up all night.

existing or occurring as part of nature; not artificial or man-made.

Example: The park was a beautiful natural oasis in the middle of the city.

clean, orderly, and well-organized.

Example: His desk was always so neat and tidy.

pleasingly stylish or clever; neat or attractive.

Example: The nifty new gadget made my life easier.

quick and light in movement or action.

Example: The nimble cat easily caught the mouse.

feeling a sentimental longing for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.

Example: Looking at old family photos made her feel nostalgic for her childhood.

providing nourishment or food that is essential for health and growth.

Example: The salad was full of nutritious vegetables and healthy fats.

worthy of attention or notice; remarkable.

Example: His notable achievements in the field of science made him a household name.

descriptive words of a leader and Leadership Skills

Here are some great descriptive words that are great for describing effective leaders, passionate leaders, and other leadership qualities.  

Charismatic

Having a compelling charm or appeal that inspires devotion in others.

Example: His charismatic personality made him a great public speaker. And a successful leaders. 

having or showing a powerful imagination and the ability to think about or plan the future with wisdom or foresight.

Example: Steve Jobs was a visionary who revolutionized the technology industry. And held many leadership roles throughout his life. 

Feeling or showing self-assurance; having faith in oneself and one’s abilities.

Example: A confident leader can inspire confidence in others. Which makes him a true leader. 

Settling an issue; producing a definite result.

Example: A decisive leader is able to make tough decisions when necessary.

Having the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

Example: An empathetic leader is able to connect with and inspire their team. Which makes them effective leaders. 

Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.

Example: A strategic leader is able to plan and execute successful business strategies.

Inspirational

providing inspiration or motivation to others; uplifting and motivating.

Example: An inspirational leader can inspire their team to achieve great things. And allows him to be a true leader. 

Trustworthy

deserving of trust or confidence; reliable.

Example: A trustworthy leader is one who can be relied upon to keep their promises.

able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

Example: A resilient leader is able to bounce back from setbacks and continue to lead effectively.

having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance.

Example: A humble leader is able to put the needs of others ahead of their own and lead with integrity. And a true leader is humble, and it’s a sign of effective leadership. 

MORE ENGLISH GRAMMAR QUESTIONS WERE ANSWERED!

What are the different kinds of adjectives.

There are several kinds of adjectives, including descriptive adjectives, limiting adjectives, proper adjectives, demonstrative adjectives, interrogative adjectives, and distributive adjectives.

Descriptive adjectives describe the qualities of a noun or pronoun, such as “blue,” “soft,” or “happy.”

Limiting adjectives limit the noun or pronoun by indicating a specific quantity or amount, such as “two,” “many,” or “few.”

Proper adjectives are formed from proper nouns and describe a particular noun or pronoun, such as “American,” “Italian,” or “Shakespearean.”

Demonstrative adjectives point out or indicate which noun or pronoun is being referred to, such as “this,” “that,” “these,” or “those.”

Interrogative adjectives are used to ask questions and include “which,” “what,” and “whose.”

Distributive adjectives refer to individual members of a group, such as “each,” “every,” “either,” or “neither.”

What are Negative Adjectives?

Negative adjectives are adjectives that describe something negatively, or with a negative connotation. And indicating that it lacks or has the opposite of a positive quality. They can be used talk about a personality trait, character trait, and change your writing style. 

Examples of negative adjectives include “bad,” “ugly,” “harmful,” “horrible,” “unpleasant,” “unfortunate,” “unfriendly,” “unhappy,” “displeasing,” “unfair,” and “unsatisfactory.”

These adjectives can be used to express criticism, disapproval, or disappointment towards someone or something. Negative adjectives can also be used to contrast one thing with another, such as in phrases like “less beautiful,” “not as smart,” or “less effective.”

positive personality adjectives

• Affable – friendly, easy-going and pleasant to talk to
• Ambitious – determined to succeed and reach goals
• Assertive – confident and self-assured; able to stand up for oneself and one’s beliefs
• Authentic – genuine and true to oneself; not fake or artificial
• Benevolent – kind, caring and generous, with a desire to do good for others
• Brave – courageous, not afraid to face challenges or danger
• Charismatic – possessing a compelling charm or appeal that inspires devotion in others
• Compassionate – empathetic, caring and understanding towards others who are suffering
• Confident – having faith in oneself and one’s abilities; self-assured
• Creative – imaginative, original and innovative
• Diplomatic – able to handle delicate or difficult situations with tact and sensitivity
• Empathetic – having the ability to understand and share the feelings of others
• Enthusiastic – passionate, energetic and eager to do things
• Gracious – courteous, kind and polite
• Honest – truthful and sincere; not deceptive or deceitful
• Humorous – having a sense of humor and able to make others laugh
• Independent – self-sufficient and able to take care of oneself
• Intuitive – able to understand or know something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning
• Optimistic – hopeful and positive, expecting good outcomes and opportunities
• Passionate – having strong emotions and intense feelings towards something or someone.

WHAT IS A PRESENT PARTICIPLE?

A word formed from a verb that ends in ing.

Sentence: He couldn’t stop laughing.

What is a Pronoun?

Pronouns are words that replace a noun.

A word formed from a verb that ends in  ing.

Sentence: He couldn’t stop  laughing.

What is a Collective Noun?

A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of things or animals as a single unit. Some common collective nouns are flock, herd, pack, and swarm. 

What is a Prepositional Phrase?

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or a pronoun. The preposition shows the relationship between the noun or pronoun and the verb. 

 What are Some Popular Synonyms?

Some popular synonyms are beautiful, pretty, handsome, and stunning. 

What are Transition Words

Transition words are used to connect ideas, show relationships between ideas, and indicate the logic of thought or argument. They are used to signal the start and end of paragraphs, introduce new paragraphs, and connect related thoughts within a paragraph. 

There we go! Over 500 descriptive words that will help you improve your writing! This list is always being updated as I find new  describing words  I like through reading and writing. Becoming a good writer and increasing your  skill , and learning  a new word  is an endless quest. These are great words that can improve your follow-up comments or inline feedback on your writing.

And I hope that you found the list of adjectives, nouns, descriptive phrases, and verbs useful. And helps you get a little better and expand your  vocabulary.

Check back for new  descriptive words  monthly!

400 Descriptive Words List to Make Your Writing Shine

Do you want to make your writing more engaging? Check out this descriptive words list with 400 words you can use today.

As you strive to be a more engaging writer, using  descriptive words  can help. It’s easy to overuse these words, but sprinkling them in here and there is a great way to colorize your writing.

Descriptive words are adjectives , which describe nouns and pronouns, or adverbs, which describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Identifying and using these will help you write stronger pieces and descriptive essays .

This descriptive word list is a good place to start. It also pairs nicely with our list of mood words .

Descriptive Words List: 400 Words to Make Your Writing More Colorful

Example sentences using adjectives, common endings for adjectives, list of adverbs in english, example sentences using adverbs, a final word on descriptive words list, what are some good descriptive words, what words describe movement.

Descriptive words take writing from boring to engaging. Consider this sentence:

• She swam across the water.

While this tells you what is happening, it has little to help you imagine the scene. If you add some adjectives and adverbs and transform the statement to this:

• She swam speedily across the choppy water.

Now you have a better picture of what happened. In order to transform your writing in this way, you need a number of descriptive words at the ready, and this list of descriptive words will help.

List of Descriptive Adjectives in English

Adjectives are the most common type of descriptive words, so first we will look at these. These words describe features like shape, texture, color, and size. They help differentiate between items in a group by calling out distinguishing features.

In  English  grammar, you can use the following to describe nouns and pronouns:

• Adventurous
• Accomplished
• Comfortable
• Embellished
• Enthusiastic
• Everlasting
• Fashionable
• Intelligent
• Quarrelsome
• Querulous 
• Questionable
• Thoughtless
• Uninterested

This list is not exhaustive, and there are many synonyms and other words that could be added. In addition, all colors are considered adjectives and describing words . Nationalities, like American or English, can also fit this list.

As you work on creating descriptive writing, get used to using these and similar words. You might also find our list of pronouns useful.

To better understand how adjectives look in sentences, consider these examples:

• The fuzzy red fox jumped over the tall fence. (red, tall)
• We like to visit the beautiful forest (beautiful)
• The garden shed feels damp this morning. (garden, damp)
• The trip to Disney World was magical. (Magical)
• The beautiful bird sat on the rough branch and sang. (beautiful, rough)
• The woman is short, but her husband is tall. (short, tall)
• I prefer cold climates. (cold)
• The luxurious hotel included soft robes for each guest. (luxurious, soft, each)

Because listing all adjectives in the English language is impossible, knowing their endings is helpful, especially for ESL language learners. Some of the common endings for adjectives include:

If you see a word ending in one of these, and you know it isn’t a noun, chances are high it is an adjective.

The English language also uses adverbs to describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. These descriptive words show intensity, number, and extent. They often end in -ly.

• Accidentally
• Aggressively
• Apathetically
• Assertively
• Astronomically
• Beautifully
• Begrudgingly
• Blearily 
• Deceivingly
• Deliberately
• Differently
• Dramatically
• Emotionally
• Exceptionally
• Frightfully
• Frenetically
• Frivolously
• Hysterically
• Inquisitively
• Intelligently
• Impressively
• Ludicrously
• Methodically
• Mysteriously
• Neglectfully
• Obnoxiously
• Occasionally
• Pointlessly
• Significantly
• Splendidly 
• Substantially
• Technically
• Unexpectedly
• Victoriously
• Vitally 
• Vivaciously
• Voluntarily

Again, this is not an exhaustive list. As you learn to identify adverbs or use them in your writing, look for words that describe verbs and other descriptive words that end in -ly.

Editing tip: Sometimes adverbs can also serve as filler words that you can remove or use to slow down or speed up a piece.

To better understand how adverbs show up in sentences as descriptive words, consider these examples:

• The electric car drove so quietly we didn’t hear it coming. (so, quietly)
• My dog barked angrily at the intruder. (angrily)
• The girls sang beautifully. (beautifully)
• He swam across the pool quickly. (quickly)
• The box is surprisingly heavy for its size. (surprisingly) 
• The toddler walked very carefully across the slippery floor. (very, carefully)
• Language learning is incredibly easy for some students, and incredibly hard for others (incredibly)

As you learn how to become a better writer , descriptive language is a big part of the picture. Adjectives and adverbs are the parts of speech that allow you to describe other things vividly. While you can overuse them, they can add color and interest to your writing when used well.

Keep this list of descriptive words handy. When you have a need, pull it out and find one that fits your writing. Whether you’re writing a sentence, a short story, or an entire novel, you’ll find it easier to get descriptive when you have these words on hand.

Check Like this? Check out our list of sensory words .

FAQs on Descriptive Words List

Descriptive words are words that make something easier to identify by describing its characteristics. Some good words that fit this include: Bright Adventurous Jovial Charming Peaceful

Some descriptive words describe the movement of an object. These include: Swiftly Fluidly Gracefully Smoothly Disjointedly

Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006. She specializes in education content and real estate writing but enjoys a wide gamut of topics. Her goal is to connect with the reader in an engaging, but informative way. Her work has been featured on USA Today, and she ghostwrites for many high-profile companies. As a former teacher, she is passionate about both research and grammar, giving her clients the quality they demand in today's online marketing world.

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Using Ambitious Vocabulary for 11+ Creative Writing Success

As a writer, it's essential to have a strong vocabulary that can help you express your ideas and evoke emotions in your readers. Ambitious vocabulary refers to the use of sophisticated and impressive words in writing. Using ambitious vocabulary can help you stand out from the crowd and make your writing more engaging and memorable.

In this article, we will explore what ambitious vocabulary is, provide examples of ambitious vocabulary, discuss techniques for incorporating it into your writing, and highlight common mistakes to avoid.

What is Ambitious Vocabulary?

Ambitious vocabulary refers to words that are not commonly used in everyday language but are more complex and sophisticated. These words can include sensory words, vivid verbs, similes and metaphors, personification, and alliteration. Using ambitious vocabulary can help you create a vivid and memorable image in your reader's minds and engage them in your story.

Examples of Ambitious Vocabulary

Using Sensory Words

Sensory words can help create a sensory experience for your readers. By using words that describe how things look, smell, sound, taste, or feel, you can transport your readers to the scene you're describing. For example, instead of saying "the flowers were beautiful," you can say "the delicate petals of the vibrant flowers swayed in the gentle breeze, releasing a sweet, intoxicating fragrance."

Using Vivid Verbs

Vivid verbs can help you create a more active and engaging sentence. Instead of using generic verbs like "walked" or "ran," you can use verbs that are more descriptive and specific. For example, instead of saying "he walked to the store," you can say "he sauntered down the street, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city."

Using Similes and Metaphors

Similes and metaphors can help you make your writing more descriptive and interesting by comparing two seemingly unrelated things. For example, instead of saying "the sunset was beautiful," you can say "the sky was ablaze with fiery colors, like a canvas painted by a master artist."

Using Personification

Personification involves giving human characteristics to non-human things. This technique can help you make your writing more creative and engaging. For example, instead of saying "the wind was blowing," you can say "the mischievous wind whispered secrets as it danced through the trees."

Using Alliteration

Alliteration involves using the same sound at the beginning of multiple words in a sentence. This technique can help you make your writing more rhythmic and memorable. For example, instead of saying "the rain was heavy," you can say "the relentless rain rattled against the roof."

Techniques to Incorporate Ambitious Vocabulary in 11 Plus Creative Writing

Understanding the Context

Understanding the context is crucial when using ambitious vocabulary. Make sure the words you use to fit the tone and style of your writing. Using overly complex words can confuse your readers and make your writing feel forced.

Reading Widely

Reading widely can help you expand your vocabulary and give you inspiration for using ambitious vocabulary in your writing. Try to read a variety of genres and styles to expose yourself to different writing styles and techniques.

Using a Thesaurus

A thesaurus can be a valuable tool for finding synonyms for commonly used words. However, be careful not to overuse it or use words that you're not familiar with.

Practicing Writing Prompts

Practicing writing prompts can help you incorporate ambitious vocabulary into your writing in a low-stress environment. Use prompts to experiment with different writing styles and techniques and try incorporating ambitious vocabulary into your writing.

Editing and Revising

Editing and revising your writing can help you identify areas where you can use more ambitious vocabulary. Go back through your writing and look for opportunities to replace common words with more sophisticated and impressive ones. Remember, editing and revising are essential steps in the writing process and can help you refine your work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While using ambitious vocabulary can enhance your writing, it's essential to avoid common mistakes that can detract from your work. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

Overusing complex words

Using too many complex words can make your writing difficult to read and understand. Use ambitious vocabulary sparingly and only when it adds to the tone and style of your writing.

Using words you're not familiar with  

Using words you're not familiar with can make your writing feel forced and inauthentic. Make sure you understand the meaning and context of the words you use.

Using the wrong word  

Using the wrong word can change the meaning of your sentence and confuse your readers. Make sure you use words that fit the context and meaning of your writing.

Using ambitious vocabulary can help you elevate your writing and make it more engaging and memorable. By using sensory words, vivid verbs, similes and metaphors, personification, and alliteration, you can create a more descriptive and engaging narrative. Remember to understand the context, read widely, use a thesaurus, practice writing prompts, and edit and revise your work. Avoid common mistakes like overusing complex words, using words you're not familiar with, and using the wrong word. By incorporating ambitious vocabulary into your writing, you can gain full marks in 11 plus creative writing and make your work stand out from the crowd.

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10 Beautiful Words You Can Use in Narrative / Descriptive Writing | Secondary School

• Posted By blog-user

Have you ever asked yourself: what makes a word beautiful? Is it because of what it means or the way it sounds? According to British linguist David Crystal in his article titled, “Phonaesthetically Speaking”, we tend to love words that have three or more syllables and include letters that we enjoy enunciating like “ m ” and “ l ”. Simply put, beautiful words are lovely to read and sound pleasant to our ears.

For Secondary English students, such charming words with positive connotations can be used to bedazzle your reader. Let’s explore ten beautiful words which not only sound great but will also be useful in painting vivid pictures for your examiners (especially for narrative and descriptive writing). With the examples provided below, try coming up with your own sentences to use these words! (:

1. Compelling (adj.)

Meaning: (something e.g. a reason, argument) that makes you pay attention to it because it is interesting and exciting

Synonym: enthralling, captivating, gripping

Sentence examples:

I found it hard to look away from his compelling eyes that seemed to ask me to inch closer. It was such a compelling story that I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting.

2. Effervescent (adj.)

Meaning: (of people and their behaviour) excited, enthusiastic and full of energy

Synonym: vivacious, animated, bubbly

She has a warm effervescent personality that made her easy to get along with. The effervescent host spoke with infectious energy and was able to bring a smile to not only the contestants on the show, but also the audience at home.

3. Euphonious (adj.)

Meaning: (of a sound, especially speech) pleasing to the ear

Synonym: pleasant-sounding, sweet-sounding, honeyed

The euphonious chimes of the bell lulled the baby to sleep. Her euphonious tone made her sound like an angel and I was immediately all ears to what she was explaining.

4. Evocative (adj.)

Meaning: bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind

Synonym: reminiscent, suggestive

The writer uses descriptive vocabulary to paint evocative images, moving his readers to tears. The evocative music that she often heard as a child in her grandparents’ house made her miss them dearly.

5. Halcyon (adj.)

Meaning: denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful

Synonym: happy, carefree, blissful

My grandmother would often recall the halcyon days of the past when her grocery store business boomed and she was healthy and free to do what she liked. The halcyon summer holidays where we could play outdoors freely in groups without our masks are long gone.

6. Lissom (adj.)

Meaning: (of a person or their body) thin, supple, and graceful

Synonym: lithe, elegant, svelte

The lissom dancer mesmerised the audience as she swayed to the music. Perry grew up with horses and always admired how graceful they looked trotting around the stables with their lissom bodies.

7. Resplendent (adj.)

Meaning: very bright, attractive and impressive in appearance

Synonym: splendid, magnificent, brilliant

Dressed in resplendent costumes, the children created a beautiful rainbow of colours on the stage. During the Singapore Night Festival in 2019, a resplendent underwater scene full of marine animals was projected onto the building of the National Museum of Singapore.

8. Redolent (adj.)

Meaning: having a strong pleasant smell

Synonym: aromatic, perfumed

Although my mother had left for work, the entire house was redolent with the fragrance of her perfume. The kitchen was redolent with the aroma of freshly baked bread, making my mouth water.

9. Serendipitous (adj.)

Meaning: occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way

Synonym: coincidental, lucky

The serendipitous encounter with my primary school classmate after not seeing him for two years led to an enjoyable chat about our shared experience. The scientists made a serendipitous discovery which could lead them to the cure for cancer.

10. Sublime (adj.)

Meaning: of great excellence or beauty

Synonym: outstanding, grand, majestic, stellar

The Great Barrier Reef is known for its sublime natural seascape full of unique marine life and vibrantly coloured corals. Having devoured the delectable food, we complimented the chef for the sublime meal.

Were you able to come up with your own examples to use the beautiful words in your narrative writing as you were reading this post? Feel free to look them up in a dictionary to familiarise yourself with more contexts where you can use these charming words appropriately.

I hope you would use these beautiful words in your narrative writing. Go forth and apply the new knowledge you have acquired to impress your readers. See you in future posts!

Ms. Hui Jun

As a teacher, Ms Hui Jun is driven to create a safe conducive space for learning in her classroom. To achieve this, she makes an effort to build rapport with her students so that they are unafraid to ask questions when in doubt. With an aim for her students to grow from every lesson, she encourages them to reflect on their learning and find ways to connect them to real life application. With this, she hopes to stretch the young minds of all her pupils and to equip them with the language skills necessary in our world today.

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Ambitious vocabulary – The pros and cons of ‘wow’ words

Encourage children to add sophisticated shimmer to their writing, with truly thoughtful and creative vocabulary choices.

By Sue Drury

Last updated 02 June 2020

In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone , one of the first things Professor Dumbledore says is, “Before we start our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!”

With JK Rowling’s characteristic wit, this emphasises an important truth: there are many wonderful words in the English language. Most of us have particular favourites, like Dumbledore here, but they are rarely overused ones like ‘good’ and ‘nice’.

To make what we say and write more interesting, we need to develop an extensive vocabulary. This is rather like a muscle – in order to make it grow, it needs to be fed the right nutrition and exercised regularly.

There are many ways to do this, so here are some ideas to help your pupils to develop the expanding lexicon of ‘wow’ words that is so important in greater depth writing.

Give a good reason to use Wow words

Help your students to understand that words are tools. In theory, you could try to do many jobs around the house – scraping wallpaper, tightening screws, digging in the garden, and so on – with an ordinary table knife. It might work – sort of – for many of those tasks but not all and even then the results won’t be as satisfactory. It’s the same with words. Finding the right word will make the meaning clearer and convey precisely what you want your reader to understand. Whether it’s a noun, adjective or verb, descriptive words or a wonderful turn of phrase – it’s like using the right tool for the job.

Ambitious vocabulary – Scaling the language tiers

When searching for the best words, you’re not necessarily looking for the longest or most obscure examples. Start aiming for Tier 2 vocabulary/words – high-frequency words that are used by accomplished writers – and, where appropriate, Tier 3 language, which means those subject-specific, perhaps technical terms required for certain topics.

Get children reading

In order to broaden their vocabulary, children need to be immersed in high-quality texts. There is an argument that any reading is good reading, but that idea can be taken a bit too far in a simplistic direction. Reading will typically expose young minds to a greater range of words. What’s more, they’ll be actively consuming them rather than passively receiving them, which means they are more likely retain a new word or an unfamiliar word for future use.

Don’t assume they know an unfamiliar word

It is crucial that you don’t let unfamiliar words slip beneath the radar. Even if you think your pupils know a word, perhaps during guided reading, check that they really do understand its meaning. If not, talk about it. Make sure they can pronounce it. Count its syllables. Ask whether they can think of other words that mean the same thing. Then check again at the end of the session to see whether they have remembered.

Use a thesaurus for great synonyms

Don’t be misled by the word synonym. A synonym rarely means exactly the same as the original word. There is often a subtle difference in nuance or perhaps in the context for which these related words are best suited.

Brains, being the marvellous organs they are, can usually come up with a ‘near miss’ for the word you are seeking, even if you know there’s a better one. That’s why every writer from school children to published authors need a good thesaurus.

So, make sure they are not left to become fossilised on your bookshelf. If you can get children to develop their own internal thesauruses, so much the better. Challenge them to come up with a range of synonyms (or near synonyms) for given words.

Why not make a display of connected words? We offer a number of bright, interactive posters showing more interesting alternatives for bland examples such as said and walked to use in classroom displays. We also offer a selection of related activities through our exclusive Grammar Burst resources.

Definition – Understanding new words

Encourage children to use etymology to gain a full understanding of new words. See if they share common roots with other, more familiar words. Look at any prefixes and suffixes to see how they affect the meaning. Challenge them to make links with other synonyms and perhaps antonyms too. Most importantly, make sure they can use them correctly in a context of their own.

Other techniques for ambitious vocabulary

As well as learning new words, it can help to organise them into a continuous scale. For example, you could challenge your pupils to think of four or five synonyms for a comparatively dull word such as hard and arrange them in order of difficulty. To save you the planning work, try our Ordering Adjectives worksheets resource. Alternatively, check out our Exploring Vocabulary resources for which pupils have to think of words to place on a scale between two extremes, such as tidy and messy .

Don’t overdo it with ambitious vocabulary

A quick word of caution: emphasise the importance of applying ambitious vocabulary thoughtfully. For example, it is perfectly acceptable to use ‘said’ as a speaking verb in dialogue; alternatives should be used where it adds something for the reader but overuse of them can be distracting or even annoying. Furthermore, a desperation to use ambitious vocabulary can verge on the obsessive. Many of us will have taught a child who, having been praised for using an impressive word in one context, becomes determined to use it everywhere. If you’re unlucky, you could end up being presented with something like this: The food in the cupboard was so old it was beginning to go malicious .

We hope you have found this inspiring and that you can use it to turn your pupils into ambitious word wizards. That really would be magical.

Do you want to extend your pupils’ vocabulary?

If you are looking for ways to close the vocabulary gap and ensure progress from the start, take a look at our Word Whoosh resources . We have over 48 resource packs for years 1-6 that will help your pupils to learn 144 ambitious tier 2 words – a new word taught each week. Find out more here .

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115 Advanced English Words (Advanced Vocabulary List)

Below, you’ll find a list of 115 advanced words in English. I included examples so you can see the words in action.

Learning vocabulary is my hobby. It’s amazing how many meanings the word has, where it comes from, and what it represents in a cultural context . The more words you know, the more things and experiences you can name, which helps a lot if you want to become a writer.

“I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.”― Markus Zusak

115 Advanced Words in English

I suggest you read them out loud and try to create your examples – this will dramatically increase retention and chances that you’ll use the word in conversation.

1. Construe (verb)

a) interpret (a word or action) in a particular way.

Example: From her arguments, I construe she wants to turn the world into a place of chaos.

2. Peruse (verb)

a) read (something), typically thoroughly or carefully. b) examine carefully or at length.

Example: He carefully perused the dusty bookshelves of the forgotten library.

3. Condone (verb)

a) accept (behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive). b) approve or sanction (something), especially with reluctance.

Example: For the last time, she condoned their egregious mistake.

4. Latent (adjective)

(of a quality or state) existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden or concealed.

Example: There was a latent threat in his words.

5. Acrimonious (adjective)

(typically of speech or discussion) angry and bitter.

Example: She rejected his offer with an acrimonious sneer.

6. Indubitable (adjective)

impossible to doubt; unquestionable.

Example: His version of the account was indubitable.

7. Propitious (adjective)

giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable.

Example: He received a propitious message.

8. Tremulous (adjective)

a) shaking or quivering slightly b) timid; nervous.

Example: She was tremulous with fear.

9. Masquerade (noun/verb)

a) noun – a false show or pretense. b) verb – pretend to be someone one is not.

Example: The whole grand reception was a masquerade.

10. Salient (adjective)

most noticeable or important.

Example: The nose was the most salient feature of his face .

11. Embroil (verb)

involve (someone) deeply in an argument, conflict, or difficult situation.

Example: She was embroiled in the scheme and there was no way out.

12. Languish (verb)

(of a person, animal, or plant) lose or lack vitality; grow weak.

Example: They just languished there in the sun.

13. Aspersion (noun)

an attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something.

Example: They hurled aspersions as she came along.

14. Sedulous (adjective)

(of a person or action) showing dedication and diligence.

Example: He was the most sedulous worker we ever had.

15. Pertinacious (adjective)

holding firmly to an opinion or a course of action.

Example: This guy is so pertinacious. He’ll never let it go.

16. Encumber (verb)

restrict or impede (someone or something) in such a way that free action or movement is difficult.

Example: The thought of homework encumbered her mind for the rest of the day.

17. Effusion (noun)

a) an instance of giving off something such as a liquid or gas. b) an act of talking or writing in an unrestrained or heartfelt way.

Example: There was an effusion of boisterous laughter as she cracked a joke.

18. Waffle (verb)

speak or write at length vaguely or trivially.

Example: Stop waffling about it or I’ll pull your tongue out!

19. Intrepid (adjective)

fearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect).

Example: He was the most intrepid warrior in the kingdom.

20. Mores (noun)

the essential or characteristic customs and conventions of a society or community.

Example: By not observing the mores, she put herself in trouble.

21. Disheveled (adjective)

untidy, disarranged

Example: The disheveled room had dirty socks and empty beer bottles on the floor.

22. Sumptuous (adjective)

splendid and expensive-looking

Example: They were regaled with sumptuous gifts and splendid food.

23. Reciprocate (verb)

respond to (a gesture or action) by making a corresponding one.

Example: The Moroccan trader gave him some tea, so he felt he had to reciprocate by buying something.

24. Infallible (adjective)

incapable of making mistakes or being wrong.

Example: When it comes to matters of money, he’s infallible.

25. Dissident (noun/adjective)

a) a person who opposes the official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state. b) in opposition to official policy.

Example: The government forces clashed with dissidents on Friday.

26. Dispatch (verb/noun)

a) send off to a destination or for a purpose. b) the sending of someone or something to a destination or for a purpose.

Example: Troops were dispatched to quash the riot.

27. Intransigence (noun)

refusal to change one’s views or to agree about something.

Example: Her character was that of endless intransigence and pigheadedness.

28. Pastoral (adjective/noun)

a) (of land) used for the keeping or grazing of sheep or cattle. b) a work of literature portraying an idealized version of country life.

Example: The light pastoral depicted children strolling through meadows among the cattle.

29. Concede (verb)

a) admit or agree that something is true after first denying or resisting it. b) surrender or yield (a possession, right, or privilege).

Example: After repeated requests from the bureaucrats, he finally conceded.

30. Manifold (adjective)

many and various

Example: There are manifold forms of life in the universe.

31. Punitive (adjective)

inflicting or intended as punishment.

Example: Punitive actions were taken against the delinquents.

32. Nonplus (noun/verb)

a) surprise and confuse (someone) so much that they are unsure how to react. b) a state of being very surprised and confused.

Example: They were nonplused by the stupidity of his remark.

33. Salacious (adjective)

a) having or conveying an undue or indecent interest in sexual matters.

Example: The salacious dog had to be restrained.

34. Behoove (verb)

a) it is a duty or responsibility for someone to do something. b) it is appropriate or suitable; it befits.

Example: It behooves us to act like decent people in this situation.

35. Vulpine (adjective)

a) relating to a fox or foxes. b) crafty; cunning.

Example: Her vulpine ways made him confused and thirsty for answers.

36. Premise (noun)

a) a previous statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows as a conclusion.

Example: I will allow selling the property on the premise that you’ll pay the agreed price in cash.

37. Demise (noun)

a) a person’s death.

Example: The sudden fall led to his demise.

38. Megalomania (noun)

a) obsession with the exercise of power. b) delusion about one’s power or importance (typically as a symptom of manic or paranoid disorder).

Example: Megalomania was the worst, among his many negative qualities.

39. Asinine (adjective)

Example: Bringing a knife to a gunfight? You’re asinine.

40. Surfeit (noun/verb)

a) an excessive amount of something. b) cause (someone) to desire no more of something as a result of having consumed or done it to excess.

Example: They were surfeited with the chocolate pancakes.

41. Reputable (adjective)

having a good reputation.

Example: I’ll give you a recommendation for a reputable psychologist.

42. Oblique (adjective)

a) neither parallel nor at right angles to a specified or implied line; slanting. b) not expressed or done directly.

Example: His oblique explanations didn’t bring any light to the matter.

43. Jeopardize (verb)

put (someone or something) into a situation in which there is a danger of loss, harm, or failure.

Example: By divulging secret information, he jeopardized the whole operation.

44. Impudence (noun)

the quality of being impudent; impertinence.

Example: Her impudence was the main reason she wasn’t promoted.

45. Desolate (adjective/verb)

a) (of a place) uninhabited and giving an impression of bleak emptiness. b) make (a place) appear bleakly empty.

Example: Two weary cloaked travelers passed through this gloomy and desolate land.

46. Ballast (noun/verb)

a) heavy material, such as gravel, sand, or iron, placed in the bilge of a ship to ensure its stability. b) give stability to (a ship) by putting a heavy substance in its bilge.

Example: Drop the ballast or we’re going under!

47. Disperse (verb/adjective)

a) distribute or spread over a wide area. b) denoting a phase dispersed in another phase, as in a colloid.

Example: They dispersed the bug-killer over the field.

48. Faze (verb)

disturb or disconcert (someone).

Example: He wasn’t fazed by their threats.

49. Compunction (noun)

a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.

Example: She showed no compunction for the grisly crime she committed.

50. Complacency (noun)

a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements.

Example: Dwelling in complacency is how you lose the endgame.

51. Caliber (noun)

a) the quality of someone’s character or the level of their ability. b) the internal diameter or bore of a gun barrel.

Example: They needed a person of high caliber to complete this assignment.

52. Entreat (verb)

ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something.

Example: She wouldn’t listen to entreating children surrounding her.

53. Dissection (noun)

a) the action of dissecting a body or plant to study its internal parts. b) a very detailed analysis of a text or idea.

Example: He dissected the paragraph with such precision that even the distinguished professors were amazed.

54. Antiquated (adjective)

old-fashioned or outdated.

Example: Stop using antiquated phrases.

55. Anguish (noun/verb)

a) severe mental or physical pain or suffering. b) be extremely distressed about something.

Example: To his anguish, she said they would never meet again.

56. Effeminate (adjective)

(of a man) having characteristics regarded as typical of a woman; unmanly.

Example: His effeminate nature was unattractive to most women.

57. Enmity (noun)

a state or feeling of active opposition or hostility.

Example: After the unfortunate event, a bitter feeling of enmity emerged between the two camps.

58. Epoch (noun)

a) a particular period in history or a person’s life. b) the beginning of a period in the history of someone or something.

Example: It was in the epoch of Socrates and Plato that ideas of the afterlife first took hold over the European psyche.

59. Intrinsic (adjective)

belonging naturally; essential.

Example: His talent for public speaking was an intrinsic part of his personality.

60. Quotidian (adjective)

of or occurring every day; daily.

Example: After struggling with the quotidian tasks, she was finally able to go to sleep.

61. Hazardous (adjective)

risky; dangerous.

Example: They started on their hazardous mission to Mars.

62. Peregrination (noun)

a journey, especially a long or meandering one.

Example: After many peregrinations, she finally settled in Jordan.

63. Attenuate (verb)

a) reduce the force, effect, or value of. b) reduce in thickness; make thin.

Example: Medical cannabis attenuated the pain of the cancer patient.

64. Unravel (verb)

untangle something.

Example: He was able to unravel the intricacies of the ancient language.

65. Behemoth (noun)

a) a huge or monstrous creature b) something enormous, especially a large and powerful organization.

Example: This tank was a behemoth, crushing everything in its way.

66. Impeccable (adjective)

by the highest standards; faultless.

Example: His reputation was impeccable among his peers.

67. Jaded (adjective)

a) bored or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something. b) physically tired; exhausted.

Example: The privileged kids were jaded with another birthday party.

68. Figurative (adjective)

departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical.

Example: He was a master of pithy, figurative expressions.

69. Relic (noun)

a) an object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical interest. b) a part of a deceased holy person’s body or belongings kept as an object of reverence.

Example: Holy Grail is one of the most famous relics of all time.

70. Wreak (verb)

a) cause (a large amount of damage or harm). b) inflict (vengeance).

Example: They wreaked vengeance on those who crossed them.

71. Utopia (noun)

an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.

Example: A harmonious republic was a utopia – impossible to conceive in the current political situation.

72. Vegetate (verb)

live or spend a period in a dull, inactive, unchallenging way.

Example: They vegetated in the neighborhood for years before they finally moved out.

73. Infringe (verb)

a) actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.). b) act to limit or undermine (something); encroach on.

Example: He infringed on their agreement by opting out just after twenty days into the contract.

74. Subtlety (noun)

a) the quality or state of being subtle. b) a subtle distinction, feature, or argument.

Example: His paintings contained many subtleties and eclectic elements.

75. Epitaph (noun)

a phrase or form of words written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone.

Example: “Always in our hearts,” said his tombstone.

76. Grisly (adjective)

causing horror or disgust.

Example: This grisly murder was depicted in graphic detail by the newspaper.

77. Libido (noun)

a) sexual desire. b) the energy of the sexual drive as a component of the life instinct.

Example: Even the sleeping pills were not able to restrain her libido. She was a true nymphomaniac!

78. Epitome (noun)

a) a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type. b) a summary of a written work; an abstract

Example: The president was an epitome of imbecility.

79. Topple (verb)

a) overbalance or cause to overbalance and fall. b) remove (a government or person in authority) from power; overthrow.

Example: After drinking ten shots in a row, he tried to dance, but quickly toppled on the dance floor.

80. Morose (adjective)

a) sullen and ill-tempered.

Example: His morose mood was a turn-off for everyone he met.

81. Impalpable (adjective)

a) unable to be felt by touch. b) not easily comprehended.

Example: There was an impalpable sense of dread hanging in the air. Then they heard something behind the wall.

82. Gratuitous (adjective)

a) done without good reason; uncalled for. b) given or done free of charge.

Example: His gratuitous remark met with scorn from his companions.

83. Opaque (adjective)

not able to be seen through; not transparent.

Example: He couldn’t see anything through the opaque glass of the jail cell.

84. Postmortem (noun)

an examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.

Example: The postmortem proved the hunch of the inspector to be true: the victim was strangled.

85. Eclectic (adjective/noun)

a) deriving ideas, styles, or tastes from a broad and diverse range of sources. b) a person who derives ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

Example: His eclectic interests made him a peerless raconteur.

86. Delve (verb)

reach inside a receptacle and search for something.

Example: She delved deeply into the details of the business deal.

87. Studious (adjective)

a) spending a lot of time studying or reading. b) done deliberately or with a purpose in mind.

Example: His studious ejaculations obscured their view of reality.

88. Impel (verb)

a) drive, force, or urge (someone) to do something. b) drive forward; propel.

Example: He impelled the soldiers to face the enemy.

89. Mannered (adjective)

a) behaving in a specified way. b) (of behavior, art, or a literary style) marked by idiosyncratic or exaggerated mannerisms; artificial.

Example: She answered in a mannered, slightly cocky way.

90. Peevish (adjective)

having or showing an irritable disposition.

Example: Don’t be so peevish! I just said: “You’re an asshole”.

91. Stickler (noun)

a person who insists on a certain quality or type of behavior

Example: She’s such a stickler for keeping the floor free of dirty socks.

92. Adulterate (verb)

render (something) poorer in quality by adding another substance.

Example: The adulterated vodka gave them a huge hangover.

93. Deplete (verb)

a) use up the supply or resources of. b) diminish in number or quantity.

Example: All our resources are being depleted.

94. Nadir (noun)

the lowest or most unsuccessful point in a situation.

Example: Even the best of us reach a nadir at some point in our lives.

95. Prelude (noun)

a) an action or event serving as an introduction to something more important. b) an introductory piece of music , most commonly an orchestral opening to an act of an opera, the first movement of a suite, or a piece preceding a fugue.

Example: Bathing in coconut milk was just a prelude to a long and complicated cosmetic procedure.

96. Curtail (verb)

reduce in extent or quantity; restrict on.

Example: He curtailed his late trips into the night.

97. Tacit (adjective)

understood or implied without being stated.

Example: Her nod was a sign of a tacit agreement.

98. Abstruse (adjective)

difficult to understand; obscure.

Example: His philosophy was abstruse.

99. Placate (verb)

make (someone) less angry or hostile.

Example: She placated the poor bastard by buying him another drink.

100. Fathomless (adjective)

unable to be measured or understood; extremely deep.

Example: The fathomless expanding cosmos.

101. Iconoclastic (adjective)

criticizing or attacking cherished beliefs or institutions.

Example: He said that Mother Theresa was evil. He likes this iconoclastic approach.

102. Antithesis (noun)

a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.

Example: She’s an antithesis of a good musician.

103. Magniloquent (adjective)

using high-flown or bombastic language.

Example: His magniloquent speech didn’t impress anyone.

104. Deference (noun)

polite submission and respect. Example: He conceded with the request out of deference to the old man.

105. Unwitting (adjective)

a) (of a person) not aware of the full facts. b) not done on purpose; unintentional.

Example: His unwitting involvement in the crime ultimately put him in jail.

106. Mutinous (adjective)

a) (of a soldier or sailor) refusing to obey the orders of a person in authority. b) willful or disobedient.

Example: The mutinous sailors threw the captain over the board.

107. Craven (adjective/noun)

a) contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly. b) a cowardly person.

Example: The craven fool wouldn’t get out of hiding to save his wife.

108. Luminary (noun)

a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.

Example: The luminaries slowly stepped on stage to converse about celestial bodies.

109. Homage (noun)

special honor or respect that is shown publicly.

Example: She played an exquisite song in homage to her master.

110. Cupidity (noun)

greed for money or possessions. Example: Cupidity left him with a lot of money, but no friends.

111. Syllogism (noun)

an instance of a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premises)

Example: He amazed the audience and other debaters by employing brilliant syllogisms.

112. Facetious (adjective)

treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant.

Example: Don’t be facetious! It’s a serious matter!

113. Martinet (noun)

a person who demands complete obedience; a strict disciplinarian.

Example: In the army, we soldiered under a hell of a martinet.

114. Irksome (adjective)

irritating; annoying. Example: His continuous questions were irksome.

115. Defalcate (verb)

embezzle (funds with which one has been entrusted).

Example: The embezzled the Jones family for one million dollars.

This is a part of the language and vocabulary series, which includes:

• 12 Ways to Expand Your Vocabulary
• 40 Best Essays of All Time (With Links)
• 50 Sophisticated Words in English (With Examples From Movies)
• 80 Most Beautiful Words in The World (Defined)
• 100 English Words With Deep Meanings

Parting words

In wrapping up, diving into the depths of the English language reveals a treasure trove of advanced words, each a testament to its rich tapestry and evolution. Embracing these linguistic gems not only elevates our expression but also deepens our appreciation for the language’s intricate beauty. Expand your vocabulary , and you unlock new realms of communication and understanding.

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Hey there, welcome to my blog! I'm a full-time entrepreneur building two companies, a digital marketer, and a content creator with 10+ years of experience. I started RafalReyzer.com to provide you with great tools and strategies you can use to become a proficient digital marketer and achieve freedom through online creativity. My site is a one-stop shop for digital marketers, and content enthusiasts who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things. Explore my journey here , and don't miss out on my AI Marketing Mastery online course.

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101 Words To Describe Weather

Writers know that using the weather in their descriptions is a great way to make stories more relatable. Use this comprehensive list of words that describe weather  when you write.

Writers Write is a resource for writers and we have written about words that describe taste , smell , sound , and touch  in previous posts. (We even have one for words that describe colours .) In this post, I have included words that describe weather.

Weather is a wonderful tool for writers. We can use it to foreshadow , create a mood , complicate a plot , show a character , and increase or decrease the pace of a story. We can even use it as a motif .

A setting without the weather is like a character without a wardrobe.

Remember that we need to describe weather through our characters’ interactions with their environments. We should not describe it like a weather report. You could show how cold it is by the clothes they choose to wear or mention the weather in dialogue.

Whatever you do, don’t leave it out. There are unintended consequences to a lack of setting , including a static character, a lack of atmosphere, an inability for the reader to relate to the place and time in the story, and a lack of details.

What Is Weather?

According to Oxford it is ‘the state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time as regards heat, cloudiness, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.’

Words To Describe Weather

General words describing weather.

• climate – the type of weather that a country or region has
• climate change – changes in the earth’s weather, including changes in temperature, wind patterns and rainfall, especially the increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere that is caused by the increase of particular gases, especially carbon dioxide
• meteorology – the scientific study of weather
• seasonal – suitable or typical of the time of year it is now
• spell – a period when there is a particular type of weather
• weather forecast  – a report on likely weather conditions for a period of time in the future
• zone – one of the large areas that the world is divided into according to its temperature

Words Describing Warm Weather

• balmy – warm and pleasant
• blistering – extremely hot in a way that is uncomfortable
• dog days – the hottest days of the year
• heatwave – a continuous period of very hot weather, especially when this is unusual
• Indian summer – a period of warm weather in autumn
• scorcher – an extremely hot day
• sunny – not stormy or cloudy
• thaw – ice and snow turns into water
• the heat – very hot weather
• tropical – like weather near the equator, climate that is frost-free

Words Describing Cold Weather

• bleak – very cold and grey
• biting – so cold that it makes you feel uncomfortable
• brisk – fairly cold and a fairly strong wind is blowing
• crisp – cold and dry
• fresh – fairly cold and the wind is blowing
• frosty – cold enough to produce frost
• hard – a very cold winter
• harsh – extremely cold and unpleasant
• icy – very cold, like ice
• raw – cold and unpleasant
• snowy – covered with snow

Words Describing Pleasant Weather

• calm – very little wind
• clear – no clouds, rain, etc.
• clement – pleasant because it is neither very hot nor very cold
• cloudless – no clouds in the sky
• equable – does not change very much
• fair – pleasant and not raining
• fine – sunny and not raining
• pleasant – dry and neither very hot nor very cold
• still – without wind
• temperate – a temperate climate or region is never extremely hot or extremely cold
• windless – without any wind

Words To Describe Unpleasant Weather

• bone-dry – completely without water or moisture
• fierce – very strong or severe
• foul – unpleasant, with rain, snow, or wind
• gale-force – an extremely strong wind
• gusty – the wind blowing in gusts
• humid – hot and wet in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable
• muggy –  warm in an unpleasant way because the air feels wet
• murky – dark and unpleasant because of fog, clouds, etc.
• severe – extremely unpleasant and likely to cause harm or damage
• sultry – the air is hot and slightly wet
• threatening – clouds, skies, or seas show that the weather is likely to be bad
• torrential – rain falling in large amounts
• unseasonable – not the type of weather that you expect in a particular season
• windy – with a lot of wind

Words To Describe Wet & Cloudy Weather

• bank – a large mass of cloud or fog
• billow – a cloud that rises and moves in a large mass
• blizzard – a snowstorm with very strong winds
• cirrocumulus – small round clouds that form lines high in the sky
• cirrostratus – a thin layer of cloud found very high in the sky
• cirrus – a type of thin cloud found very high in the sky
• cloudy – full of clouds
• column – something that rises up into the air in a straight line
• cumulonimbus – a mass of very tall thick cloud that usually brings rain and sometimes thunder
• cumulus – a large low white cloud that is round at the top and flat at the bottom
• dull – when there are a lot of clouds and it is rather dark
• fog – a thick cloud that forms close to the ground or to water and is difficult to see through (fog is thicker than mist)
• fogbound – not able to operate normally because of thick fog
• foggy – full of fog or covered with fog
• gather – if clouds gather, they start to appear and cover part of the sky
• grey – when it is not very bright, because there is a lot of cloud
• hurricane – a violent storm with very strong winds
• inclement – unpleasantly cold or wet
• lower – if clouds lower, they are very dark, as if a storm is coming
• mist – small drops of liquid in the air
• misty – lots of mist in the air
• nimbus – a dark grey rain cloud
• overcast – a sky completely full of clouds
• pall – cloud that covers an area and makes it darker
• pea souper – thick low cloud that prevents you from seeing anything
• scud – clouds moving quickly
• sea mist – a thin low cloud that comes onto the land from the sea
• steam- the wet substance that forms on windows and mirrors when wet air suddenly becomes hot or cold
• storm cloud – a very dark cloud
• squall – a sudden violent gust of wind or localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow, or sleet.
• thundercloud – a storm cloud producing thunder
• tsunami – an extremely large wave in the sea
• typhoon – a violent tropical storm with very strong winds
• vapour – very small drops of water or other liquids in the air that make the air feel wet
• vog – smog that contains dust and gas from volcanoes

Words To Describe Changes In Weather

• break – if the weather breaks, it changes unexpectedly, and usually becomes worse
• break through – if the sun breaks through the clouds, it appears from behind them
• brighten up – if the weather brightens up, it becomes sunnier
• clear up – if the weather clears up, the clouds or rain go away
• close in – if the weather closes in, it becomes unpleasant
• cloud – to become darker because grey clouds are forming in the sky
• ease – if bad weather such as wind or rain eases, it becomes less strong
• fickle – weather that is fickle changes often and unexpectedly
• lift – if something such as cloud or fog lifts, the weather improves and you can see clearly again
• melt away – if ice or snow melts away, it changes into water as it gets warmer
• thaw – if the weather thaws, it becomes warmer and causes ice or snow to change into liquid
• track – if weather tracks in a particular direction, it moves in that direction

The Last Word

I hope these words that describe weather help you with your writing.

If you’re looking for help with describing setting, buy our Setting Up The Setting Workbook .

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Sources: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/general-words-for-climate-and-the-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/warm-and-hot-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/words-used-to-describe-cold-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/words-used-to-describe-calm-and-pleasant-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/words-used-to-describe-unpleasant-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/moisture-in-the-air-clouds-and-cloudy-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/changes-in-the-weather

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1 thought on “101 Words To Describe Weather”

And nowadays there’s also Pyrocumulonimbus.

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Ambitious Adjectives Vocabulary Words in GCSE English

Ambitious adjectives vocabulary comprises of a set of words mainly used for describing something. To dig deeper, here are some ambitious adjective words with their uses! (according to categories)

Words for Describing Buildings and Structures

• I saw many high-rise buildings on my trip to Dubai
• The Ritz-Carlton is a really lavish hotel with many amenities
• The bungalow adjacent to my house has a colonial appearance
• I went to Green Park yesterday, and I must tell you that it is such a magnificent looking restaurant

Words for Describing Feelings

See more adjective words to describe feelings .

• I am feeling quite confident about today’s examination
• She felt terrified when she saw the news
• My mother was furious because I came home late
• Everybody in the house felt delighted after eating the food my mother made

Words for Describing Appearance

See more Adjectives to describe physical looks .

• I have been telling mike to sit straight for a long time. Now his shoulders are always hunched even when he is standing.
• My fitness trainer has a stocky but muscular build
• Jaundice made her go from obese to feeble in a matter of months
• When I was a kid, I always thought that my father has the strongest arms in the world

Words for Describing Speech

• Jeff answered the teacher’s question
• After 10 hours, finally, my employee replied to my message
• We were ordered to walk out of the room

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Ambitious vocabulary sheet/ word list- ideal paper 1 teaching or revision resource

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Other

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A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

AQA style GCSE English Language Paper 1 bundle

All the lessons and resources that you need to teach AQA Language Paper 1. Bundle includes: Section A fictional reading PPT Section B fictional writing PPT 7 lessons of descriptive writing PPT Revision PPT for both section A and B Mock exams and practice question papers Several grade 7-9 model responses Q1-4 guide for students Ambitious vocabulary sheet Note: Section A lessons are based on extracts from AQA Reading resource booklet.

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