list of descriptive words for essays

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

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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!

819 Descriptive Words to Elevate Your Vocabulary

By: Author English Study Online

Posted on Last updated: October 17, 2023

Sharing is caring!

Are you looking for a list of descriptive words? This article delves into the realm of descriptive language and its potential to elevate your writing. Through the use of various examples, we will illustrate the different categories of descriptive words and demonstrate how they can be effectively incorporated into your writing.

By the time you reach the end of this article, you will have gained a deeper appreciation for the potency of descriptive words and developed a stronger ability to utilize them to craft persuasive content.

Table of Contents

List of Descriptive Words

Adjectives to Describe Appearance

• Fashionable
• Captivating
• Fascinating
• Mesmerizing

Adjectives to Describe Emotions

• Melancholic
• Enthusiastic
• Exhilarated
• Affectionate
• Sentimental
• Sympathetic
• Compassionate
• Tenderhearted
• Warmhearted
• Understanding
• Appreciative
• Overwhelmed
• Disappointed
• Discouraged
• Heartbroken
• Embarrassed

Adjectives to Describe Personality Traits

• Adventurous
• Charismatic
• Conscientious
• Considerate
• Cooperative
• Disciplined
• Experienced
• Extroverted
• Hardworking
• Imaginative
• Independent
• Industrious
• Inspirational
• Intelligent
• Knowledgeable
• Open-minded
• Philosophical
• Professional
• Progressive
• Quick-witted
• Resourceful
• Responsible
• Risk-taking
• Self-confident
• Self-disciplined
• Self-motivated
• Self-reliant
• Sophisticated
• Spontaneous
• Trustworthy
• Unflappable

Adjectives to Describe Taste and Smell

• Caramelized

Adjectives to Describe Sounds

• High-pitched
• Low-pitched

Adjectives to Describe Textures

• Embroidered
• Embellished

Adjectives to Describe Shape and Colors

Adjectives to Describe Shape:

• Rectangular
• Symmetrical
• Asymmetrical
• Cylindrical
• Hourglass-shaped
• Tear-shaped
• Heart-shaped
• Diamond-shaped
• Star-shaped

Adjectives to Describe Colors:

Adjectives to Describe Size and Quantity

• Lilliputian
• Pocket-sized
• Microscopic
• Innumerable
• Multitudinous
• Overflowing

Adjectives to Describe Food

• Scrumptious
• Mouthwatering
• Substantial
• Locally-sourced
• Sustainable
• Handcrafted
• Traditional

Learn more: Adjectives to Describe Food .

Types of Descriptive Words

• Absent-minded
• Accomplished
• Astonishing
• Belligerent
• Clandestine
• Comfortable
• Complicated
• Coordinated
• Crestfallen
• Magnanimous
• Parsimonious
• Picturesque
• Questionable
• Spectacular
• Spider-like
• Angelically
• Apathetically
• Appallingly
• Assertively
• Astonishingly
• Beautifully
• Begrudgingly
• Belligerently
• Bewilderedly
• Boisterously
• Comfortably
• Compulsively
• Confidently
• Continuously
• Courageously
• Dangerously
• Deafeningly
• Deliberately
• Deliciously
• Delightfully
• Depressingly
• Desperately
• Determinedly
• Differently
• Disappointingly
• Disapprovingly
• Disastrously
• Disgustedly
• Disinterestedly
• Disrespectfully
• Distressingly
• Distrustfully
• Emphatically
• Endearingly
• Enthusiastically
• Euphorically
• Exaggeratedly
• Exceedingly
• Excellently
• Exclusively
• Exhaustedly
• Expeditiously
• Expressively
• Extraordinarily
• Extrovertedly
• Facetiously
• Falteringly
• Fascinatingly
• Fashionably
• Faultlessly
• Ferociously
• Frivolously
• Gloweringly
• Intelligently
• Masterfully
• Methodically
• Neglectfully
• Nerve-wrackingly
• Offensively
• Passionately
• Pointlessly
• Underhandedly

Participles

• Bewildering
• Challenging
• Crystallized
• Devastating
• Disappointing
• Disconcerting
• Disheartening
• Disillusioning
• Displeasing
• Distracting
• Distressing
• Electrifying
• Embarrassing
• Encouraging
• Enlightening
• Entertaining
• Exasperating
• Exhilarating
• Far-reaching
• Frightening
• Frustrating
• Hard-hearted
• Heartbreaking
• Heartwarming
• Humiliating
• Illuminating
• Infuriating
• Interesting
• Intimidating
• Invigorating
• Jaw-dropping
• Mind-blowing
• Overwhelming
• Scandalizing
• Side-splitting
• Stimulating
• Threatening

Descriptive Words that Start with These Letters…

Descriptive Words that Start with A

• Accelerated

Learn more: Synonyms for afraid

Descriptive Words that Start with B

• Benign (formal)
• Breathtaking

Descriptive Words that Start with C

• Calculating
• Chicken out
• Conventional
• Crappy/ Shitty(slang)

Learn more: Synonyms for Complex

Descriptive Words that Start with D

• Deep-pocketed
• Delish ( Informal)
• Disagreeable
• Disgraceful

Learn more: Synonyms for Dangerous

Descriptive Words that Start with E

• Educational
• Efficacious
• Enthralling
• Everlasting
• Exceptional
• Extraordinary
• Eye-catching

Learn more: Synonyms for Essential

Descriptive Words that Start with F

• Fundamental

Learn more: Synonyms for famous

Descriptive Words that Start with G

• Goal-oriented
• Good-humored
• Good-looking
• Good-natured

Learn more: Synonyms for Great

Descriptive Words that Start with H

• High-spirited
• Horror-struck

Learn more: Synonyms for Huge

Descriptive Words that Start with I

• Inexpensive
• Informative
• Intellectual
• Introverted

Learn more: Synonyms for Interesting, Synonyms for Important

Descriptive Words that Start with J

Descriptive words that start with k.

• Kindhearted

Descriptive Words that Start with L

• Loaded (slang)

Learn more: Synonyms for Large

Descriptive Words that Start with M

• Magnificent
• Motivational
• Mouth-watering

Descriptive Words that Start with N

• Nonsensical

Descriptive Words that Start with O

• Old-fashioned
• Openhearted
• Outstanding
• Overprotective
• Over the Moon (informal)
• Overthinker

Descriptive Words that Start with P

• Participant
• Particularly
• Pleasurable
• Pygmy (with Animals)

Descriptive Words that Start with Q

• Quarrelsome

Descriptive Words that Start with R

• Radioactive
• Respectable
• Resplendent

Descriptive Words that Start with S

• Self-assertive
• Shell-shocked
• Sidesplitting
• Significant

Learn more: Synonyms for Small , Synonyms for Sad

Descriptive Words that Start with T

• Teeny-weeny
• Thought-provoking
• Thoughtless
• Tremendously

Learn more: Synonyms for Tough , Synonyms for Terrible

Descriptive Words that Start with U

• Unbelievable
• Unconventional
• Unimaginable
• Uninterested

Descriptive Words that Start with V

• Vainglorious

Learn more: Synonyms for vital

Descriptive Words that Start with W

• Wack (slang)
• Well-behaved
• Well-heeled
• Well-off/better off (informal)

Descriptive Words that Start with X, Y

• Xerothermic
• Yummy (informal)

Descriptive Words that Start with Z

Faqs on descriptive words.

What are descriptive words?

Descriptive words are words that describe or provide details about a person, place, thing, or idea. They are used to add color and depth to writing, helping to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind.

What are some good descriptive words?

There are some good descriptive words that can help to add color and detail to your writing including vivid, luminous, serene, vibrant, majestic, radiant, ethereal, enchanting, pristine, serendipitous, idyllic, mystical, resplendent,  and blissful.

What are some negative descriptive words?

Negative descriptive words are words that describe something or someone in a negative way. They can be used to express displeasure, frustration, or disappointment. Here are some examples: aggravating, arrogant, boring, brutal, clumsy, corrupt, cowardly, cruel, cynical, deceitful, defeated, and depressing.

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Transform Your Writing With This Epic List of Descriptive Words

Words are powerful tools that we use to communicate and describe the world around us. Verbs and adjectives are particularly useful in this regard, as they allow us to convey action and describe qualities and characteristics.

In this article, we’ll explore a diverse range of descriptive verbs and adjectives that can be used to enhance writing and better communicate thoughts and ideas. Whether you are a writer looking to expand your vocabulary or simply want to add more descriptive language to your everyday conversations, this list is sure to provide you with plenty of inspiration!

Common Descriptive Adjectives and Different Ways to Say Them

Table of Contents

• Captivating
• Irresistible
• Unattractive
• Unappealing
• Microscopic
• Small-scale
• Teensy-weensy
• Full-figured
• Lacking strength
• Feeble-minded
• Incapacitated
• Adventurous
• Self-assured
• Strong-willed
• Unflinching
• Unfaltering
• Apprehensive
• Unconfident
• Intelligent
• Quick-witted
• Enlightened
• Knowledgeable
• Intellectual
• Inexperienced
• Unsophisticated
• Unenlightened
• Unintelligent
• Simple-minded
• Discontented
• Heartbroken
• Grief-stricken
• Exasperated
• Enthusiastic
• Exhilarated
• Invigorated
• Uninterested
• Disinterested
• Indifferent
• Unmotivated
• Disoriented
• Discombobulated
• Misunderstood
• Flabbergasted
• Taken aback
• Dumbfounded
• Thunderstruck
• Distasteful
• Unpalatable
• Unwholesome
• Contemptible
• Entertained
• Disappointed
• Inconvenienced

Common Descriptive Verbs and Different Ways to Say Them

• Take pleasure in
• Participate in
• Investigate

Describing the World Through Language

Great writing doesn’t just state what happens, it shows it, it paints it, it describes a world in your readers mind that they step into. The list above can certainly help you on your way to improving your descriptive language, but there are a few other tips to help you achieve this lofty goal!

• Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. This can help to transport the reader into the world you are describing and make the experience more immersive.
• Vary your language and try to use a range of different descriptive words and phrases. It keeps your writing fresh and engaging and prevents it from becoming repetitive or monotonous.
• Use specific and concrete language rather than general or abstract terms. This can help to make your descriptions more grounded and believable.
• Pay attention to the connotations of the words you use, as these can greatly impact the overall tone and atmosphere of your writing.
• Use descriptive language to show, not tell. Rather than simply telling the reader how a character or setting looks, use descriptive language to help the reader visualize it for themselves.

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Descriptive Adjectives: Enhancing Your Writing with Vivid Language

What are descriptive adjectives? In this article, we will explore what descriptive adjectives are, how to use them effectively, and provide examples of how they can enhance your writing. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, mastering the art of descriptive adjectives can take your writing to the next level.

Descriptive Adjectives – Picture

What Are Descriptive Adjectives?

A descriptive adjective is a word that is used to describe a noun or pronoun . It can be a single word, or a group of words that function together as a single unit. Descriptive adjectives can be used to describe the size, shape, color, texture, and other characteristics of a noun.

Examples of Descriptive Adjectives

Descriptive adjectives are used to provide more information about a noun, such as its appearance, feelings, opinion, shape, taste, sounds, region, or religion. Here are some examples of descriptive adjectives that can be used to describe different entities:

• Disappointing
• Rectangular
• South American
• Middle Eastern
• Mediterranean
• Zoroastrian

Types of Descriptive Adjectives

Descriptive adjectives are words that describe or modify a noun or pronoun by adding information about its size, color, shape, quality, and more. There are several types of descriptive adjectives, each of which adds a different layer of meaning to the noun or pronoun it modifies.

Color adjectives describe the color of the noun or pronoun they modify. Some examples of color adjectives are red, blue, green, yellow, black, and white. These adjectives can be used to describe anything from a person’s hair to the color of a car.

Nation adjectives describe the country of origin of the noun or pronoun they modify. For example, American, British, French, and Japanese are all nation adjectives. These adjectives are often used to describe people, cultures, or products that come from a specific country.

Size adjectives describe the size of the noun or pronoun they modify. Examples of size adjectives include small, large, tiny, and huge. These adjectives can be used to describe anything from a person’s height to the size of a building.

Quality adjectives describe the quality of the noun or pronoun they modify. Some examples of quality adjectives are beautiful, ugly, delicious, and terrible. These adjectives can be used to describe anything from a person’s appearance to the taste of a food.

Emotion adjectives describe the emotions of the noun or pronoun they modify. Examples of emotion adjectives include happy, sad, angry, and excited. These adjectives can be used to describe anything from a person’s mood to the tone of a conversation.

Tone adjectives describe the tone of the noun or pronoun they modify. Some examples of tone adjectives are formal, informal, academic, and conversational. These adjectives can be used to describe anything from a piece of writing to the way someone speaks.

Linking Verbs

Linking verb adjectives describe the state of being of the noun or pronoun they modify. Examples of linking verb adjectives include alive, dead, asleep, and awake. These adjectives can be used to describe anything from a person’s state of being to the condition of a plant.

Syllable adjectives describe the number of syllables in the noun or pronoun they modify. Examples of syllable adjectives include monosyllabic, disyllabic, and polysyllabic . These adjectives can be used to describe anything from a word to a poem.

How to Use Descriptive Adjectives

Descriptive adjectives are used to describe the qualities or states of being of nouns. They can be used before the nouns or pronouns they modify or as the subject complement of a sentence following a linking verb . When using descriptive adjectives, it is important to keep in mind the following:

• Proper Adjectives : Proper adjectives are adjectives that are derived from proper nouns. They are always capitalized. For example, “American”, “Japanese”, “French”, etc.
• Hyphen : When using two or more adjectives together to modify a noun, it is important to use a hyphen to connect them. For example, “well-written book”, “five-year-old child”, etc.

Common Mistakes

There are some common mistakes that people make when using descriptive adjectives. Here are a few examples:

• Misplacement : Adjectives should be placed directly before the noun or pronoun they modify. Placing them in the wrong position can result in confusion or ambiguity. For example, “The big black dog” is correct, but “The black big dog” is not.
• Overuse : Using too many adjectives can make a sentence sound cluttered and confusing. It is important to choose the most appropriate adjectives and use them sparingly.
• Redundancy : Using adjectives that are redundant or unnecessary can also make a sentence sound awkward. For example, “The round circular object” is redundant because “round” and “circular” mean the same thing.

In conclusion, using descriptive adjectives can add depth and detail to your writing. However, it is important to use them properly and avoid common mistakes to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

Descriptive Adjectives in the English Language

Descriptive adjectives are an essential part of the English language. These adjectives are used to describe the characteristics, traits, or qualities of a noun or pronoun. They add depth and detail to language, making it more expressive and nuanced.

The use of descriptive adjectives can be traced back to the origins of the English language. The Old English language had a limited number of adjectives, and they were often used in combination with nouns to create compound words. However, as the language evolved, the use of adjectives became more prevalent. During the Middle English era, adjectives began to be used more frequently, and their position in the sentence became more standardized.

Descriptive adjectives are used to provide more information about a noun or pronoun. They can describe a wide range of characteristics, including physical appearance, emotions, and sensory experiences. For example, “blue” is a descriptive adjective that can be used to describe the color of an object, while “delicious” can be used to describe the taste of food.

In English, descriptive adjectives are often placed directly before the noun they are describing. For example, “the tall building” or “the red apple.” However, they can also be used after the verb “to be,” as in “the apple is red.”

It is important to note that the use of too many descriptive adjectives can make writing appear cluttered and difficult to read. Therefore, it is essential to use them judiciously and only when necessary.

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Words to Use in an Essay: 300 Essay Words

Hannah Yang

Table of Contents

Words to use in the essay introduction, words to use in the body of the essay, words to use in your essay conclusion, how to improve your essay writing vocabulary.

It’s not easy to write an academic essay .

Many students struggle to word their arguments in a logical and concise way.

To make matters worse, academic essays need to adhere to a certain level of formality, so we can’t always use the same word choices in essay writing that we would use in daily life.

If you’re struggling to choose the right words for your essay, don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of over 300 words and phrases to use in the introduction, body, and conclusion of your essay.

The introduction is one of the hardest parts of an essay to write.

You have only one chance to make a first impression, and you want to hook your reader. If the introduction isn’t effective, the reader might not even bother to read the rest of the essay.

That’s why it’s important to be thoughtful and deliberate with the words you choose at the beginning of your essay.

Many students use a quote in the introductory paragraph to establish credibility and set the tone for the rest of the essay.

When you’re referencing another author or speaker, try using some of these phrases:

To use the words of X

According to X

As X states

Example: To use the words of Hillary Clinton, “You cannot have maternal health without reproductive health.”

Near the end of the introduction, you should state the thesis to explain the central point of your paper.

If you’re not sure how to introduce your thesis, try using some of these phrases:

In this essay, I will…

The purpose of this essay…

This essay discusses…

In this paper, I put forward the claim that…

There are three main arguments for…

Example: In this essay, I will explain why dress codes in public schools are detrimental to students.

After you’ve stated your thesis, it’s time to start presenting the arguments you’ll use to back up that central idea.

When you’re introducing the first of a series of arguments, you can use the following words:

First and foremost

First of all

To begin with

Example: First , consider the effects that this new social security policy would have on low-income taxpayers.

All these words and phrases will help you create a more successful introduction and convince your audience to read on.

The body of your essay is where you’ll explain your core arguments and present your evidence.

It’s important to choose words and phrases for the body of your essay that will help the reader understand your position and convince them you’ve done your research.

Let’s look at some different types of words and phrases that you can use in the body of your essay, as well as some examples of what these words look like in a sentence.

Transition Words and Phrases

Transitioning from one argument to another is crucial for a good essay.

It’s important to guide your reader from one idea to the next so they don’t get lost or feel like you’re jumping around at random.

Transition phrases and linking words show your reader you’re about to move from one argument to the next, smoothing out their reading experience. They also make your writing look more professional.

The simplest transition involves moving from one idea to a separate one that supports the same overall argument. Try using these phrases when you want to introduce a second correlating idea:

Additionally

In addition

Furthermore

Another key thing to remember

In the same way

Correspondingly

Example: Additionally , public parks increase property value because home buyers prefer houses that are located close to green, open spaces.

Another type of transition involves restating. It’s often useful to restate complex ideas in simpler terms to help the reader digest them. When you’re restating an idea, you can use the following words:

In other words

To put it another way

That is to say

To put it more simply

Example: “The research showed that 53% of students surveyed expressed a mild or strong preference for more on-campus housing. In other words , over half the students wanted more dormitory options.”

Often, you’ll need to provide examples to illustrate your point more clearly for the reader. When you’re about to give an example of something you just said, you can use the following words:

For instance

To give an illustration of

To exemplify

To demonstrate

As evidence

Example: Humans have long tried to exert control over our natural environment. For instance , engineers reversed the Chicago River in 1900, causing it to permanently flow backward.

Sometimes, you’ll need to explain the impact or consequence of something you’ve just said.

When you’re drawing a conclusion from evidence you’ve presented, try using the following words:

As a result

Accordingly

As you can see

This suggests that

It follows that

It can be seen that

For this reason

For all of those reasons

Consequently

Example: “There wasn’t enough government funding to support the rest of the physics experiment. Thus , the team was forced to shut down their experiment in 1996.”

When introducing an idea that bolsters one you’ve already stated, or adds another important aspect to that same argument, you can use the following words:

What’s more

Not only…but also

Not to mention

To say nothing of

Another key point

Example: The volcanic eruption disrupted hundreds of thousands of people. Moreover , it impacted the local flora and fauna as well, causing nearly a hundred species to go extinct.

Often, you'll want to present two sides of the same argument. When you need to compare and contrast ideas, you can use the following words:

On the one hand / on the other hand

Alternatively

In contrast to

On the contrary

By contrast

In comparison

Example: On the one hand , the Black Death was undoubtedly a tragedy because it killed millions of Europeans. On the other hand , it created better living conditions for the peasants who survived.

Finally, when you’re introducing a new angle that contradicts your previous idea, you can use the following phrases:

Having said that

Differing from

In spite of

With this in mind

Provided that

Nevertheless

Nonetheless

Notwithstanding

Example: Shakespearean plays are classic works of literature that have stood the test of time. Having said that , I would argue that Shakespeare isn’t the most accessible form of literature to teach students in the twenty-first century.

Good essays include multiple types of logic. You can use a combination of the transitions above to create a strong, clear structure throughout the body of your essay.

Strong Verbs for Academic Writing

Verbs are especially important for writing clear essays. Often, you can convey a nuanced meaning simply by choosing the right verb.

You should use strong verbs that are precise and dynamic. Whenever possible, you should use an unambiguous verb, rather than a generic verb.

For example, alter and fluctuate are stronger verbs than change , because they give the reader more descriptive detail.

Here are some useful verbs that will help make your essay shine.

Verbs that show change:

Accommodate

Verbs that relate to causing or impacting something:

Verbs that show increase:

Verbs that show decrease:

Deteriorate

Verbs that relate to parts of a whole:

Comprises of

Is composed of

Constitutes

Encompasses

Incorporates

Verbs that show a negative stance:

Misconstrue

Verbs that show a positive stance:

Substantiate

Verbs that relate to drawing conclusions from evidence:

Corroborate

Demonstrate

Verbs that relate to thinking and analysis:

Contemplate

Hypothesize

Investigate

Verbs that relate to showing information in a visual format:

Useful Adjectives and Adverbs for Academic Essays

You should use adjectives and adverbs more sparingly than verbs when writing essays, since they sometimes add unnecessary fluff to sentences.

However, choosing the right adjectives and adverbs can help add detail and sophistication to your essay.

Sometimes you'll need to use an adjective to show that a finding or argument is useful and should be taken seriously. Here are some adjectives that create positive emphasis:

Significant

Other times, you'll need to use an adjective to show that a finding or argument is harmful or ineffective. Here are some adjectives that create a negative emphasis:

Controversial

Insignificant

Questionable

Unnecessary

Unrealistic

Finally, you might need to use an adverb to lend nuance to a sentence, or to express a specific degree of certainty. Here are some examples of adverbs that are often used in essays:

Comprehensively

Exhaustively

Extensively

Respectively

Surprisingly

Using these words will help you successfully convey the key points you want to express. Once you’ve nailed the body of your essay, it’s time to move on to the conclusion.

The conclusion of your paper is important for synthesizing the arguments you’ve laid out and restating your thesis.

In your concluding paragraph, try using some of these essay words:

In conclusion

To summarize

In a nutshell

Given the above

As described

All things considered

Example: In conclusion , it’s imperative that we take action to address climate change before we lose our coral reefs forever.

In addition to simply summarizing the key points from the body of your essay, you should also add some final takeaways. Give the reader your final opinion and a bit of a food for thought.

To place emphasis on a certain point or a key fact, use these essay words:

Unquestionably

Undoubtedly

Particularly

Importantly

Conclusively

It should be noted

On the whole

Example: Ada Lovelace is unquestionably a powerful role model for young girls around the world, and more of our public school curricula should include her as a historical figure.

These concluding phrases will help you finish writing your essay in a strong, confident way.

There are many useful essay words out there that we didn't include in this article, because they are specific to certain topics.

If you're writing about biology, for example, you will need to use different terminology than if you're writing about literature.

So how do you improve your vocabulary skills?

The vocabulary you use in your academic writing is a toolkit you can build up over time, as long as you take the time to learn new words.

One way to increase your vocabulary is by looking up words you don’t know when you’re reading.

Try reading more books and academic articles in the field you’re writing about and jotting down all the new words you find. You can use these words to bolster your own essays.

You can also consult a dictionary or a thesaurus. When you’re using a word you’re not confident about, researching its meaning and common synonyms can help you make sure it belongs in your essay.

Don't be afraid of using simpler words. Good essay writing boils down to choosing the best word to convey what you need to say, not the fanciest word possible.

Finally, you can use ProWritingAid’s synonym tool or essay checker to find more precise and sophisticated vocabulary. Click on weak words in your essay to find stronger alternatives.

There you have it: our compilation of the best words and phrases to use in your next essay . Good luck!

Good writing = better grades

ProWritingAid will help you improve the style, strength, and clarity of all your assignments.

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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Descriptive Words: A Huge List of Descriptive Adjectives, Verbs & Adverbs

Posted on Last updated: May 8, 2023

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Descriptive Words! This page provides a large list of descriptive adjectives and verbs in English. They have been chosen especially for ESL learners.

Table of Contents

Descriptive Words

Learn synonyms of different words in English

• Pleasurable
• Considerate
• Astonishing
• Unbelievable
• Unimaginable
• Spectacular
• Overwhelming

Breathtaking

• Significant
• Extraordinary

Synonyms for GOOD in English.

• Exceptional
• Outstanding

Enthusiastic

• Over the moon (informal)

Synonyms for Delicious in English.

• Scrumptious
• Mouth-watering
• Delish ( informal)
• Yummy (informal)
• Sympathetic
• Good/large/warm – hearted
• Benign (formal)
• Kindhearted
• Compassionate
• Good-natured
• Wack (slang)
• Crappy/ Shitty(slang)
• Disagreeable
• Disgraceful
• Teeny-weeny
• Pygmy (with animals)

Descriptive Adjectives 

• Well-off/better off (informal)
• Well-heeled
• Loaded (Slang)
• Deep-pocketed
• In the money
• Entertaining
• Good-humoured
• Nonsensical
• Sidesplitting
• Fundamental

• Exceedingly
• Particularly
• Tremendously
• Accelerated

INTERESTING

• Fascinating
• Enthralling

Captivating

• Shell-shocked
• Chicken out
• Horror-struck
• Good-looking

Types of Descriptive Words 

Descriptive words to describe people .

• Meaning: having a friendly and pleasant manner
• Synonyms: friendly, affable, congenial
• Meaning: having a strong desire and determination to succeed
• Synonyms: driven, motivated, aspiring

Charismatic

• Meaning: possessing a magnetic and attractive personality
• Synonyms: captivating, charming, alluring
• Meaning: having the ability to produce original and imaginative ideas
• Synonyms: inventive, innovative, imaginative
• Meaning: able to understand and share the feelings of others
• Synonyms: compassionate, sympathetic, understanding
• Meaning: showing intense and eager enjoyment or interest
• Synonyms: passionate, excited, zealous
• Meaning: having or showing a sense of humor
• Synonyms: funny, witty, amusing

Independent

• Meaning: self-sufficient and not relying on others for help or support
• Synonyms: self-reliant, autonomous, self-sustaining

Intelligent

• Meaning: having the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills
• Synonyms: clever, smart, knowledgeable
• Meaning: having a positive outlook on life and believing in the best possible outcome
• Synonyms: hopeful, positive, upbeat

Resourceful

• Meaning: able to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties
• Synonyms: inventive, adaptable, ingenious

Trustworthy

• Meaning: able to be relied on as honest and truthful
• Synonyms: dependable, reliable, honest

Descriptive Words to Describe Yourself

• Meaning: methodical and logical in thinking and problem-solving
• Synonyms: logical, systematic, rational
• Meaning: showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties
• Synonyms: hardworking, industrious, thorough
• Meaning: introducing new ideas or methods to solve problems
• Synonyms: original, inventive, creative
• Meaning: able to understand or know something instinctively
• Synonyms: perceptive, insightful, instinctive
• Meaning: based on reason or facts rather than emotions or intuition
• Synonyms: rational, analytical, reasonable
• Meaning: able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering
• Synonyms: forbearing, tolerant, composed

Self-motivated

• Meaning: driven by one’s own initiative and ambition
• Synonyms: self-driven, ambitious, motivated
• Meaning: able to adapt to many different functions or activities
• Synonyms: flexible, adaptable, multi-talented

Descriptive Words to Describe Someone’s Feelings

• Meaning: feeling worried, uneasy, or nervous
• Synonyms: worried, apprehensive, uneasy
• Meaning: extremely happy and joyful
• Synonyms: ecstatic, elated, euphoric
• Meaning: feeling satisfied and happy with one’s current situation
• Synonyms: satisfied, fulfilled, happy
• Meaning: feeling sad and lacking in energy or enthusiasm
• Synonyms: sad, gloomy, downcast
• Meaning: feeling extremely happy and excited
• Synonyms: thrilled, overjoyed, elated
• Meaning: feeling thankful and appreciative
• Synonyms: thankful, appreciative, indebted

Heartbroken

• Meaning: feeling intense sadness or grief
• Synonyms: devastated, bereaved, sorrowful
• Meaning: feeling great happiness and delight
• Synonyms: elated, gleeful, jubilant
• Meaning: feeling a thoughtful or gentle sadness
• Synonyms: sad, pensive, contemplative
• Meaning: lacking in emotion or feeling
• Synonyms: indifferent, unresponsive, apathetic

Overwhelmed

• Meaning: feeling completely overcome or overpowered
• Synonyms: swamped, inundated, snowed under
• Meaning: feeling calm, peaceful, and untroubled
• Synonyms: tranquil, composed, peaceful

Descriptive Words to Describe Food

• Meaning: appealing or stimulating to the taste or smell
• Synonyms: delicious, mouth-watering, tempting
• Meaning: having a pleasant and distinctive smell or taste
• Synonyms: fragrant, flavorful, pungent
• Meaning: extremely pleasing to the taste or palate
• Synonyms: tasty, scrumptious, delightful
• Meaning: having a strong or distinct taste or flavor
• Synonyms: tasty, savory, delicious
• Meaning: recently made or obtained, not stale or spoiled
• Synonyms: new, just picked, recently caught
• Meaning: providing essential nutrients for growth and health
• Synonyms: healthy, nourishing, wholesome
• Meaning: having a high content of a particular ingredient
• Synonyms: creamy, dense, full-bodied
• Meaning: having a pleasant, salty or spicy taste
• Synonyms: tasty, flavorful, appetizing
• Meaning: having a strong, hot flavor or taste
• Synonyms: piquant, zesty, fiery
• Meaning: having a taste resembling sugar, honey, or syrup
• Synonyms: sugary, honeyed, saccharine
• Meaning: having a sharp, sour, or acidic flavor or taste
• Synonyms: zesty, pungent, tart
• Meaning: easily chewed or cut, not tough or stringy
• Synonyms: soft, succulent, juicy

Descriptive Words to Describe a Place

• Meaning: stunningly beautiful or impressive
• Synonyms: awe-inspiring, magnificent, spectacular
• Meaning: attractive or delightful in a small or delicate way
• Synonyms: quaint, picturesque, enchanting
• Meaning: giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation
• Synonyms: comfortable, snug, homey
• Meaning: extremely picturesque and peaceful, like an idealized rural setting
• Synonyms: pastoral, rustic, serene
• Meaning: having impressive beauty or dignity
• Synonyms: grand, regal, magnificent

Picturesque

• Meaning: visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way
• Synonyms: scenic, beautiful, charming
• Meaning: pure and untouched by human influence or pollution
• Synonyms: unspoiled, immaculate, untouched
• Meaning: hidden away from view or isolated from others
• Synonyms: isolated, private, remote
• Meaning: calm, peaceful, and untroubled
• Meaning: spreading over a wide area
• Synonyms: expansive, extensive, vast
• Meaning: full of life, energy, and activity
• Synonyms: lively, dynamic, bustling
• Meaning: creating a sense of warmth and hospitality
• Synonyms: hospitable, inviting, friendly

Descriptive Words to Describe the Weather

• Meaning: characterized by strong winds and heavy gusts
• Synonyms: windy, gusty, stormy
• Meaning: uncomfortably cool or cold
• Synonyms: cold, crisp, brisk
• Meaning: characterized by light, steady rain
• Synonyms: rainy, misty, wet
• Meaning: covered or filled with thick, heavy mist or fog
• Synonyms: misty, hazy, murky
• Meaning: having a high level of moisture in the air
• Synonyms: damp, muggy, sticky
• Meaning: extremely hot and dry
• Synonyms: sweltering, blistering, boiling
• Meaning: characterized by clear, bright sunlight
• Synonyms: bright, clear, radiant
• Meaning: characterized by heavy rainfall
• Synonyms: heavy, intense, downpour
• Meaning: characterized by strong winds
• Synonyms: breezy, gusty, blustery
• Meaning: characteristic of winter weather, cold and snowy
• Synonyms: snowy, icy, frigid
• Meaning: uncomfortably warm and humid
• Synonyms: sticky, clammy, sultry
• Meaning: covered or obscured by clouds, lacking in sunlight
• Synonyms: cloudy, gloomy, dull

Descriptive Words to Describe Art

• Meaning: art that is not representational or based on external reality
• Synonyms: nonrepresentational, nonobjective, conceptual
• Meaning: concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty
• Synonyms: artistic, pleasing, tasteful
• Meaning: attracting and holding attention or interest
• Synonyms: alluring, intriguing, fascinating
• Meaning: full of bright or rich colors
• Synonyms: vibrant, vivid, brilliant
• Meaning: intense, emotional, or striking
• Synonyms: theatrical, powerful, intense
• Meaning: conveying emotion or feeling through visual or verbal means
• Synonyms: emotional, evocative, powerful
• Meaning: having complex and detailed patterns or shapes
• Synonyms: elaborate, complex, detailed
• Meaning: full of fun and humor, not serious
• Synonyms: whimsical, lighthearted, jovial
• Meaning: closely resembling or depicting real life
• Synonyms: lifelike, naturalistic, realistic
• Meaning: having a sense of calm or peace
• Synonyms: tranquil, peaceful, calm
• Meaning: not affected by the passage of time
• Synonyms: classic, eternal, enduring

Descriptive Words | Infographic

Descriptive Adjectives, Verbs, Adverbs

Descriptive Words | Stories

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Wednesday 26th of October 2022

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List of Adjectives : Types and How They Are Used

Are you looking for the perfect word to describe someone, somewhere, or something? If so, there are many great words to choose from in the English language. Yet, without a list of adjectives on hand, it’s hard to remember every single word you know. 

Luckily, you have access to this helpful adjectives list ! Use it whenever you want a fresh and exciting way to talk about a noun or pronoun. Plus, if you study new words on this adjective list, you’ll expand your vocabulary. For a printable PDF to keep on your desk, visit this informative site.

There are many different words on a list of adjectives . Some are similar in nature or have identical meanings , while others are very different from one another. Because there are so many adjectives , it’s better to learn them all in their individual groups.

There are two main categories of words you’ll find on a list of adjectives : Descriptive words and limiting words . Each has its own adjective list subcategories. Here’s an overview of what is covered in this guide:

Attributive and Predicate Words

Cardinal adjective list, definite and indefinite articles, demonstrative adjective list, interrogative adjective list, nouns that function as limiting words, ordinal words, possessive words, proper words.

• Advanced Descriptive Adjectives List
• List of Adjectives for Kids
• Personality Adjectives List

General List of Positive Adjectives

A list of adjectives of sensory words.

Let’s begin with a descriptive adjectives list and the subcategories of descriptive words.

A Descriptive Adjectives List

In short, descriptive words describe things. Here are some common examples below. This could also be a list of adjectives for kids :

List of positive adjectives :

List of negative adjectives:

List of general adjectives (positive or negative depending on context):

You’ve probably heard all of the words on this descriptive adjectives list before. To learn a few more advanced descriptive words, go to the section “ A List Adjectives for…”

Many descriptive adjectives can also be paired as opposites of each other. Below is a descriptive adjectives list with pairs of opposite words. You’ll recognize a few words from the list of positive adjectives, list of negative adjectives, and list of general adjectives.

Within descriptive words, there are two subcategories: attributive and predicate words. Both subcategories are similar in that they both modify a noun. However, both do things a bit differently and have slightly different use s. 

Attributive and predicate words are like two sides of the same coin. You can find attributive words in a sentence directly beside a noun. Most of the time, it comes before the noun or pronoun. 

• The leaping lizard.
• An argumentative anteater.
• The humongous hippo.

Predicative words on the other hand come after a noun, following a verb. A predicate gets its name from being within the predicate of the sentence.

• She has wavy hair.
• Jeffrey is jovial .
• Is your crossword puzzle fun ?
• Our flight was exhausting .

Below is a good-sized adjectives list . Depending on the sentence, some of these words could function as either an attributive or predicative word. However, some can only function as one or the other. 

Can you figure out which words only fit as an attributive (before a noun) or predicative (after a noun and verb) word?

Finding this all a little challenging? Skip to the “A List of Adjectives for…” section. There is a general list of positive adjectives , a personality adjectives list , a li st of adjectives for kids , and more!

A Limiting Adjectives List

The second category of adjectives contains limiting words. Whereas some words describe nouns, many do not. These words instead restrict nouns and pronouns . Limiting words let a reader or listener know the exact thing you’re talking about, by defining it. 

There are many subcategories of limiting adjectives/words . But don’t worry, there’s a description of each type below, and there’s an adjectives list for each subcategory for you to review. Here’s a list of adjectives that features a few common limiting words:

This list of adjectives has words that don’t seem very similar to each other. However, each fits into a different subcategory of limiting words that we will explore next.

Cardinal words are easy to remember. Basically, they tell you the number of a noun.

• I have over fifty gel pens in my backpack.
• Is it possible for Tim to have three best friends?
• She’s seen this movie at least one hundred times already.

Here’s a short cardinal adjectives list:

• Eighty-seven
• One million five hundred thirty-six thousand seven hundred and forty-two.

That’s right! Any numbers you can think of can become cardinal words!

Before you move on to the next type of limiting word, learn a thing or two about APA format . Then afterward, if you need help checking your writing, visit this helpful paper checker .

The definite article defines a specific noun. An indefinite article points to a nonspecific noun. There’s one definite article, the , and two indefinite articles, a and an .+

• The cat on top of my hat.
• Is there a cat on top of my hat?
• But mommy, I want a crocodile for Christmas!

You may already know the demonstrative pronouns:  

If you do, then you already know all the demonstrative words. Each one makes the demonstrative adjectives list because each one can modify a noun or noun phrase.

• This music is amazing.
• That book is a best-seller.
• Those boys are twins.

Similarly, the interrogative list of adjectives contains the same words you find on an interrogative pronoun list. These words are what and which . Again, in this use, what and which modify a noun or noun phrase.

• Which glass is Frank’s? He’d like more water please.
• What movie would you like to watch? Peter Pan is a classic.

One of the most interesting occurrences is when one part of speech imitates another. That’s exactly what happens when you have nouns that function as limiting words.

• A production factory.
• Steven’s a showboat actor.
• I’m going to the video game museum.

An ordinal word tells you the order of a noun in a series.

• I enjoyed the first Karate Kid movie.
• I thought the second Back to the Future movie was best.

An ordinal adjectives list contains words like forth, sixtieth, and even seven hundred and first.

Possessive words explain who has ownership or possession of something.

A short adjectives list showing possession includes: my, your, our, his, her, its , and their .

• Please return my pen.
• Your hat is over there.
• Their food is getting cold.

You capitalize a proper word because it’s derived from a proper noun.

• I think I’ll try your American coffee blend.
• Can she try a slice of your homemade Russian honey cake?
• Would you like French fries with that?

A List of Adjectives for …

Now that you know the basics, further expand your adjective knowledge by checking out a few other lists below. We’ll cover more advanced descriptive adjectives, a list of adjectives for kids , a personality adjectives list , a list of positive adjectives , and finally a list of adjectives for sensory words. For another printable PDF, click to this site.

An Additional Descriptive Adjectives List

This list includes more advanced descriptive adjectives than listed previously.

• Comprehensive
• Efficacious
• Investigative

Are there any words that you don’t know? DoOn’t fret! It only takes a minute to look them up in a dictionary.

L ist of Adjectives for Kids

Words that are great for children include:

A Personality Adjectives List

There are many words that describe personality. We’ve divided up this list into two sections: A positive personality adjectives list , and a negative personality adjectives list . Let’s start with a few positive ones.

Positive Personality Adjectives List:

• Hardworking
• Understanding

To complement the list of positive adjectives above, we’ve included a negative list of adjectives next.

Negative Personality Adjectives List:

• Irresponsible

The list of positive adjectives shares a few excellent describing words, including:

This list of adjectives touches upon words that relate to our five senses: Touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight. Each type gives a few adjective examples.

Touch List of Adjectives:

Taste List of Adjectives:

Smell List of Adjectives:

Hearing List of Adjectives:

• High-pitched

Sight List of Adjectives:

Congratulations on learning so many adjectives! You’ve gone from learning what descriptive and limiting words are, to memorizing a personality adjectives list, to revising a list of adjectives for kids. Now that you’re done, take a few minutes to learn about MLA format and more styles of citation for your next English paper!

Published March 9, 2019. Updated May 22, 2020.

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The Ultimate List Of Tone Words

As a writer, you know how important it is to choose the right word for the meaning you’re trying to convey.

And part of that is knowing what tone words are and which one to use in a particular context. 

The wrong one is like an errant note in an otherwise flawless performance. Even if it has the same dictionary definition, it just doesn’t sound right. 

But where do you go to find the words with just the right tone and cadence to make the sentence flow as it should? 

Welcome to our ultimate list of tone words . 

175 Words to Describe Tone for Authors

Positive tone words, negative tone words, neutral tone words, final thoughts, what are tones in writing.

Tone in writing is like the voice or mood that jumps off the page when you’re reading a story or an article. For example, when listening to your favorite song notice how it can make you feel happy, sad, excited, or calm.

Tone in writing works the same way but through words. It’s the writer’s way of showing their point of view toward the subject or the audience.

Understanding tone is like being a detective for feelings and attitudes, helping you get the real vibe of what you’re reading. It makes reading more colorful and helps you connect with the written words.

Any tone words list (worth the time it takes to make it) should provide the fuller meaning of each word — i.e., not just the denotation (dictionary definition) but it’s connotations, too. 

For this tone words list, you’ll see each tone word example explained with a short definition or with synonyms that have the same general tone.  

All you have to do is open a thesaurus to find synonyms for a particular word to realize that some of those words do NOT have the tone you’re looking for.

Some are obviously negative. Some are positive. And the rest are more or less neutral. 

Related: 111 Negative Adjectives To Describe A Person

The tone word you need for the moment is the one that evokes the right emotions and that allows your sentence to flow without speed bumps.  

Positive tone words are those that evoke positive emotions.

If you hear a person described in words with a positive tone, you’re more likely to think favorably of them, even before you’ve met.

• Adoring — loving ardently; worshipping; venerating 
• Amused — entertained or diverted; pleased
• Animated — lively; full of excitement or enthusiasm; vibrant; spirited; impassioned
• Appreciative — grateful or thankful; showing gratitude, approval, or pleasure
• Assertive — sure of oneself; brave or fearless; self-confident; authoritative
• Ardent — passionate; enthusiastic; fervent; zealous
• Benevolent — kind; generous; compassionate; tolerant; well meaning
• Blithe — in good spirits; of a sunny disposition; happy; cheerful
• Bold — audacious or daring; assertive; fearless or seeming to be fearless
• Calm — serene or tranquil; unruffled or unshaken; placid
• Candid — honest or truthful; straightforward; unreserved
• Celebratory — paying tribute to; glorifying; praising or honoring; making merry
• Cheerful / cheery — positive or uplifting; optimistic; salutary; 
• Comforting — consoling; healing; warming or calming; soothing
• Comic — funny/humorous ; amusing or entertaining; diverting
• Compassionate — empathetic or sympathetic; nonjudgmental; quick to forgive
• Contented — wanting for nothing; grateful; accepting 
• Curious — inquisitive or questioning; wanting to know more
• Direct — straightforward; blunt; lacking in hesitation
• Earnest — serious; wholehearted; sincere or showing deep sincerity or feeling
• Ebullient — high-spirited; brimming with enthusiasm or excitement; exuberant
• Elated — joyful or jubilant; in high spirits; happy or proud
• Elevated — exalted; lofty; honored
• Eloquent — beauty or fluidity of expression; 
• Empathetic — showing empathy; feeling the emotions of others
• Enchant — cast a spell over; entrance; bewitch
• Endearing — inspiring warmth or affection
• Enthusiastic — excited; energetic; optimistic; bubbling over
• Exhilarated — invigorated; enlivened or feeling alive; stimulated; made cheerful
• Forthright — straight to the point; frank; outspoken; unambiguous; direct
• Gentle — kind; considerate; tender; soft; not severe; gradual; moderate
• Hilarious — amusing; uproariously funny; ridiculous or laughable
• Inspirational — motivating ; energizing; reassuring; instilling hope; catalyzing
• Intimate — familiar; confidential; confessional; private
• Joyful — filled with gratitude; elated or exuberant; supremely happy
• Laudatory — praising; extolling; recommending
• Learned — educated; knowledgeable; erudite; involved in the pursuit of knowledge
• Lighthearted — positive; carefree; relaxed; optimistic; in good spirits
• Lively — full of life; energetic; vigorous; animated; spirited; sprightly; vivacious
• Lofty — exalted in rank; elevated in tone, style, or sentiment
• Loving — affectionate; showing deep concern or solicitude for someone
• Modest — free from ostentation; unpretentious; showing humility 
• Objective — without prejudice; fair; basing judgment on facts rather than feelings
• Optimistic — hopeful; cheerful; expecting good; disposed to taking a favorable view
• Powerful — potent; efficacious; having or exerting great power; forceful
• Reassuring — restoring hope, security, or confidence
• Reflective — given to reflection , meditation, or contemplation; thoughtful
• Relaxed — calm; free or relieved of tension, trouble, or anxiety
• Respectful — full of or showing politeness, sympathy, or deference
• Reverent — showing deep respect; holding someone or something in high esteem
• Righteous — morally right or justifiable; pious; guiltless; upright
• Romantic — imbued with idealism; preoccupied with love, adventure, justice, etc.
• Sanguine — hopeful; cheerfully optimistic; confident of a good outcome
• Scholarly — learned; educated; committed to furthering one’s education
• Self-assured — having or showing self-confidence; bold or fearless; forward
• Sincere — honest; truthful; not false or deceitful; free of hypocrisy; genuine
• Stable — not likely to fall or give way (as a structure/support); steady
• Stately — grand; imposing in size or magnificence; elegant; majestic
• Straightforward — honest; straight to the point; not roundabout; direct
• Sympathetic — understand what another is feeling; showing compassion
• Tender — gentle; soft-hearted; compassionate; kind; delicate; young
• Thoughtful — considerate of others; thinking before acting; pensive
• Tolerant — open-minded; patient; charitable; sympathetic; lenient; accepting
• Tranquil — calm; unruffled; unprovoked; peaceful; placid; serene
• Vibrant — full of life and vigor; lively; full of vivid color; vivacious 
• Whimsical — playful or fun; offbeat; mischievous; quaint; capricious; fanciful
• Witty — quick-witted; entertaining; amusingly clever; intelligent
• Wonder — admiration; fascination; awe; curiosity; amazement; admiration

Anything described in negative tone words is likely to leave you with a bad impression, whether the thing described is a place, a book, or a group of people.

Choose your words carefully. If this is a time for honest negativity, this list will help you find the right words .

• Abashed — embarrassed or ashamed; humiliated; shy
• Abhorring — hating; despising; loathing; abominating; detesting
• Abstruse — difficult to understand; esoteric; secret or hidden; obsolete
• Absurd — laughable, ludicrous, ridiculous; senseless; illogical; untrue
• Accusatory — suggesting someone (else) has done something wrong
• Acerbic — biting, abrasive, cutting, or sharp; hurtful; severe
• Aggressive — hostile, forceful, argumentative, contentious 
• Angry — irate or furious; menacing or threatening; resentful 
• Annoyed — irritated; agitated; provoked; disturbed; bothered
• Antagonistic — argumentative or contentious; contrarian; belligerent
• Anxious — focused on negative thought loops; feeling out of control
• Apathetic — indifferent or lacking concern; unemotional; showing little interest
• Apprehensive — worried or nervous; expecting the worst
• Arrogant — conceited or self-important; overbearing; condescending
• Authoritarian — domineering or bossy; insisting on complete obedience
• Belligerent — bellicose or warlike; antagonistic; combative 
• Bewildered — baffled, confused, or flummoxed; lost
• Bitter — angry; acrimonious; resentful or dwelling on past injury
• Boorish — dull; pretentious; arrogant or self-absorbed
• Brusque — abrupt or dismissive; rough; blunt
• Callous — uncaring or unfeeling; indifferent; lacking in compassion
• Caustic — making cutting or corrosive comments; intending injury
• Censorious — critical or quick to judge or condemn; 
• Choleric — quick to anger; short-tempered; hot-blooded; irascible
• Churlish — critical in a mean-spirited way; nasty; belligerent; bullying
• Cliché — overused; trite; stale; unimaginative; hackneyed; commonplace
• Clinical — humorless; detached; unfeeling or uncaring; aloof; cold
• Complicated — unnecessarily complex; difficult to comprehend
• Condescending — patronizing; talking down to those you consider beneath you
• Confounded — confused; befuddled or mystified; bewildered; damned
• Confused — bewildered; unable to think clearly; vague; perplexed; disoriented
• Contemptuous — hateful; spiteful; quick to hold others in contempt; toxic
• Contentious — argumentative or combative; quick to stir the pot
• Critical — finding fault; complaining or criticizing; disapproving 
• Cruel — causing pain or suffering; unkind; spiteful; devoid of humane feelings
• Cynical — critical of motives; quick to assume the worst; mocking or sneering
• Derisive — mocking; sarcastic; dismissive or scornful; snide 
• Derogatory — insulting or demeaning; disrespectul; unkind 
• Detached — aloof or distant; uncaring; unfeeling; frigid; machine-like
• Diabolic — demonic or satanic; evil or malicious; 
• Diffident — lacking confidence in your ability or worth; timid or shy
• Disgusted — appalled; repulsed; repelled; disappointed
• Disparaging — critical; scornful; dismissive; insulting
• Distressing — saddening or heartbreaking; troubling; disturbing 
• Dogmatic — thinking in black and white; intolerant; inflexible; close-minded
• Domineering — imposing your beliefs and/or authority on others; tyrannical
• Dubious — questionable or having questionable motives; inclined to doubt 
• Egotistical — ego-centric; self-centered or self-absorbed; vain; arrogant
• Enraged — furious; unhinged; infuriated; extremely angry
• Evasive — cryptic or unclear; avoiding; ambiguous; elusive or evanescent
• Facetious — inappropriate or impertinent; flippant or dismissive; glib; shallow
• Farcical — ridiculous; absurd; mocking; humorous and highly improbable
• Fatalistic — pessimistic; expecting the worst as inevitable
• Fearful — frightened; afraid; terrified; paralyzed or immobilized; shy
• Flippant — casual or thoughtless; glib; inconsiderate; dismissive 
• Foppish — dandified; pretentious; vain; excessively refined and fastidious
• Foreboding — dread; strong feeling of impending doom or evil
• Frivolous — unnecessary and costing more than it’s worth; silly or lacking 
• Frustrated — feeling thwarted in your efforts; feeling besieged or undermined
• Ghoulish — delighting in the loathesome, perverse, or revolting
• Grim — serious or humorless; of dark intent; macabre; depressing
• Hapless — unfortunate or appearing to be doomed to perpetual bad luck
• Harsh — unkind or unmerciful; unnecessarily painful; unyielding 
• Humble — modest; deferential; self-confident; unassuming; respectful
• Inane — foolish; stupid; silly or nonsensical; vacuous; empty; insignificant
• Incredulous — disbelieving; unconvinced; suspicious; questioning; skeptical
• Malicious — having ill intent; mean-spirited; spiteful; vindictive
• Naïve — unsuspecting; gullible or easy to deceive; unsophisticated
• Narcissistic — self-admiring; pathologically self-centered
• Obsequious — fawning; overly submissive or obedient; servile; groveling 
• Outraged — furious or extremely angered; deeply offended
• Pretentious — affected; artificial; grandiose; flashy; superficial
• Satirical — mocking to show a weakness; ridiculing; derisive; scornful
• Sarcastic — ironic; saying the opposite of what you mean to mock or ridicule
• Scathing — harsh; critical; cutting; unsparing; vicious; harmful or injurious
• Sensationalistic — inaccurate; hyped up; exxagerated; provocative
• Subjective — biased; prejudiced; based on emotion rather than facts
• Sulking — resentful; sullen; bad-tempered; grumpy; self-pitying
• Tragic — calamitous; disastrous; catastrophic; devastating
• Uneasy — worried; ill at ease; edgy; nervous; unsettled
• Vindictive — vengeful; spiteful; petty; unforgiving; hateful
• World-weary — bored; tired; cynical; pessimistic

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Sad Tone Words

Some negative tone words leave you with an impression of sadness rather than disgust or anger.

Here’s a sampling of these, most of them described using other sad tone words.

• Apologetic — full of regret or remorse; repentant; acknowleding failure 
• Depressed — lacking in energy or buoyancy; apathetic; emotionally blunted
• Despairing — hopeless; sinking without an attempt to rise; seeing only darkness
• Disheartening — discouraging; depressing; demoralizing; undermining; sad
• Gloomy — depressing; dreary; discouraging; sad or low-spirited; pessimistic
• Grave — serious; morose or moribund; solemn; weighty; important
• Hollow — lacking substance; empty; meaningless; joyless
• Melancholy — sad or prone to sadness; having a gloomy outlook
• Pathetic — evoking pity; marked by sorrow or sadness; pitifully inadequate
• Somber — gloomy; solemn; grave; melancholy; depressing 
• Wretched — miserable; sorrowful; distressed or in agony; despairing

When you want a neutral tone in writing, it can be hard to find.

It doesn’t take much for us to associate words with an emotion or to feel the emotional undercurrent of a word — whether positive or negative and to whatever degree. But some neutral words remain. 

• Ambivalent — uncertain; having mixed feelings; undecided
• Cautionary — raises awareness; gives warning; admonishing
• Compliant — in conformity with rules/expectations; flexible; acquiescent
• Conciliatory — meant to pacify or placate; seeking to please 
• Colloquial — familiar; everyday language; casual or informal
• Defensive — defending or guarding a position; watchful; preventing aggression
• Formal — respectful; following accepted rules/styles; preserving form/custom
• Impartial — objective; not favoring either side over the other
• Intense — deeply felt; concentrated; passionate; earnest; extreme
• Introspective — inward-focused or turning inward; contemplative
• Pensive — lost in thought; introspective or reflective; contemplative
• Pragmatic — realistic; dispassionate or detached; ruled by logic; practical
• Solemn — serious; not funny; in earnest; sober; reverent; grave; mirthless
• Urgent — insistent; implying something must be done as soon as possible

Now that you’ve looked through our list of tones, which ones stood out for you the most? What kind of tone did those words have (positive, negative, or neutral)? 

Sometimes, our moods make certain words stand out for us as more fitting or more resonant. And sometimes we just see them because we’ve used them or heard them used recently — in a way that made them stick.

I hope your life gives you plenty of reasons to use positive tone words. But some situations and contexts call for the opposite. Your current work in progress might call for plenty of the opposite. 

And in certain contexts, even the neutral tone words sound more negative than otherwise. The right context can even change the tone of words that are usually considered positive.

I hope the words you use to describe yourself are kind and encouraging. And at the end of the day, may the balance of your words leave you with a smile. 

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135+ List of Adjective Words To Add To Your Writing

Here is a list of adjective words that you can add to your writing projects.

Adjectives play a vital role in forming clear and vivid sentences. They are critical to describing things, events, people, and feelings. Not only are adjectives essential in writing, but they are also a key part of language, and we use them daily to describe our feelings, events, and surroundings. It pairs nicely with our list of mood words for literature .

What Are Adjective Words?

Opinion adjectives, size adjectives, physical quality adjectives, shape adjectives, age adjectives, color adjectives, origin adjectives, material adjectives, purpose adjectives.

An adjective is a term or phrase that describes and modifies the qualities, state, and quantity of nouns and pronouns. There is a specific rule when there’s more than one adjective in a sentence that cannot be broken even in informal speech or writing, unlike grammar and syntax. It’s called the “order of adjectives,” where the use of adjectives is ranked accordingly: opinion, size, physical quality, shape, age, color, origin, material, and purpose.

Opinion adjectives express thoughts and feelings about a topic, person, or thing. It also describes and modifies a person’s facial expression, body parts, actions, and traits. 

Linda has an amazing voice.

The new cafe’s interior design is beautiful .

She had a very cool demeanor. 

• Flirtatious

Many believe that Helena isn’t a flirtatious woman.

Leonardo De Caprio is one of the most handsome Hollywood actors.

My dad has the irritating habit of talking during meals.

My husband is irrationally jealous of my ex-boyfriend.

Our new professor has a lovely personality.

He’s a nice guy when he’s in a good mood.

You should apologize to your mom for your rude behavior.

She’ll use all her seductive charms to get John’s attention.

I want my steak to be delicious, juicy, and tender .

The drink has a very unusual taste.

Old people and kids are the most vulnerable members of our society.

Ed likes to say a lot of weird things.

These words denote the amount of space available or occupied by a person or an object. It also describes how small or large someone or something is.

Liam wants a big house, but his wife says no.

I want a brainy and brawny boyfriend.

They have a compact kitchen with all the necessary tools and appliances.

Every year, Brazil produces an enormous amount of coffee in the world.

The pack must hunt down a giant bear before the winter season begins.

The story she’s been writing contains a hefty amount of comedy.

• Immeasurable

I hope more filmmakers create movies with immeasurable effects on the younger generation.

She wants to buy a life-size standee of her favorite idol.

• Microscopic

The doctor has microscopic handwriting that’s hard to read.

Many people like to wear an oversize t-shirt because it’s trendy and comfortable.

Do you know where I can buy quality dresses that fit my petite body?

Cecile’s short hair makes her look younger.

Our company will build a tall building in the area.

Every guest has unlimited access to the pool and gym.

A dictionary is a vast treasure box of information.

These describe the physical characteristics of a person, animal, place, happening, or thing. 

He likes to surround himself with attractive people.

My father is still young, but he’s already starting to go bald .

A curvy figure is the new sexy.

Lina is small and delicate.  

Our neighbor is preparing an elegant party for her daughter’s birthday.

He’s fit because he’s a gym enthusiast.

My frail grandfather still refuses to even sit up on his bed.

The hotel room had a musky odor filling the air.

His plump lips are what make him so handsome.

The new table in our kitchen has a rough finish.

Please avoid making sharp turns because it’s dangerous.

His long, straight hair makes people mistake him for a girl.

My brother is that tattooed guy riding the big bike. 

My professor told me to work on my untidy writing.

His well-built body is the fruit of his hard work.

These words describe things without referring to the color and type of material used. Use the terms below to describe and compare different objects based on their shape and structure.

Gio inherits his father’s angular face.

Most bodybuilders have a broad torso and narrow waist.

Grandpa said that his crooked front teeth are his lucky charm.

Big cruise ships need to be in deep waters to sail.

A diagonal line divides the layout of The Da Vinci Code book cover.

Professional contractors in Switzerland make globular houses and buildings.  

Our engineer tests the strength of a hollow block by the drop test method.

The wall painting is at an oblique angle.

My mother’s ring has a unique oval ruby ​​gem.

The kingdom’s soldiers have pointy helmets.

• Rectangular

His rectangular smile is contagious.

People with round faces should opt for a layered haircut.

His uncle has a square jaw.

She’s wearing her favorite tapered jeans.

Today, they will perform on the triangular stage in the park.

These words are commonly used in verbal communication and writings to describe or indicate the age of animate and inanimate objects. 

There are no plans to resolve the age-old issue of land distribution.

The aging founder of our company is planning to resign.

My dream is to visit every ancient home and building around the world.

There’s a lot of antique furniture in my grandmother’s house. 

The declining demand for traditional kimonos will ultimately affect Japan’s culture. 

The group that I will tour today has a lot of elderly people.

Her mature boyfriend always helps her make rational decisions.

Peer pressure often leads to bad decisions among young people.

An old man’s advice is the best you can get.

The neighbor’s senescent dog has been with them for 13 years. 

The organization’s senile leader needs will soon step down.

Hailey is promoted to the senior psychologist position at the clinic.

Her teenage daughter loves to party. 

The modeling company is looking for young models to train.

My mom still has her youthful spirit.

Color adjectives describe the shade of nouns and can also express emotions or feelings.

She wants to change her hair color to ashy gray.

Jay looks good in blue clothes.

The designer uses bright colors and chintzy fabrics to make the room livelier.

Her smallpox left her with dotted skin.

He’s a famous celebrity known for his flamboyant lifestyle.

The athlete’s glistening back shines under the sun.

Half of the clothes in her closet are monotone black.

The newborn child has beautiful muddy eyes.

Add sparkle to your fabrics by making opalescent dyes by hand.

She has a natural pink undertone.

The compliment highlights her red cheeks.

The tourist is amazed by the rustic charm of the village.

The little girl’s skirt has lots of splashy flower prints.

• Translucent

The bathrooms are made of frosted and translucent glass.

She likes to add vibrant colors to her room.

These words indicate where a person, animal, or thing comes from. See the most commonly used origin adjectives by many speakers and writers.

I ate the American breakfast offered by the hotel.

Most of the British police don’t carry a gun .

A Caucasian model visits our store to shop for clothes.

New York City was a trading post founded by a Dutch colonist.

Spice up your usual potato salad with English mustard.

My favorite singer will have his European concert tour next year!

I love cheesy French fries with soda.

He has a strong Greek accent.

Italian pizza is the best!

Japanese people have the highest life expectancy . 

Korean culture is prevalent all over the world because of K-Pop.

The majority of English words we know have Greek and Latin origins.

Ysa loves Mexican food, especially enchiladas.

Can you tell me where I can buy Thai rice?

Dad likes the strong, bold, and bittersweet taste of Turkish coffee.

Material is a substance from which an object is made. In most cases, these adjectives are usually nouns that act as adjectives to describe another noun. 

My uncle collects copper coins.

Sheila’s new husband owns a cotton plantation.

She dreams of having a diamond ring.

Angel’s mom is fond of gold utensils.

Her expensive vice includes shopping for leather bags.

Their house has a metal gate painted like wood.

She needs a replacement for her guitar’s nylon strings.

We should avoid using plastic bags to save Mother Earth.

Polyester clothing is affordable but durable. 

Her silk hair floats with the wind.

Wait for a silver car that will take you to your destination.

Ian dreams of living in a stone house.

She likes how velvet skirts feel against her skin.

I prefer using wooden kitchen utensils. 

My favorite part of the house is the wool carpet in our living area.

Purpose adjectives are words that are almost part of the noun. They describe what an item is for. 

Put your dirty garments in the laundry basket .

Can you look in the cleaning supplies aisle and get some borax?

Mon uses his new cooking pan to make pancakes.

Do you want to take dancing lessons?

My dad stores his fishing rods in the shed.

I use my grandmother’s gardening tools for my planting project.

The hammered copper bowl is the center of attention for today’s auction.  

I use a polishing cloth to clean my glasses.

Mom holds the rolling pin like she wants to hit me.

I lost my running shoes at the local gym.

Come with me to the shopping center and buy a gift for Sophia.

Jake always makes sure that his sleeping bag is in his car.

Miko is looking for a new tennis racket for his brother.

I broke our washing machine.

I use a writing app to assist me in my essays. Looking for more descriptive words to elevate your writing? Check out list of descriptive words !

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Descriptive Words: A Complete List of Descriptive Words

Descriptive words help in explaining more about certain things, and it is very easy to understand others by these words. It includes the words of adjectives, participles, and also adverbs while describing any kind of natural behavior and actions, which enhances and improves the flow of writing.

Table of Contents

Descriptive Words

The best thing about descriptive words is that they include all the five essential senses, such as smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound. 

A descriptive word can describe anything, whether it may be a person, place, thing, or situation.

We have covered the descriptive words in a list, and by reading this, you can easily understand the descriptive words and their meanings and also help to improve your vocabulary.

Interesting, Attractive

• Captivating
• Entertaining
• Enthralling
• Fascinating
• Good-looking
• Astonishing
• Breathtaking
• Extraordinary
• Overwhelming
• Significant
• Spectacular
• Unbelievable
• Unimaginable

Nice, Good, Kind 

• Benign (formal)
• Compassionate
• Considerate
• Exceptional
• Kindhearted
• Outstanding
• Pleasurable
• Sympathetic

Great, Rich

• Deep-pocketed
• In the money
• Loaded (Slang)
• Magnificent
• Well-heeled
• Enthusiastic
• Good-humoured
• Nonsensical
• Sidesplitting

Bad, Sad 

• Disagreeable
• Discouraged
• Disgraceful
• Disheartened
• Heartbroken
• Wack (slang)
• Pygmy (with animals)
• Teeny-weeny
• Consequential
• Far-reaching
• Fundamental
• Substantial
• Affectionately
• Good-natured

List of Descriptive Words in Alphabetical Order

• Accomplished
• Adventurous
• Calculating
• Charismatic
• Comfortable
• Conventional
• Efficacious
• Everlasting
• Eye-Catching
• Fashionable
• Goal-Oriented
• Good-Looking
• High-Spirited
• Inexpensive
• Intelligent
• Introverted
• Knowledgeable
• Magnanimous
• Motivational
• Old-Fashioned
• Openhearted
• Open-Minded
• Overprotective
• Overthinker
• Participant
• Professional
• Questionable
• Radioactive
• Respectable
• Responsible
• Self-Assertive
• Thoughtless
• Trustworthy
• Uninterested
• Vainglorious
• Warmhearted
• Well-Behaved
• Xerothermic
• List of Feelings and Emotions Words
• Formal and Informal Words
• New Words with Meaning
• Text Abbreviations
• Action Words
• Noun, Verb, Adjective, Adverb List

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NASA’s Voyager 1 Resumes Sending Engineering Updates to Earth

NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft is depicted in this artist’s concept traveling through interstellar space, or the space between stars, which it entered in 2012.

After some inventive sleuthing, the mission team can — for the first time in five months — check the health and status of the most distant human-made object in existence.

For the first time since November , NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft is returning usable data about the health and status of its onboard engineering systems. The next step is to enable the spacecraft to begin returning science data again. The probe and its twin, Voyager 2, are the only spacecraft to ever fly in interstellar space (the space between stars).

Voyager 1 stopped sending readable science and engineering data back to Earth on Nov. 14, 2023, even though mission controllers could tell the spacecraft was still receiving their commands and otherwise operating normally. In March, the Voyager engineering team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California confirmed that the issue was tied to one of the spacecraft’s three onboard computers, called the flight data subsystem (FDS). The FDS is responsible for packaging the science and engineering data before it’s sent to Earth.

After receiving data about the health and status of Voyager 1 for the first time in five months, members of the Voyager flight team celebrate in a conference room at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on April 20.

The team discovered that a single chip responsible for storing a portion of the FDS memory — including some of the FDS computer’s software code — isn’t working. The loss of that code rendered the science and engineering data unusable. Unable to repair the chip, the team decided to place the affected code elsewhere in the FDS memory. But no single location is large enough to hold the section of code in its entirety.

So they devised a plan to divide the affected code into sections and store those sections in different places in the FDS. To make this plan work, they also needed to adjust those code sections to ensure, for example, that they all still function as a whole. Any references to the location of that code in other parts of the FDS memory needed to be updated as well.

The team started by singling out the code responsible for packaging the spacecraft’s engineering data. They sent it to its new location in the FDS memory on April 18. A radio signal takes about 22 ½ hours to reach Voyager 1, which is over 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) from Earth, and another 22 ½ hours for a signal to come back to Earth. When the mission flight team heard back from the spacecraft on April 20, they saw that the modification worked: For the first time in five months, they have been able to check the health and status of the spacecraft.

Get the Latest News from the Final Frontier

During the coming weeks, the team will relocate and adjust the other affected portions of the FDS software. These include the portions that will start returning science data.

Voyager 2 continues to operate normally. Launched over 46 years ago , the twin Voyager spacecraft are the longest-running and most distant spacecraft in history. Before the start of their interstellar exploration, both probes flew by Saturn and Jupiter, and Voyager 2 flew by Uranus and Neptune.

Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages JPL for NASA.

News Media Contact

Calla Cofield

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.

626-808-2469

[email protected]

Utah high school removes class assignment on student essay titled ‘It Is So Hard to Be Trans’

The essay, published in the new york times, contained no explicit or “pornographic” content that would have required its removal under utah law..

(Google Maps) Herriman High School, as shown in a 2021 Google Maps image, in Herriman, Utah. Jordan School District officials ordered that a class assignment at the school involving a transgender student's essay be removed.

Jordan School District officials ordered that an assignment involving a Texas student’s essay published in The New York Times titled “It Is So Hard to Be Trans” be removed from a Herriman High School class’s curriculum after it was brought to the attention of administrators.

“We apologize to any student offended by a Herriman High School classroom assignment involving a New York Times student essay and the disruption to learning it may have caused,” district spokesperson Sandra Riesgraf said in a statement Monday.

The district investigated the assignment, “which asked students to break down parts of speech in the essay,” after school administrators were notified, Riesgraf said. The assignment was ultimately removed and is “no longer part of the class.”

“Appropriate administrative action will be taken,” the statement continued, though the statement did not specify what that action would entail.

The district also did not specify why the assignment was removed. The content does not seem to violate Utah’s sensitive materials law .

But it did seem to prompt outrage after photos of the printed-out, stapled essay made rounds in conservative social media circles as early as last Thursday, with some posts claiming students were required to write a response to the essay explaining why being transgender “isn’t a choice.”

Riesgraf said that claim was false. “Students were not required to take a stance or form an opinion on why being trans isn’t a choice,” Riesgraf said. “The assignment was to review the writing, not the subject.”

Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, weighed in on X , formerly Twitter, arguing that he didn’t see how the essay would “fit into any curriculum that is state approved.”

“I’ve asked the district to investigate,” he wrote.

McCay did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Salt Lake Tribune.

The assigned essay had been selected as one of the Top 11 winners in a 2023 student editorial contest through the The Learning Network, a free resource for teachers curated by The New York Times.

It was written by then 16-year-old Callisto Lim, a student at the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. The essay details why Callisto felt scared for their “right to exist,” citing several states that had passed anti-transgender legislation.

“I am scared that if I stay in Texas I will be denied the health care that I need because of people like Governor Greg Abbott,” Callisto wrote.

Callisto’s essay contains no explicit “pornographic or indecent material” that would make it illegal under Utah’s current sensitive materials law.

Utah law also does not explicitly prohibit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity, though lawmakers have made attempts to pass legislation banning such topics in the past.

Earlier this year, Rep. Jeff Stenquist , R-Draper, proposed a bill that would have prevented school officials from “endorsing, promoting, or disparaging certain beliefs or viewpoints,” building upon existing restrictions meant to uphold “constitutional freedom” in Utah public schools.

The bill would have specifically added “gender identity,” “sexual orientation,” and “political and social viewpoints” as restricted topics, but it ultimately failed to pass .

A year prior, Stenquist also ran a bill that would have prohibited any discussion of sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. HB550 took language directly from a controversial Florida bill that became more widely known as the “Don’t Say Gay” measure.

But after pushback from the LGBTQ community, Stenquist revised his draft , lifting the proposed ban on sexual orientation and gender identity but keeping the prohibition on sexuality. The bill failed to pass.

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