400 Descriptive Words List to Make Your Writing Shine
Do you want to make your writing more engaging? Check out this descriptive words list with 400 words you can use today.
As you strive to be a more engaging writer, using descriptive words can help. It’s easy to overuse these words, but sprinkling them in here and there is a great way to colorize your writing.
Descriptive words are adjectives , which describe nouns and pronouns, or adverbs, which describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Identifying and using these will help you write stronger pieces and descriptive essays .
This descriptive word list is a good place to start. It also pairs nicely with our list of mood words .
Descriptive Words List: 400 Words to Make Your Writing More Colorful
Example sentences using adjectives, common endings for adjectives, list of adverbs in english, example sentences using adverbs, a final word on descriptive words list, what are some good descriptive words, what words describe movement.
Descriptive words take writing from boring to engaging. Consider this sentence:
- She swam across the water.
While this tells you what is happening, it has little to help you imagine the scene. If you add some adjectives and adverbs and transform the statement to this:
- She swam speedily across the choppy water.
Now you have a better picture of what happened. In order to transform your writing in this way, you need a number of descriptive words at the ready, and this list of descriptive words will help.
List of Descriptive Adjectives in English
Adjectives are the most common type of descriptive words, so first we will look at these. These words describe features like shape, texture, color, and size. They help differentiate between items in a group by calling out distinguishing features.
In English grammar, you can use the following to describe nouns and pronouns:
- Adventurous
- Accomplished
- Comfortable
- Embellished
- Enthusiastic
- Everlasting
- Fashionable
- Intelligent
- Quarrelsome
- Querulous
- Questionable
- Thoughtless
- Uninterested
This list is not exhaustive, and there are many synonyms and other words that could be added. In addition, all colors are considered adjectives and describing words . Nationalities, like American or English, can also fit this list.
As you work on creating descriptive writing, get used to using these and similar words. You might also find our list of pronouns useful.
To better understand how adjectives look in sentences, consider these examples:
- The fuzzy red fox jumped over the tall fence. (red, tall)
- We like to visit the beautiful forest (beautiful)
- The garden shed feels damp this morning. (garden, damp)
- The trip to Disney World was magical. (Magical)
- The beautiful bird sat on the rough branch and sang. (beautiful, rough)
- The woman is short, but her husband is tall. (short, tall)
- I prefer cold climates. (cold)
- The luxurious hotel included soft robes for each guest. (luxurious, soft, each)
Because listing all adjectives in the English language is impossible, knowing their endings is helpful, especially for ESL language learners. Some of the common endings for adjectives include:
If you see a word ending in one of these, and you know it isn’t a noun, chances are high it is an adjective.
The English language also uses adverbs to describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. These descriptive words show intensity, number, and extent. They often end in -ly.
- Accidentally
- Aggressively
- Apathetically
- Assertively
- Astronomically
- Beautifully
- Begrudgingly
- Blearily
- Deceivingly
- Deliberately
- Differently
- Dramatically
- Emotionally
- Exceptionally
- Frightfully
- Frenetically
- Frivolously
- Hysterically
- Inquisitively
- Intelligently
- Impressively
- Ludicrously
- Methodically
- Mysteriously
- Neglectfully
- Obnoxiously
- Occasionally
- Pointlessly
- Significantly
- Splendidly
- Substantially
- Technically
- Unexpectedly
- Victoriously
- Vitally
- Vivaciously
- Voluntarily
Again, this is not an exhaustive list. As you learn to identify adverbs or use them in your writing, look for words that describe verbs and other descriptive words that end in -ly.
Editing tip: Sometimes adverbs can also serve as filler words that you can remove or use to slow down or speed up a piece.
To better understand how adverbs show up in sentences as descriptive words, consider these examples:
- The electric car drove so quietly we didn’t hear it coming. (so, quietly)
- My dog barked angrily at the intruder. (angrily)
- The girls sang beautifully. (beautifully)
- He swam across the pool quickly. (quickly)
- The box is surprisingly heavy for its size. (surprisingly)
- The toddler walked very carefully across the slippery floor. (very, carefully)
- Language learning is incredibly easy for some students, and incredibly hard for others (incredibly)
As you learn how to become a better writer , descriptive language is a big part of the picture. Adjectives and adverbs are the parts of speech that allow you to describe other things vividly. While you can overuse them, they can add color and interest to your writing when used well.
Keep this list of descriptive words handy. When you have a need, pull it out and find one that fits your writing. Whether you’re writing a sentence, a short story, or an entire novel, you’ll find it easier to get descriptive when you have these words on hand.
Check Like this? Check out our list of sensory words .
FAQs on Descriptive Words List
Descriptive words are words that make something easier to identify by describing its characteristics. Some good words that fit this include: Bright Adventurous Jovial Charming Peaceful
Some descriptive words describe the movement of an object. These include: Swiftly Fluidly Gracefully Smoothly Disjointedly
Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006. She specializes in education content and real estate writing but enjoys a wide gamut of topics. Her goal is to connect with the reader in an engaging, but informative way. Her work has been featured on USA Today, and she ghostwrites for many high-profile companies. As a former teacher, she is passionate about both research and grammar, giving her clients the quality they demand in today's online marketing world.
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500 Descriptive Words To Improve Your Writing
These descriptive words will help improve your writing. All these describing words are from my own personal notes. I’m an avid, and active, reader, and over the last couple of years I’ve jotted down the descriptive words that I pop out to me.
This list of descriptive words for writing was born from a desire to become enhance my vocabulary and become a better storyteller, and writer. Three things I care a lot about – just a fun fact about me .
I’ve learned over time – and with many failures – that working with describing words on a page is akin to a potter at the molding wheel. And as writers, we use them to slowly shape our stories whether it’s writing about driving around the world or inspiring people to create their own list of bucket list ideas .
The list is separated by parts of speech ; You’ll find a list of adjectives, descriptive phrases, action verbs, and more.
At the end are some phrases I like, that I have read here or there over the years. Make sure to check out our list of descriptive adjectives as well.
I hope you use this list of descriptive words , and phrases and garner inspiration to enhance your tales.
500 Describing Words to Improve Your Writing
“This is one of the best resources I’ve come across in a long time…”
Get our Descriptive Word Cheat Sheet for FREE . You’ll get immediate access to our PDF cheat sheet of Descriptive Words. A resource you won’t find elsewhere. Perfect for papers, writing and resumes!
1 – although.
“he was making headway, albeit rather slowly.”
1 – very typical of a certain kind of person or thing.
“the archetypal country doctor”
1 – without purpose or direction.
“Don’t live an aimless life.”
1 – To face or endure danger or pain; showing courage.
The brave healthcare workers are putting their life on the line.
1 – perplexed and confused; very puzzled.
“I had a bewildered look on my face”
1 – giving out or reflecting a lot of light; shining.
The sun was bright in his eyes.
2 – vivid and bold color.
The grass in Ireland is bright green.
1 – Bright or Radiant.
The brilliant light was blinding.
1 – Clever or Smart
He was a brilliant student. He always chose to use the right word.
1 – unlimited, infinite, or immense.
The boundless energy of the kid wore me out.
1 – socially unconventional in a way regarded as characteristic of creative
Running this travel blog has led me to live a boho life.
2 – woman’s fashion aesthetic is characterized by flowing print fabrics, layers of clothing, and costume jewelry such as long strings of beads, dangling earrings, and multiple bangles.
she went for the boho look in a floor-length green dress teamed with a fringed jacket and chandelier earrings.
1 – hurt by repeated blows or punishment.
he finished the day battered and bruised.
2 – damaged by age or used repeatedly.
I finished the day battered and bruised.
1 – a taste sensation that is peculiarly sharp or acrid.
The bitter fruit tasted terrible.
1 – lacking due thought or consideration
Zack Morris showed a blithe disregard for the rules.
2 – Happy or Lighthearted Character
Want to watch a blithe romantic comedy?
1 – having a blue tinge; somewhat blue.
The bluish tint of the water was stylish.
1 – Lost in deep sadness of thought.
The kid was brooding that his parents wouldn’t buy the toy.
1 – having the characteristic of a baby.
He acted babyish when he lost the game.
1 – not fake; or counterfeit
This is a bona fide masterpiece.
1 – lose or hanging.
My eyes are baggy after a red-eye flight.
1 – loved very dearly.
The teacher was beloved by his students.
1 – a low murmuring or humming sound.
The buzzing bee flew across the park.
1 – strong, or strongly built.
The burly bear was intimidating.
1 – having a lot of bounce.
The trampoline was extra bouncy.
2 – confident or having a jaunty rhythm.
The man was bouncy and full of life.
1 – very apt to stay afloat.
The pool floaty was extremely buoyant.
2 – cheerful.
The buoyant salesman was very charming.
1 – lacking plants or life.
The bleak desert was barren.
2 – Cold and Miserable Outlook.
After his divorce, he had a bleak outlook on life.
1 – expressing or marked by earnest entreaty or pleading.
The beseeching peasant feared for his life.
1 – having the taste of butter.
The buttery bread warmed the soul.
1 – having feelings or actions control or remaining calm.
Even though he was afraid he remained composed.
1 – caverns in either size, shape, or atmosphere.
The cavernous mansion stood empty.
2 – Giving the impression of dark and vast.
The cavernous eyes.
1 – a series of columns set at specific intervals, and supporting a roof.
The ancient marble colonnades are just one reason to explore the best islands in Greece .
1 – free from worry or anxiety.
he was a carefree soul.
1 – having a rough texture; large grains.
The treated wood was coarse.
1 – anxious to protect or avoid potential danger or mishaps.
he was careful not to get into trouble.
1 – making or liable to make a harsh, high-pitched sound when being moved or when pressure or weight is applied.
“I climbed the creaky stairs”
1 – dirt free, unmarked, or have been washed.
the room was clean.
1 – having a wavy outline
The crenelated coast when backpacking Thailand is breathtaking. ..
1 – covered by clouds.
It was too cloudy to go hiking.
1 – present from birth.
“a congenital defect of the heart.”
1 – a striking array of colors.
The colorful painting lit up the room.
1 – rude language.
They didn’t allow the colorful speech to get past the sensors.
1 – Happy / Sprightly
He was chipper after getting married in Sweden .
1 – rude shortness
The curt manager’s comments angered the waiter.
1 – confused
The chef was confounded by the dinner tickets.
1 – continuing occurrence
I suffer from chronic indigestion.
2 – present and encountered.
Chronic meddling always causes problems.
1 – relating to the community / Collective ownership.
The communal garden gives us great vegetables every year.
1 – huge in size, power, or stupendous.
The colossal rocks blocked the dusty path.
1 – pleasing
Chicago food has some of the most delectable meals I’ve ever had.
1 – delicate
The dainty glass broke from the fall.
2 – tasty
The dainty sandwich was filling.
1 – untidy in appearance
Boys often have a disheveled room.
1 – devoted to a cause or purpose
Star Wars has dedicated fans.
2 – given a purpose
He has a dedicated server to protect his data.
1 – awarded or received marks of honor.
He was decorated with a medal for winning the race.
2 – furnished with something ornamental
A hallmark of the parade are the decorated floats.
1 – chosen but not yet installed
the ambassador designates the future assignments.
He has a designated server to protect his data.
1 – bright, brilliant, or showy, colorful, and impressive.
The dazzling fireworks were the highlight of the festival.
1 – eating food quickly.
The Lion is a devouring beast.
2 – destructively consuming/absorbing
Don’t let devouring loneliness defeat you.
1 – below / far from the surface
His joy was buried deep below the surface of an ocean of swirling emotions.
Deep-Pocketed
1- Having a great deal of money; being wealthy.
The deep-pocketed businessman donated a large sum of money to the charity.
Disagreeable
1- Having a disposition that is not pleasant or agreeable; disagreeable behavior or remarks.
“I’m sorry I was so disagreeable earlier. I had a really bad day.”
DILAPIDATED
1 – fallen into decay or deteriorated
The dilapidated home needed an intense amount of love and care.
1 – serving for ornamental decoration.
The decorative replica was made to be displayed. And invoked a strong emotion.
1 – moving from the common direction.
Do follow the popular path. Instead, go into the unknown, and discover your divergent path.
Compassionate
1 – Showing concern and sympathy for others, especially those in distress.
When I saw the homeless man on the side of the road, I felt compassion for him and wished I could help him.
Entertaining
1 – A movie that is enjoyable and amusing.
The new comedy starring Melissa McCarthy was very entertaining.
1 – hard to pin down, identify, or isolate.
They knew the elusive thief lurked nearby.
1 – enthusiastic joy
They were exuberant about their upcoming trip to some of the most beautiful places in the world .
1 – vertical position
Few erect columns were peppered throughout the temple ruins.
1 – having the ability to expand.
The expansive landscape is seemingly never-ending.
1 – deriving style, ideas, and taste from a wide range of sources.
The eclectic mix of opinions caused an argument.
EXASPERATING
1 – cause a strong feeling of annoyance
The planes exasperating delay made everyone late.
1 – fully detailed or well planned.
The elaborate design of Bangkok’s royal palace is breathtaking.
1 – uttered, or emphasizing on.
The emphatic refusal helped them close the deal.
1 – productive / desired effects.
The efficient writer finished before the deadline.
2 – being involved or an immediate agent.
The efficient action helped make a change.
EVER-DEEPENING
1 – go deeper
He had an ever-deepening love for sports.
1 – thorough / all possibilities
The exhaustive to-do list was intimidating.
1 – seemingly without end
The endless forest instilled a mood of tranquility.
EXTRAVAGANT
1 – exceeding normal limits or excessively elaborate
The extravagant building is grand.
2 – extremely high in price
The extravagant purchase maxed out his credit card purchase.
1 – elegance
The elegant clothes belonged to the king.
1 – relating to or named after
The eponymous landscape outside Dingle is one of the best places to visit in Ireland .
1 – relating to a celebration, festival , or feast.
The festive dinner got a little out of hand.
1 – tinged with red in the face, from shame, heat, or physical exertion.
Caught in a lie, his face became flushed with embarrassment.
1 – very hot or passionate desire.
I have a fervent desire to explore the world.
FAST-MOVING
1 – moving quickly
The fast-moving current washed away our supplies.
FANTASTICAL
1 – based on fantasy
Game of Thrones takes place in a fantastical world, filled with dragons, and magic.
1 – unrestrained violence or brutality
The ferocious lion hunted his prey.
1 – having to do with the burial.
They found treasure in the Pharaoh’s funerary chamber.
1 – focused on something.
The dog was fixated on the squirrel.
1 – loving having fun.
The fun-loving locals love putting on their annual festival.
1 – covered with grass
The grassy knolls are stunning.
1 – a large number of
He had charm galore.
1 – repulsion, or inspiring horror.
The movie was too gruesome for me.
1 – possessing glory
When backpacking New Zealand you see glorious landscapes.
Good-Looking
1 – Very good-looking, or beautiful. Can be used to describe people, things, or places. For example, “She is a glorious sight in that dress.”
1 – painful or distressing
It was a harrowing adventure filled with an unexpected twists, turns, and sacrifices.
1 – an unrestrained expression
I was greeted with a hearty welcome.
2 – wholesome or substantial
I enjoyed the hearty meal.
1 – relating to an herb
Those herbaceous florae were savory.
1 – alone
He was isolated during the exam.
INTOLERABLE
1 – not tolerable or unbearable
The intolerable noise kept me up all night.
1 – picturesque or pleasing
The idyllic Irish landscapes are some of the best in Europe.
1 – great in size or degree
Our immense Universe is without limits.
1 – extreme degree
The intense amount of work was overbearing.
1 – irk or tedious
Sometimes we all have to do Irksome tasks.
1 – prone to act, acting momentarily
To lose weight sometimes we have to deny our impulses for bad food.
1 – tempting
The inviting meal made my mouth water.
1 – existing in, or belonging to
The innate behavior of a child was to cause trouble.
1 – memorable or cannot be washed away or erased.
The indelible landscape means there are hundreds of places to visit in the United States .
INFURIATING
1 – the feeling of extreme anger.
The infuriating delay at the airport made him miss his flight.
1 – spotless / extremely clean
Singapore is an immaculately clean country.
2 – having no flaw
The glass in Venice is immaculate.
1 – having many complex parts
Mona Lisa is an intricate painting. Making it the most famous in the world.
1 – belonging to the inside,
I great battles happen inside the interior of our minds.
1 – sprightly
he took a jaunty stroll through the park.
1 – having a disorienting effect
The jarring truth is that dreams without goals, remain dreams.
1 – ready, or in favor of
I am keen to go to the bar.
2 – sensitive perception
He had a keen nose.
1 – having lungs
The lunged fish swan in the pond.
1 – transparent or clear; Glasslike
The limpid waters in Thailand or famed around the world.
1 – expending or bestowing excess
The lavish palace of Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris .
1 – outlandish, or eccentric
Some ludicrous movies aren’t bad.
1 – filled with desire or lust
She was filled with lascivious thoughts.
1 – lack of interest, or energy
His listless attitude held him back in life.
1 – sad or lonely
Ah, the lonesome road, has many trails, but many rewards.
1 – highly significant, outstanding
The monumental task can be accomplished by taking little steps every day.
1 – expressing sadness
A melancholy nature will keep you stuck.
MERITORIOUS
1 – deserving reward or praise.
A meritorious life of service.
1 – intrusive or getting involved in
The meddlesome raccoon knocked over the trash can.
1 – Huge, exceedingly large
Many of the mammoth caves in the United States are worth visiting.
1 – existing today
Many modern-day advances give our lives ease.
1 – inferior in size or degree
The minor problems in life or nothing to sweat over – life is too short .
1 – covered by mist.
The heavy air of the misty morning endowed the park with an eerie coolness.
1 – covered by mystery
The monk has a mysterious nature.
OUT-OF-PLACE
1 – not where it should be
The restaurant felt out of place.
1 – elaborate or excessively decorated
The ornate .ruins draw in visitors.
OUTSTANDING
1 – standing out
His outstanding skills put him in line for a promotion.
2 – unpaid
Outstanding bills can be stressful.
1 – lack of sharpness
His obtuse answer made no sense.
1 – lacking remembrance, or memory
Don’t be oblivious to the opportunities that life presents you.
1 – wealth, abundance
The opulent hotel is worth the price tag.
1 – characteristic of a person
His hot temper was peculiar.
2 – different from the normal
The book had a particular plot twist in the book.
1 – not spoiled, or corrupted
The pristine beaches had soft sand.
2 – earliest state
The pristine state of the forest
1 – a sense of peace
The peaceful forest instilled a peace of tranquility.
1 – argumentative quarrelsome
He has a pugnacious nature.
1 – mental and emotional state of fear
Don’t panic. Breathe and slow down.
1 – able to be passed
The currents were passable during the low tide.
1 – turning, a pivot
Taking my first trip to Ireland was a pivotal moment in my life.
1 – critical
It was a pivotal piece of the puzzle.
1 – polishing, smooth, glossy
Polish your writing before publishing the piece.
1 – by or in itself
That’s not the facts per se, but valuable to know.
1 – notably luxurious or rich
His plush life made him soft.
1 – elevated or arrogant
The pompous rhetoric is hurtful.
2- exhibiting an air of self-importance.
The pompous politician lost sight of his vision.
1 – extreme or severe
After rigorous training, he was ready to test himself.
Sidesplitting
1 – When something is so funny that it causes one’s sides to split, it is side-splitting.
My mom’s joke was sidesplittingly funny.
1 – like thunder
The thunderous roar of the waves beating along the coast.
DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: ACTION and Strong VERBS
These are some of the best words. They are great when wanting to show a clear meaning of a sentence or improve a short story.
1- regard something as being caused by.
I attribute my grammar skill to how many questions I ask.
1 – provide clear evidence; declare that something exist.
I attest that life is good
1 – make minor changes.
I had to amend your application before sending it in.
1 – regard (an object, quality, or person) with respect or warm approval.
I admire your commitment to learning the English Language.
1 – praise enthusiastically
I acclaimed actor won the best actor for his deep performance.
1 – achieve or complete successfully.
I accomplish my goals.
1 – increase in sound
They amplify the sound at the concert.
2 – make copies of something
The notes amplify that new evidence. ..
1 – change, or make changes too
They altered the rules of the game.
1 – (of a problem, opportunity, or situation) emerge; become apparent.
“a string of new difficulties have arisen “
2 – get or stand up.
“he arose at 5:30 to work out.”
1 – to clear out or save (Usually water from a boat)
They bailed him out of trouble.
1 – talk enthusiastically for a long time
Just one of the many fun facts about me . Sometimes I like to babble about travel.
1 – to set upon
We were beset with locals trying to make a sale.
2 – to set with ornaments
The roses are beset with thrones.
1 – fail to give a true notion or impression of (something); disguise or contradict.
I newspaper story belied the facts.
2 – fail to fulfill or justify (a claim or expectation); betray.
The notebooks belie Darwin’s later recollection.
1 – hit repeatedly with blows.
He battered the broken car.
1 – become perplexed.
I was bewildered by the lack of work the team had done.
1 – bend the head or upper part of the body as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame.
It is common to bow in Asia.
2 – play (a stringed instrument or music) using a bow.
The techniques by which the pieces were bowed.
1 – think deeply about something that makes the person unhappy.
He brooded over his bad day.
1 – encourage or help
I need to boost my spirits.
2 – push from below
She needs to boost to master the English Language.
1 – cast a spell or enchant.
I was bewitched by the lush landscape.
1 – low murmuring or humming sound.
Flies buzz when they fly.
1 – lock with a bar that slides into a socket.
He bolted the door for protection.
2 – ran away quickly.
He bolted down the street.
1 – strike hard.
He bashed the wall in anger.
2 – criticize.
He bashed the smoking industry.
1 – break or burst
They bust the water balloon.
2 – lose something
He went bust at the poker table…
1 – squeeze together
Compress the laptop’s file to save space.
1 – to bring to an end.
The summit concluded with world peace.
2 – to reach a logical end or decision.
The magazine concludes that Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world .
He concluded his college application with a question.
1 – unmarked, free dirt
He cleaned the room every other week.
1 – fall or hang in copious or luxuriant quantities.
“the cool water cascading down the waterfall.”
1 – decrease in size, number, or range.
“glass contracts as it cools.”
2 – become shorter and tighter to affect the movement of part of the body.
“The heart is a muscle that contracts about seventy times a minute”
1 – wind into rings
The sailor coiled the rope.
1 – to cover something
Massive trees canopied the small island.
1 – to form short bends or ripples / Wrinkle
Don’t crinkle my shirt.
2 – a think crackling sound
The crinkling bag woke up the dog.
1 – chuckle or laugh
He chortled with amusement.
2 – sing or chant
She chortled in her happiness.
1 – broken into small parts.
The Greek Islands are filled with crumbling ruins.
1 – beg or sponge
He cadges for a free cup of coffee.
1 – sharp, quick, repeated noises
The crackling fire.
1 – to dig and bring to light.
Don’t dredge up those painful memories.
1 – travel somewhere in a hurry
I dashed through the forest.
2 – strike, or destroy
The ship was dashed upon the rocks.
She dashed his spirits.
1 – cause (someone) to feel consternation and distress.
A deep feeling of dismay overtook the room.
1 – greatly astonish or amaze
I’m often dumbfounded after watching the task force meetings.
1 – eat / destroy / adsorb quickly
I want to devour the big meal.
2 – read eagerly
Amy always devours a good book.
1 – make (someone’s) clothes or hair messy.
Boris Johnson disheveled his hair before being on camera.
1 – to lessen the courage of
A lesser man would be daunted by this challenge.
1 – to set apart for a purpose. to distinguish as a class
We designate this room as the class lab.
2 – to point out a location
A marker designating where the trial starts.
1 – to feel aversion to (Offend)
His distaste for the joke was apparent.
1 – to dig
Suspicion led him to delve into his wife’s bag.
1 – to search for information
He delved into the past to find the problem.
1 – to get carried along (by water, air, etc)
The windy drift pushed the hot air balloon to the west.
1 – a pile of something in heaps
Snow drifts covered the landscape.
1 – to stray or move from a principle, standard, or topic.
Don’t deviate from your goals. Stayed focused even when life is tough.
1 – to cause annoyance or irritation
I hope you’re not exasperated by this list of descriptive words.
1 – Set up / to fix/put together in an upright position
The father and son erected the tree house.
1 – to become known,
Jane emerged from her travels a most well-rounded person.
1 – To make it ornamental or make it more attractive.
Frank embellished his life story to impress his date.
1 – to furnish / to provide with
I’m endowed with a good sense of humor .
1 – allure or tempt
He was enticed by the smell of the chocolate.
1 – eliminate by wearing away surface
The rocks are effaced by wear and tear.
1 – rot slowly
Don’t let your anger fester about your tough English test.
1 – steal secretly
He filches the cookie from the jar.
1 – give a false appearance
The company feigned how bad his leg hurt.
1 – containing frescoes
The frescoed walls of the chapel inspired my love of art.
1 – to pass quickly or shift
The chortling birds flitted around the forest.
1 – to flow in an irregular current
The stream gurgling stream swept over the rocks.
2 – ta gurgling sound
The gurgling stream blocked the path.
1 – to gather,
Tim garnered his courage before presenting his essay to his teachers.
1 – move quickly
He hastened his journey home.
1 – lift or raise by tackle
Hoist the flag.
1 – lift or raise or pull
He heaved the trunk onto the oak table.
1 – a harmful or disquieting occurrence
The past mistakes haunted him.
2 – to visit often to seek the company of
I spend a lot of time haunting the bookstore.
1 – cross one with another.
The intertwined vines were impassable.
1 – place a body in a tomb or grave
The king was interred with all the honor due him.
1 – weave.
It’s dangerous to interweave lies and the truth.
1 – to make, irritated, or weary
He was irked trying to learn all the English grammar rules.
1 – endow or influence
He imbued the spirit of the old times.
INTERSPERSE
1 – spaced in intervals
The interspersed paintings covered the east wing.
1 – sharp uneven surface
The jagged mountains dotted the horizon.
1 – come into contact or pushing
The jostling crowd flooded to the door.
2 – vying for a position.
The workers began to jostle for the new job.
1 – expend or bestow
His lavish habits cost him a lot of money.
1 – slow parting
The effects lingered long after it was over.
1 – take a large shape or an impending occurrence
The teacher loomed over the student to make sure he wasn’t cheating.
1 – an area to stop
Lay-by the dock the ship tied up.
1 – utter barely audible sounds in a low voice.
He muttered to himself about his workload.
1 – hypnotizing
The mesmerizing beauty of the best islands in Croatia is not easily forgotten.
1 – settle snugly
A small town nestled among the mountains.
1 – grab or catch
He nabbed the best spot in the class for the English lesson .
1 – a slow trickle, to seep out of something
The oozing gunk stained the floor.
1 – exiled
He was ostracized after his betrayal was made public.
1 – to peer through / to look furtively.
Don’t peek around the corner.
1 – to go deep into, or thrust into something.
I plunged into the task of self-development.
1 – landscape with a level surface, and little change
He wandered the plateau looking for his lost wallet.
1 – search for information.
His friend probed him with questions about the girl.
1 – sprinkled throughout
The olive trees peppered the Greek countryside.
1 – work laboriously
The book plodded along slowly.
1 – soaked in
The city was steeped in charm.
1 – a loud sharp noise
He shirked when he thought he saw a ghost.
1 – to spread without restraint
The sprawling landscape of the desert is one of the best things to do in Tucson .
1 – fill with things or with satiety
He was stuffed after Thanksgiving dinner.
1 – feeling to do something (usually wrong)
He was tempted to eat the candy.
DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: LIST OF ADVERBS
1 – Suddenly or Unexpectedly.
The car stopped abruptly.
2 – In a rude manner.
His mom abruptly cut him off.
3 – Steep
The hill ascends abruptly.
Apathetically
1- Without enthusiasm or interest.
She played with the dog apathetically, barely looking at it.
ADDITIONALLY
1 – extra factor or circumstance.
brokers finance themselves additionally by short-term borrowing.
2 – used to introduce a new fact or argument.
Additionally, the regulations require a clean environment.
ALTERNATELY
1 – one after the other or next
Alternately, don’t give up when things get hard.
Begrudgingly
begrudgingly (adverb) – unwillingly; reluctantly
I begrudgingly gave him my number.
Deliberately
1- done or planned with care and intention
The mother deliberately left the child in the car while she went into the store.
Dramatically
1. in a dramatic manner
The actress dramatically read the lines from the script.
EFFECTIVELY
1 – being effective or in effect
John effectively finished his to-do list before stopping for the day.
1 – evident or provide evidence
He was evidently born in Ohio.
1 – expert in something
He expertly navigated his way through the maze of alleyways.
Extraordinary
1 – strikingly unusual or different; remarkable
This painting is extraordinary!
FURTHERMORE
1 – what precedes
Furthermore, people should travel more.
1 – a gloomy or somber
He grimly walked to see his boos.
1 – a sinister character
The dark figure had a grimly stance that shadows seemed to cling to.
Inquisitively
1- Inquisitively is defined as in a curious or questioning manner.
Looking inquisitively at someone means looking at them in a way that suggests you want to know more about them. For example, you may be staring intently at their face as if you are trying to read their thoughts.
Intelligently
1 – In an intelligent way
The mother cat was intelligently trying to get her kitten out from under the car.
1 – to a great degree
The immensely talented writer self-published his book.
INTENTIONALLY
1 – intentional manner or awareness
He intentionally arrived at the airport early.
1 – intense
He intensely focused on the problem at hand.
IMPULSIVELY
1 – from impulse
He impulsively got up early every morning.
He invitingly offered me a free drink.
INFURIATINGLY
1 – extreme anger
Moving to my wife in Sweden is an infuriatingly slow process.
1 – born or existing in.
He innately loved filling his head with quotes about adventure.
1 – lasting or unforgettable cannot be removed.
The indelibly hued landscape when backpacking Italy changed my life.
INTRICATELY
1 – complex with many parts
The intricately designed plot has levels of detail.
1 – eager or intense
They are keenly attuned to your bad behavior.
1 – clear; glassiness
The limpidly rushing water of the cascading waterfall.
LUDICROUSLY
1 – meriting laughter or exaggeration
He ludicrously lost his wallet.
Synonym for Richly or Grandly
1 – marked by excess
The lavishly decorated crown marked him as king.
Methodically
1 – In a precise and orderly way.
The scientist methodically recorded the data.
MONUMENTALLY
1 – large, or to an extreme degree
He monumentally failed in his task.
1 – without doubt
The claims were patently false.
1 – peace or tranquility
he peacefully listened to the sounds of birds singing outside his window.
1 – strict
He rigorously worked at his craft every day.
ROMANTICALLY
1 – romantic
He was romantically involved with her.
DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: NOUNS
1 – the process of absorbing.
The absorption of the spilled water.
2 – The whole occupation of the mind.
The absorption of my work overtakes every other desire.
1 – strong desire to do or to achieve something which takes hard work.
People trying to improve their skills with this list of descriptive words for writing have a lot of ambition.
2 – determination to achieve success.
life offers many opportunities for those with ambition.
1 – a large quantity of something.
I have an abundance of ambition.
2 – The condition of having a copious quantity of something; bountifulness.
The vineyard has an abundance of grapes.
1 – a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime.
“He’s a wine aficionado.”
1 – a dark volcanic rock that displays a columnar structure and is made of fine-grained.
The fertile soil was made of decomposed basalt.
1 – something of monstrous size
That’s a behemoth-sized lion.
1 – a person who is socially unconventional in a way regarded as characteristic of creative artists; a bohemian.
The town bohos opened an art gallery.
1 – an increase
A boost in the economy.
1 – a room or pantry used for storing wine or hard liquor.
Can you grab the wine out of the buttery?
1 – a beer that has a strong hop taste; or liquor with the sharp taste of plant extracts.
What bitters do you have on tap?
1 – a combination of qualities of color, such as shape, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.
“I was struck by her beauty .”
Synonym for Rock or Stone
1 – a large rock, mostly worn smooth by years of erosion.
The boulder blocked the path.
1 – move quickly.
He buzzed through these descriptive words.
1 – Irish name for a beehive hut.
The ruins of a clochán sat on the other side of the field.
1 – a written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.
“both parties must sign employment contracts “
1 – a mass of something that falls or hangs in copious or luxuriant quantities.
“A cascade of pink bougainvillea.”
2 – a large number or amount of something occurring or arriving in rapid succession.
“a cascade of antiwar literature”
1 – an ornamental decoration at the ridge of a roof or top of a wall or screen.
High on the roof was a cresting decoration.
1 – Someone who chips
The chipper was hard at working cutting down the tree.
1 – one delegated by a superior to execute a duty or an office
The commissary was tasked with finding a cure.
1 – a series of loops
The coil of pumps was confusing.
2 – everyday troubles
Sometimes we all need to shrug off the coils of the workday.
1 – any of an order (Coniferales) of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs having usually needle-shaped or scalelike leaves like pine, cones, and arillate fruit.
The group of conifer trees took over the forest.
1 – to create
Christians believe in the creation story.
1 – an agreement or promise / attached to someone or something
I have a commitment to my wife.
1 – a cover carried above by a person of rank / or a cloth suspended
The canopy covered the diners on the patio.
1 – a heap of stones in a heap. Usually a landmark or memorial. Typically on a hilltop or skyline.
The stony cairn marked the way back.
Characteristics
1- Colorful Having many different colors. The sunset was so colorful.
Loyalty is one of his best characteristics
1 – something to eat considered rare and luxurious
What is your favorite delicacy in Italy?
2 – the quality or state of being dainty of someone or something
Spiderwebs have a delicacy.
1 – to flow along
To drift through life is sad.
2 – an underlying meaning or design.
The spy understood the drift of his orders.
1 – dislike food or drink
Many have a distaste for mushrooms.
1 – representation in images or describing words depicting something or someone.
The depiction of the movie wasn’t congruent with the book.
1 – a deep place or state of being
The depths of our abilities remain unknown until we push for greatness.
1 – an arrangement, or state of being engaged
Social engagement took most of my day.
1 – a massive structure
The social edifice holds together certain rules.
plural noun
1 – city districts / or surroundings in your space or vicinity
The crystal environs of the waterfalls.
1 – a public showcase
The art exhibition was a success.
1 – a high position of superiority, Commanding or in a profession.
His eminence in the film made him a legend.
1 – refined taste, dignified gracefulness
The novel had an air of elegance and wit.
EXASPERATION
1 – a state of exasperated or exasperating someone/feeling irritation
He was exasperated after working all day.
1 – the act of representing a medium
I don’t understand the expression that artists are trying to achieve.
FOCAL POINT
1 – point of attention.
The focal point of this blog post is describing words that help others master descriptive writing .
1 – an embarrassing mistake or error.
Interpreting someone is considered a social faux pas.
1 – the front of the building
The store’s facade was highly decorated.
1 – a false, or fake appearance
His friends saw through his thinly veiled facade.
A love this descriptive word.
1 – a boisterous and loud burst of laughter.
The joke caused a guffaw in the room.
1 – enthusiastic and filled with joy.
1 – a gloomy or somber outlook
He had a grim disposition on life.
The grim tale left me afraid.
1 – the quality or current state
The grandeur of ancient Rome inspired our world.
1 – grand
Many of the best places to visit in Europe are grand in design, scope, and scale.
1 – strong wind
The gust of wind caused the bike to tip over.
1 – an outburst of feeling
He had a gust of energy that came with the good news.
1 – either side of an arch.
The dog loves to have his back haunches scratched.
1 – a great number
A host of ants took over the picnic.
1 – something to indicate
He gave the indication that he was going to travel this summer.
1 – a stage or exception
In this instance, we all need to be quiet.
2 – example
For instance, pasta tastes better in Italy.
1 – inside limits or inner constitution
Travelers loved the lavish interior of the modern-day art gallery.
1 – limestone land or limestone plateau
The karst lands were filled with sinkholes and caverns.
1 – a plant organism made up of alge
Working the lichen spotted lake held a natural charm rarely found.
1 – machine for interlacing
Working the loom is hard and painful.
1 – soil made of silt, sand, and clay.
The loam ground was hard to walk.
LAUNDERETTE
1 – a self-service laundry
The launderette was packed with others.
1 – causing wonder and astonishment
Abu Simbel, in Egypt, is a marvel to behold.
1 – a great number of
This myriad list of descriptive words is very helpful – like our list of descriptive words for personality -.
1 – middle of the day
The midday meal made him want a nap.
1 – a single massive stone in a column or obelisk
Monoliths pepper the old landscape.
1 – a single massive stone in a column or obelisk from prehistoric origin.
The Menhir’s of Stonehenge tower over all who stand before it.
METROPOLITAN
1 – one who lives in a metropolis
The metropolitan knew the city backward and forwards.
1 – wealth and Abundance
The opulence of the Blue Mosque makes it one of the best things to do in Turkey .
1 – of an unusual size
The outsize bed wouldn’t fit.
1 – a dirty slovenly place
Clean up this pigpen of a room.
1 – the quality of excitement or attractive
He was charming and had a large amount of pizzazz.
1 – an earnest entreaty
They plead for another helping of mashed potatoes.
1 – a bar something is hung on
The bird sat on the perch.
1 – a medical instrument for exploring
The doctor used a probe to discover what was wrong.
1 – a person despised or rejected
The thief was treated as a pariah.
1 – chasing after
Our pursuits define our lives.
1 – contradictory phases or conclusions.
Life is full of many a paradox.
1 – state of fear
Don’t panic about your writing . Just learn more descriptive words that will improve your writing.
1 – a close inspection; under a microscope
His paper was under a lot of scrutiny.
1 – riot or commotion
Tumult uprisings are a big part of history.
2 – loud noise
a tumult of noise kept me from sleeping.
1 – tiles
The tiling walls were stunning.
DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: LIST OF PREPOSITIONS WITH DEFINITION
preposition
1 – surrounded by; in the middle of
He walked amid the rolling hills and lush landscape.
2 – in an atmosphere or against a background of.
Mid accusations of cheating the student were suspended.
DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: DESCRIPTIVE PHRASES
Here are a lot of describing words that I’ve picked up from various books, and blog posts. I fell in love with this word list. And are great for adding detail.
Pro tip: The describing words are all around you. Listen to how people use descriptive language in your favorite movies, tv shows, and podcast. Try to find describing words in the things you read. The lesson you are looking for and the right words are all around you! You just have to look for the lesson to find the best describing word.
ARID STEPPE
1 – one of the vast treeless tracts in Europe and Asia.
The arid steppe of Mongolia is famous around the world.
ATLANTIC SWELLS
1- Waves crashing on the coast.
The Atlantic swells crashed against the crenelated coast.
BROODING SUMMITS
1 – sad terrain, a phrase to describe mountain ranges.
The brooding summits, covered in clouds, look like a storm is coming.
BEHIND THE TIMES
1 – not aware of or using the latest ideas or techniques; out of date.
When it came to tech, he was behind the times.
CRYSTALLINE LAKES
1 – a good description to describe a still lake. Or a phrase lake on a nice day.
The crystalline lake boasted the perfect space to camp.
CRUMBLING CASTLES
1 – a castle falling apart.
Ireland’s peppered with crumbling castles.
CRESTING MOUNTAINS
1 – descriptive of a scenic mountain range.
The cresting mountains of New Zealand are unforgettable.
EVER- DEEPENING
1 – getting deeper
The ever-deepening snow made the terrain impassable.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The historical significance of Rome echoes even until today.
INFINITE HILLS
The infinite hills of New Zealand lure thousands of visitors a year. This is one of my favorite descriptive phrases.
ICY ROLLERS
1 – cold waves
The icy rollers of the Atlantic Ocean beat along the coast.
INDELIBLY WILD
The indelibly wild forest of Peru.
LUNAR-SCAPED
1 – landscape similar to that on the moon
The Lunar-scaped beaches on Milos, put it high on many travelers’ lists of Greek Islands to visit.
LONG-FORGOTTEN
The long-forgotten castle has centuries of neglect.
A great descriptive word for the forest!
1 – covered by moss
The moss-clad rocks sat along the stream.
MODERN HIGH-RISE SKYSCRAPERS
The hundreds of workers wasted their lives in modern high-rise skyscrapers.
Descriptive Words for Food
1 – having a pleasing smell
1 – having a brittle texture and a dry, brittle sound when broken
Crunchy
1 – having a brittle texture and a crisp, crackling sound when broken
1 – having a strong, satisfying flavor
1 – having a pleasing, sugary flavor
1 -having a sour, acidic taste
Salty
1 – having a salty, savory flavor
1 – not having a strong or distinctive flavor
1 – having a hot, pungent flavor
1 – having a lot of flavors
1 – something that tastes extremely good
1- providing the body with essential nutrients
1 – making someone want to eat something
Scrumptious
1 – extremely delicious and appetizing
1 – a sweet liquid produced by flowers and used as a drink or in cooking
1 – producing an excessive flow of saliva
1 – of or relating to the sense of taste
1 – arousing or tempting the appetite
1 – having an extremely pleasing taste
1 – delightfully beautiful or elegant
1 – extremely luxurious and expensive
Scintillating
1 – brilliantly sparkling
1 – strikingly unusual or different
1 – restoring or invigorating
1 – promoting good health
1 – energetically alive and vigorous
1 – pleasantly firm and fresh
1 -full of juice
1 – having a strong, distinctive taste
Mouth-watering
1- so delicious as to make the mouth water
1 – easily broken or chewed and having a delicate, pleasing texture
Descriptive Words for Trees
Words to describe trees is one of the most requested updates for this post. So I have updated the list with a bunch of tree descriptive words. I hope you enjoy it!
- massive
- towering
- gigantic
- enormous
Descriptive Words in Spanish
- ágil – agile
- bello – beautiful
- brillante – brilliant
- cálido – warm
- claro – clear
- colorido – colorful
- cortés – courteous
- curioso – curious
- dulce – sweet
- enérgico – energetic
- fresco – fresh
- gentil – gentle
- inteligente – intelligent
- joven – young
- ligero – light
- lindo – pretty
- maduro – mature
- maravilloso – marvelous
- nervioso – nervous
- optimista – optimistic
- pacífico – peaceful
- perezoso – lazy
- romántico – romantic
- sensible – sensible
- serio – serious
- simpático – likable
- triste – sad
- vibrante – vibrant
LIST OF DESCRIPTIVE ADJECTIVES
Here are some words to describe the positive qualities of people’s personalities. And using words like this to showcase a personality can connect those feeling with your readers.
affectionate – readily feeling or showing fondness or tenderness.
Agile – able to move quickly and easily.
Altruistic – showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish.
amiable – having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.
bright – giving out or reflecting much light; shining. – A very common descriptive phrase.
Bonza – excellent; first-rate.
charming – very pleasant or attractive.
Conscientious – wishing to do one’s work or duty well and thoroughly
imaginative – having or showing creativity or inventiveness.
List of Common Adjectives
These are great for common adjectives that can be used for anything from a descriptive phrase, descriptive writing, or a cover letter.
compassionate
distinguished
enthusiastic
fashionable
fascinating
independent
influential
intelligent
mesmerizing
WORD LIST OF ATTRIBUTIVE ADJECTIVES
What are attributive adjectives?
These are words to can be placed inside a sentence that can modify a person or a thing. These different adjective are only used before nouns.
Example Sentence: The tender steak made my mouth water.
Heart-stopping
Too-yummy-to-be-believed
Face-to-face vicious
adjective for thick vines
- coiling, twisting, writhing
- constricting
- claustrophobic
WORD LIST OF MULTIPLE ADJECTIVES
What are multiple adjectives?
Sometimes called paired adjectives. This is using more than one word to describe a noun.
Almost an adjective can be multiple adjectives if it can be paired together with other describing words to describe a noun. The key is to put them in the right order.
But here are some common ones.
Example Sentence: The thick, dense college application seemed daunting.
Smart, energetic
Small, round
Short, Fast
Pretty Little
WHAT ARE COORDINATE ADJECTIVES
Similar to paired adjectives, Coordinate adjectives
are two – or maybe even more – adjectives that describe the same noun. They are separated by a common.
LIST OF POSITIVE ADJECTIVES
Positive words are a great way to make your readers feel something about a character, place, or object. Positive words of descriptive are powerful.
Example: He was brave enough to use a new word to showcase his skill in front of the class.
Adventurous
Affectionate
Broadminded
Knowledgeable
Self-confident
Warmhearted
descriptive words starting with m
Magnificent.
impressively beautiful, elaborate or striking
Example: The view from the top of the mountain was simply magnificent.
given to unpredictable changes in mood or feelings
Example: He was in a moody state after his fight with his girlfriend.
Melancholic
feeling or expressing a deep sadness or gloominess
Example: The melancholic music helped me release my emotions.
Mischievous
Playful or causing trouble in a playful way Example: The mischievous child kept on playing pranks on his siblings.
difficult or impossible to understand or explain
Example: The disappearance of the man is still a mysterious case to this day.
having or showing impressive beauty or dignity
Example: The Taj Mahal is a majestic work of art.
having a smooth, rich, or full flavor or personality
Example: The mellow sound of the saxophone helped me relax.
relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past
Example: The modern technology we have today has made life easier.
Magnanimous
generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or less powerful person
Example: Despite losing the game, he still remained magnanimous and congratulated the winning team.
unassuming or moderate in size, quantity, or importance
Example: She is a modest person who never seeks attention.
Descriptive Words Starting With N
feeling or showing anxiety or worry.
Example: I’m nervous about my upcoming job interview.
having or showing high moral principles or ideals.
Example: He was a noble man who always put others before himself.
making a lot of sound, often in an unpleasant or disruptive way.
Example: The party next door was very noisy and kept us up all night.
existing or occurring as part of nature; not artificial or man-made.
Example: The park was a beautiful natural oasis in the middle of the city.
clean, orderly, and well-organized.
Example: His desk was always so neat and tidy.
pleasingly stylish or clever; neat or attractive.
Example: The nifty new gadget made my life easier.
quick and light in movement or action.
Example: The nimble cat easily caught the mouse.
feeling a sentimental longing for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
Example: Looking at old family photos made her feel nostalgic for her childhood.
providing nourishment or food that is essential for health and growth.
Example: The salad was full of nutritious vegetables and healthy fats.
worthy of attention or notice; remarkable.
Example: His notable achievements in the field of science made him a household name.
descriptive words of a leader and Leadership Skills
Here are some great descriptive words that are great for describing effective leaders, passionate leaders, and other leadership qualities.
Charismatic
Having a compelling charm or appeal that inspires devotion in others.
Example: His charismatic personality made him a great public speaker. And a successful leaders.
having or showing a powerful imagination and the ability to think about or plan the future with wisdom or foresight.
Example: Steve Jobs was a visionary who revolutionized the technology industry. And held many leadership roles throughout his life.
Feeling or showing self-assurance; having faith in oneself and one’s abilities.
Example: A confident leader can inspire confidence in others. Which makes him a true leader.
Settling an issue; producing a definite result.
Example: A decisive leader is able to make tough decisions when necessary.
Having the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
Example: An empathetic leader is able to connect with and inspire their team. Which makes them effective leaders.
Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.
Example: A strategic leader is able to plan and execute successful business strategies.
Inspirational
providing inspiration or motivation to others; uplifting and motivating.
Example: An inspirational leader can inspire their team to achieve great things. And allows him to be a true leader.
Trustworthy
deserving of trust or confidence; reliable.
Example: A trustworthy leader is one who can be relied upon to keep their promises.
able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Example: A resilient leader is able to bounce back from setbacks and continue to lead effectively.
having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance.
Example: A humble leader is able to put the needs of others ahead of their own and lead with integrity. And a true leader is humble, and it’s a sign of effective leadership.
MORE ENGLISH GRAMMAR QUESTIONS WERE ANSWERED!
What are the different kinds of adjectives.
There are several kinds of adjectives, including descriptive adjectives, limiting adjectives, proper adjectives, demonstrative adjectives, interrogative adjectives, and distributive adjectives.
Descriptive adjectives describe the qualities of a noun or pronoun, such as “blue,” “soft,” or “happy.”
Limiting adjectives limit the noun or pronoun by indicating a specific quantity or amount, such as “two,” “many,” or “few.”
Proper adjectives are formed from proper nouns and describe a particular noun or pronoun, such as “American,” “Italian,” or “Shakespearean.”
Demonstrative adjectives point out or indicate which noun or pronoun is being referred to, such as “this,” “that,” “these,” or “those.”
Interrogative adjectives are used to ask questions and include “which,” “what,” and “whose.”
Distributive adjectives refer to individual members of a group, such as “each,” “every,” “either,” or “neither.”
What are Negative Adjectives?
Negative adjectives are adjectives that describe something negatively, or with a negative connotation. And indicating that it lacks or has the opposite of a positive quality. They can be used talk about a personality trait, character trait, and change your writing style.
Examples of negative adjectives include “bad,” “ugly,” “harmful,” “horrible,” “unpleasant,” “unfortunate,” “unfriendly,” “unhappy,” “displeasing,” “unfair,” and “unsatisfactory.”
These adjectives can be used to express criticism, disapproval, or disappointment towards someone or something. Negative adjectives can also be used to contrast one thing with another, such as in phrases like “less beautiful,” “not as smart,” or “less effective.”
positive personality adjectives
- Affable – friendly, easy-going and pleasant to talk to
- Ambitious – determined to succeed and reach goals
- Assertive – confident and self-assured; able to stand up for oneself and one’s beliefs
- Authentic – genuine and true to oneself; not fake or artificial
- Benevolent – kind, caring and generous, with a desire to do good for others
- Brave – courageous, not afraid to face challenges or danger
- Charismatic – possessing a compelling charm or appeal that inspires devotion in others
- Compassionate – empathetic, caring and understanding towards others who are suffering
- Confident – having faith in oneself and one’s abilities; self-assured
- Creative – imaginative, original and innovative
- Diplomatic – able to handle delicate or difficult situations with tact and sensitivity
- Empathetic – having the ability to understand and share the feelings of others
- Enthusiastic – passionate, energetic and eager to do things
- Gracious – courteous, kind and polite
- Honest – truthful and sincere; not deceptive or deceitful
- Humorous – having a sense of humor and able to make others laugh
- Independent – self-sufficient and able to take care of oneself
- Intuitive – able to understand or know something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning
- Optimistic – hopeful and positive, expecting good outcomes and opportunities
- Passionate – having strong emotions and intense feelings towards something or someone.
WHAT IS A PRESENT PARTICIPLE?
A word formed from a verb that ends in ing.
Sentence: He couldn’t stop laughing.
What is a Pronoun?
Pronouns are words that replace a noun.
A word formed from a verb that ends in ing.
Sentence: He couldn’t stop laughing.
What is a Collective Noun?
A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of things or animals as a single unit. Some common collective nouns are flock, herd, pack, and swarm.
What is a Prepositional Phrase?
A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or a pronoun. The preposition shows the relationship between the noun or pronoun and the verb.
What are Some Popular Synonyms?
Some popular synonyms are beautiful, pretty, handsome, and stunning.
What are Transition Words
Transition words are used to connect ideas, show relationships between ideas, and indicate the logic of thought or argument. They are used to signal the start and end of paragraphs, introduce new paragraphs, and connect related thoughts within a paragraph.
There we go! Over 500 descriptive words that will help you improve your writing! This list is always being updated as I find new describing words I like through reading and writing. Becoming a good writer and increasing your skill , and learning a new word is an endless quest. These are great words that can improve your follow-up comments or inline feedback on your writing.
And I hope that you found the list of adjectives, nouns, descriptive phrases, and verbs useful. And helps you get a little better and expand your vocabulary.
Check back for new descriptive words monthly!
819 Descriptive Words to Elevate Your Vocabulary
By: Author English Study Online
Posted on Last updated: October 17, 2023
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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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- How to write a descriptive essay | Example & tips
How to Write a Descriptive Essay | Example & Tips
Published on July 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.
A descriptive essay gives a vivid, detailed description of something—generally a place or object, but possibly something more abstract like an emotion. This type of essay , like the narrative essay , is more creative than most academic writing .
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Table of contents
Descriptive essay topics, tips for writing descriptively, descriptive essay example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about descriptive essays.
When you are assigned a descriptive essay, you’ll normally be given a specific prompt or choice of prompts. They will often ask you to describe something from your own experience.
- Describe a place you love to spend time in.
- Describe an object that has sentimental value for you.
You might also be asked to describe something outside your own experience, in which case you’ll have to use your imagination.
- Describe the experience of a soldier in the trenches of World War I.
- Describe what it might be like to live on another planet.
Sometimes you’ll be asked to describe something more abstract, like an emotion.
If you’re not given a specific prompt, try to think of something you feel confident describing in detail. Think of objects and places you know well, that provoke specific feelings or sensations, and that you can describe in an interesting way.
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The key to writing an effective descriptive essay is to find ways of bringing your subject to life for the reader. You’re not limited to providing a literal description as you would be in more formal essay types.
Make use of figurative language, sensory details, and strong word choices to create a memorable description.
Use figurative language
Figurative language consists of devices like metaphor and simile that use words in non-literal ways to create a memorable effect. This is essential in a descriptive essay; it’s what gives your writing its creative edge and makes your description unique.
Take the following description of a park.
This tells us something about the place, but it’s a bit too literal and not likely to be memorable.
If we want to make the description more likely to stick in the reader’s mind, we can use some figurative language.
Here we have used a simile to compare the park to a face and the trees to facial hair. This is memorable because it’s not what the reader expects; it makes them look at the park from a different angle.
You don’t have to fill every sentence with figurative language, but using these devices in an original way at various points throughout your essay will keep the reader engaged and convey your unique perspective on your subject.
Use your senses
Another key aspect of descriptive writing is the use of sensory details. This means referring not only to what something looks like, but also to smell, sound, touch, and taste.
Obviously not all senses will apply to every subject, but it’s always a good idea to explore what’s interesting about your subject beyond just what it looks like.
Even when your subject is more abstract, you might find a way to incorporate the senses more metaphorically, as in this descriptive essay about fear.
Choose the right words
Writing descriptively involves choosing your words carefully. The use of effective adjectives is important, but so is your choice of adverbs , verbs , and even nouns.
It’s easy to end up using clichéd phrases—“cold as ice,” “free as a bird”—but try to reflect further and make more precise, original word choices. Clichés provide conventional ways of describing things, but they don’t tell the reader anything about your unique perspective on what you’re describing.
Try looking over your sentences to find places where a different word would convey your impression more precisely or vividly. Using a thesaurus can help you find alternative word choices.
- My cat runs across the garden quickly and jumps onto the fence to watch it from above.
- My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above.
However, exercise care in your choices; don’t just look for the most impressive-looking synonym you can find for every word. Overuse of a thesaurus can result in ridiculous sentences like this one:
- My feline perambulates the allotment proficiently and capers atop the palisade to regard it from aloft.
An example of a short descriptive essay, written in response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” is shown below.
Hover over different parts of the text to see how a descriptive essay works.
On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.
My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.
With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…
Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.
If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
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The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.
Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.
If you’re not given a specific prompt for your descriptive essay , think about places and objects you know well, that you can think of interesting ways to describe, or that have strong personal significance for you.
The best kind of object for a descriptive essay is one specific enough that you can describe its particular features in detail—don’t choose something too vague or general.
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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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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!
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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 Adjectives: The Secret to Stunning English Writing and Speech
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Posted on Last updated: October 26, 2023
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Are you looking to take your English writing and speaking skills to the next level? One way to do this is by mastering the use of descriptive adjectives. Descriptive adjectives are words that describe or modify a noun or pronoun, adding detail and vividness to your language. By using descriptive adjectives effectively, you can bring your writing and speech to life, creating engaging and memorable content. In this article, we will explore the power of descriptive adjectives and provide tips and techniques for using them effectively in your English language skills.
What Are Descriptive Adjectives?
Descriptive adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. They can appear before or after the noun or pronoun that they modify. For example:
- The tall man
- The man is tall
In both of these sentences, “tall” is a descriptive adjective that modifies the noun “man.” Descriptive adjectives help to give more information about the noun or pronoun that they modify, allowing readers or listeners to better understand what is being referred to.
There are many different types of descriptive adjectives, including adjectives that describe size, shape, age, color, and personality. Here are a few more examples:
- The small dog barked loudly. (size)
- The round ball rolled down the hill. (shape)
- The young boy laughed at the silly joke. (age)
- The red apple looked juicy. (color)
- The happy dog wagged its tail. (personality)
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Descriptive Adjectives 1
Descriptive Adjectives 2
Descriptive Adjectives: Describing Physical Appearance
Common adjectives used to describe physical appearance.
There are many adjectives that can be used to describe physical appearance . Here are some common ones:
- Attractive: pleasing to the eye or to the senses
- Beautiful: having qualities that delight or charm
- Handsome: attractive, especially in a strong, masculine way
- Cute: attractive, especially in a childlike or youthful way
- Charming: pleasing or attractive in a way that delights or fascinates
- Elegant: graceful and stylish in appearance or manner
- Gorgeous: very beautiful
- Stunning: very beautiful or impressive
- Radiant: glowing or shining with light or color
- Vibrant: full of energy and life
- Youthful: having a youthful appearance or qualities
There are many other adjectives that can be used to describe physical appearance, so these are just a few examples.
Tips for using adjectives to create vivid and descriptive language
- Use adjectives sparingly: Overusing adjectives can make your writing feel cluttered and awkward. Instead, choose a few carefully chosen adjectives to add detail and depth to your writing.
- Use specific and concrete adjectives: Instead of using general, abstract adjectives like “good” or “bad,” try to use more specific and concrete adjectives that paint a clearer picture in the reader’s mind. For example, instead of saying something is “good,” you could say it’s “delicious” or “exceptional.”
- Use adjectives that show emotion: Adjectives can be a great way to add emotion to your writing. For example, you could use words like “joyful,” “sorrowful,” or “furious” to describe someone’s feelings.
- Use adjectives that convey sensory details: Adjectives can help bring your writing to life by describing sensory details. For example, you could describe something as “aromatic,” “loud,” or “prickly.”
- Use adjectives to create contrast: Adjectives can be used to create contrast and add interest to your writing. For example, you could describe something as “icy cold” or “scorching hot” to create a sense of contrast.
By following these tips, you can use adjectives effectively to create vivid and descriptive language in your writing.
Descriptive Adjectives: Describing Personality and Emotions
Common adjectives used to describe personality traits and emotions.
There are many adjectives that can be used to describe personality traits and emotions . Here are some common ones:
Personality traits
- Ambitious: eager to succeed or achieve something
- Confident: believing in oneself and one’s abilities
- Creative: having the ability to create or produce new and original ideas
- Curious: eager to learn or know more
- Dependable: able to be trusted or relied upon
- Energetic: full of energy and vitality
- Friendly: disposed to help or support others
- Generous: willing to give freely or share with others
- Helpful: eager to help or assist others
- Humorous: able to find or express what is amusing or comical
- Happy: feeling or showing pleasure
- Sad: feeling or showing sorrow
- Angry: feeling or showing anger
- Frustrated: feeling or showing disappointment or annoyance at being unable to achieve or do something
- Anxious: feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease
- Enthusiastic: feeling or showing strong excitement or interest
- Tired: feeling or showing weariness or fatigue
- Excited: feeling or showing strong enthusiasm or eagerness
- Relaxed: feeling or showing a sense of calm or ease
- Nostalgic: feeling or showing a longing for the past
These are just a few examples of the many adjectives that can be used to describe personality traits and emotions.
How to use adjectives to convey character traits and emotions in writing and speech
Adjectives can be a powerful tool for conveying character traits and emotions in writing and speech. Here are some tips for using adjectives effectively to describe character traits and emotions:
- Choose descriptive adjectives: Instead of using general or vague adjectives, choose specific and descriptive adjectives that paint a clear picture of the character’s traits or emotions.
- Use adjectives consistently: To create a consistent and believable character, be sure to use the same adjectives consistently throughout your writing or speech to describe their traits and emotions.
- Use adjectives in context: Adjectives are most effective when they are used in context and in conjunction with other descriptive words and phrases. For example, you could describe a character as “nervously fidgeting” rather than just saying they are “nervous.”
- Vary your adjectives: To keep your writing or speech from becoming monotonous, be sure to vary the adjectives you use to describe character traits and emotions. This will help keep your writing or speech engaging and interesting.
By following these tips, you can use adjectives effectively to convey character traits and emotions in your writing and speech.
Descriptive Adjectives: Describing Other Qualities and Characteristics
There are many adjectives that can be used to describe other qualities and characteristics, such as age, material, and value. Here are a few examples:
- Young: having a relatively small age
- Old: having a relatively great age
- Ancient: very old or antique
- Modern: relating to the present or recent times
- Wooden: made of wood
- Plastic: made of plastic
- Metal: made of metal
- Glass: made of glass
- Fabric: made of fabric or textile
- Expensive: having a high price
- Cheap: having a low price
- Valuable: having a high worth or importance
- Invaluable: having an immeasurable or incomparable worth
These are just a few examples of adjectives that can be used to describe other qualities and characteristics. There are many other adjectives that can be used to describe these and other qualities, so this is just a small sampling.
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- 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays
To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.
Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.
It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.
If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.
General explaining
Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.
1. In order to
Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”
2. In other words
Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”
3. To put it another way
Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”
4. That is to say
Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”
5. To that end
Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”
Adding additional information to support a point
Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.
6. Moreover
Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”
7. Furthermore
Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”
8. What’s more
Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”
9. Likewise
Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”
10. Similarly
Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”
11. Another key thing to remember
Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”
12. As well as
Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”
13. Not only… but also
Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”
14. Coupled with
Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”
15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…
Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.
16. Not to mention/to say nothing of
Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”
Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast
When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.
17. However
Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”
18. On the other hand
Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”
19. Having said that
Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”
20. By contrast/in comparison
Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”
21. Then again
Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”
22. That said
Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”
Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”
Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations
Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.
24. Despite this
Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”
25. With this in mind
Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”
26. Provided that
Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”
27. In view of/in light of
Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”
28. Nonetheless
Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”
29. Nevertheless
Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”
30. Notwithstanding
Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”
Giving examples
Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.
31. For instance
Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”
32. To give an illustration
Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”
Signifying importance
When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.
33. Significantly
Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”
34. Notably
Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”
35. Importantly
Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”
Summarising
You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.
36. In conclusion
Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”
37. Above all
Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”
38. Persuasive
Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”
39. Compelling
Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”
40. All things considered
Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”
How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.
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Descriptive Essay Writing
Descriptive Essay Examples
Amazing Descriptive Essay Examples for Your Help
Published on: Jun 21, 2023
Last updated on: Mar 1, 2024
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Descriptive Essay: Definition, Tips & Examples
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Descriptive essays are very commonly assigned essays. This type of essay enhances students' writing skills and allows them to think critically.
A descriptive essay is often referred to as the parent essay type. Other essays like argumentative essays, narrative essays, and expository essays fall into descriptive essays. Also, this essay helps the student enhance their ability to imagine the whole scene in mind by appealing senses.
It is assigned to high school students and all other students at different academic levels. Students make use of the human senses like touch, smell, etc., to make the descriptive essay more engaging for the readers.
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Examples make it easy for readers to understand things in a better way. Also, in a descriptive essay, different types of descriptions can be discussed.
Here are some amazing examples of a descriptive essay to make the concept easier for you.
Descriptive Essay Example 5 Paragraph
5 paragraphs essay writing format is the most common method of composing an essay. This format has 5 paragraphs in total. The sequence of the paragraphs is as follows;
- Introduction
- Body Paragraph 1
- Body Paragraph 2
- Body Paragraph 3
- Conclusion
Following is an example of a descriptive essay written using the famous 5 paragraph method.
5 Paragraph Descriptive Essay
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Descriptive Essay Example About A Person
Descriptive essays are the best option when it comes to describing and writing about a person. A descriptive essay is written using the five human senses. It helps in creating a vivid image in the readerâs mind and understanding what the writer is trying to convey.
Here is one of the best descriptive essay examples about a person. Read it thoroughly and try to understand how a good descriptive essay is written on someoneâs personality.
Descriptive Essay Example About a Person
Descriptive Essay Example About A Place
If you have visited a good holiday spot or any other place and want to let your friends know about it. A descriptive essay can help you explain every detail and moment you had at that place.
Here is one of the good descriptive essay examples about a place. Use it as a sample and learn how you can write such an essay.
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Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 6
Descriptive essays are frequently assigned to school students. This type of essay helps the students enhance their writing skills and helps them see things in a more analytical way.
If you are a 6 grader and looking for a good descriptive essay example, you are in the right place.
Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 7
Here is one of the best descriptive essay examples for grade 7.
Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 8
If you are looking for some amazing descriptive essay examples for grade 8, you have already found one. Look at the given example and see what a well-written descriptive essay looks like.
Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 10
Essay writing is an inevitable part of a student's academic life . No matter your grade, you will get to write some sort of essay at least once.
Here is an example of a descriptive essay writing for grade10. If you are also a student of this grade, this example might help you to complete your assignment.
Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 12
If you are a senior student and looking for some essay examples, you are exactly where you should be.
Use the below-mentioned example and learn how to write a good essay according to the instructions given to you.
Descriptive Essay Example College
Descriptive essays are a great way to teach students how they can become better writers. Writing a descriptive essay encourages them to see the world more analytically.
Below is an example that will help you and make your writing process easy.
College Descriptive Essay Example
Descriptive Essay Example for University
Descriptive essays are assigned to students at all academic levels. University students are also assigned descriptive essay writing assignments. As they are students of higher educational levels, they are often given a bit of difficult and more descriptive topics.
See the example below and know what a descriptive essay at the university level looks like.
Short Descriptive Essay Example
Every time a descriptive essay isn't written in detail. It depends on the topic of how long the essay will be.
For instance, look at one of the short descriptive essay examples given below. See how the writer has conveyed the concept in a composed way.
Objective Descriptive Essay Example
When writing an objective description essay, you focus on describing the object without conveying your emotions, feelings, or personal reactions. The writer uses sight, sound, or touch for readers' minds to bring life into pictures that were painted by words.
Here is an example that you can use for your help.
Narrative and Descriptive Essay Example
A narrative descriptive essay can be a great way to share your experiences with others. It is a story that teaches a lesson you have learned. The following is an example of a perfect narrative descriptive essay to help you get started.
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How to Start a Descriptive Essay? - Example
If you don't know how to start your descriptive essay, check this example and create a perfect one.
How to Start a Descriptive Essay - Example
Subjective Descriptive Essay Example
It is a common concept that a descriptive essay revolves around one subject. Be it a place, person, event, or any other object you can think of.
Following is one of the subjective descriptive, easy examples. Use it as a guide to writing an effective descriptive essay yourself.
Writing a descriptive essay is a time-consuming yet tricky task. It needs some very strong writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Also, this is a type of essay that a student can not avoid and bypass.
But if you think wisely, work smart, and stay calm, you can get over it easily. Learn how to write a descriptive essay from a short guide given below.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay?
A writer writes a descriptive essay from their knowledge and imaginative mind. In this essay, the writer describes what he has seen or experienced, or ever heard from someone. For a descriptive essay, it is important to stay focused on one point. Also, the writer should use figurative language so that the reader can imagine the situation in mind.
The following are some very basic yet important steps that can help you write an amazing descriptive essay easily.
- Choose a Topic
For a descriptive essay, you must choose a vast topic to allow you to express yourself freely. Also, make sure that the topic you choose is not overdone. An overdone will not grab the attention of your intended audience. Check out our descriptive essay topics blog for a variety of intriguing topic suggestions.
- Create a Strong Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is the essence of any academic writing. When you select the descriptive essay topic, then you create a strong thesis statement for your essay.
A thesis statement is a sentence or two that explains the whole idea of your essay to the reader. It is stated in the introductory paragraph of the essay. The word choice for creating the thesis statement must be very expressive, composed, and meaningful. Also, use vivid language for the thesis statement.
- Collect the Necessary Information
Once you have created the thesis statement and are done writing your essay introduction . Now, it's time to move toward the body paragraphs.
Collect all necessary information related to your topic. You would be adding this information to your essay to support your thesis statement. Make sure that you collect information from authentic sources.
To enhance your essay, make use of some adjectives and adverbs. To make your descriptive essay more vivid, try to incorporate sensory details like touch, taste, sight, and smell.
- Create a Descriptive Essay Outline
An outline is yet another necessary element of your college essay. By reading the descriptive essay outline , the reader feels a sense of logic and a guide for the essay.
In the outline, you need to write an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs and end up with a formal conclusion.
Proofreading is a simple procedure in which the writer revises the written essay. This is done in order to rectify the document for any kind of spelling or grammatical mistakes. Thus, proofreading makes high-quality content and gives a professional touch to it.
You might be uncertain about writing a good enough descriptive essay and impress your teacher. However, it is very common, so you do not need to stress out.
Hit us up at CollegeEssay.org and get an essay written by our professional descriptive essay writers. Our essay writing service for students aims to help clients in every way possible and ease their stress. Get in touch with our customer support team, and they will take care of all your queries related to your writing.
You can always enhance your writing skills by leveraging the power of our AI essay writing tools .
Place your order now and let all your stress go away in a blink!
Barbara P (Literature)
Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.
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Describing Words: A Comprehensive Guide to Enhance Your Vocabulary
By: Author Paul Jenkins
Posted on September 6, 2023
Categories Writing , Storytelling
Describing words, also known as adjectives, play a crucial role in language by providing information about nouns and pronouns. These words help paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind, enabling them to understand or visualize something more effectively.
They are instrumental in defining objects, words, and explaining information in a more comprehensible manner.
There are various types of describing words that can be categorized according to their functions and usage. Some common categories include appearance, personality, tone, and sensory words. By strategically using different describing words, you can achieve greater clarity and precision in your written or spoken communications.
Key Takeaways
- Describing words enhance understanding by providing details about nouns and pronouns.
- Different categories of describing words serve various functions in communication.
- Skillful usage of describing words can improve clarity and precision in writing and speech.
Understanding Describing Words
In the English language, describing words play a crucial role in enhancing your writing and speech. These words mainly include adjectives, adverbs, and participles, which help you provide more information about nouns and verbs, making your expressions clearer and more vivid.
Describing words, or adjectives, are used to modify nouns and pronouns. They offer details about size, shape, color, texture, and other qualities.
For instance, consider the use of “tiny,” “round,” and “blue” in this sentence: “The tiny, round, and blue button lay on the floor.” Here, you can see how adjectives add more depth to the description of the noun, “button.”
Adverbs, on the other hand, modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, giving additional information about how, when, or where an action takes place.
For example, in the sentence “She quickly finished her homework,” the adverb “quickly” provides more information about how the verb “finished” occurred.
Participles are another type of describing words. They combine features of verbs and adjectives and can be used as an adjective to modify a noun.
There are two types of participles: present participles (ending in -ing) and past participles (usually ending in -ed or -en). For example, in the sentence “The broken glass cut her foot,” the past participle “broken” is used as a descriptive adjective to give more information about the noun “glass.”
To enhance your writing or speech, it’s important to have a varied and extensive list of descriptive adjectives and adverbs. Embrace the richness and breadth of the English language by familiarizing yourself with many describing words that highlight different features.
By incorporating diverse and accurate describing words, you can effectively convey your thoughts and emotions, creating a more engaging, vivid, and memorable experience for your readers or listeners.
Types of Describing Words
Adjectives are one of the most common types of describing words. They describe the characteristics, traits, or qualities of a noun or pronoun. In English, adjectives often come before the noun they describe.
Some examples of adjectives are color words (such as red, blue, or green) and words describing size (such as big, small, or enormous).
Here are 10 examples of descriptive adjectives:
Adverbs are another category of describing words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They describe how, when, where, or to what extent something happens.
Adverbs can add depth and nuance to your writing by providing additional information about actions or events.
Examples of adverbs are quickly, silently, and very. Generally, adverbs often end in -ly.
Verbs are words that denote action, occurrence, or a state of being. Descriptive verbs can help you convey movement or change in your writing and can provide vivid imagery.
Some common descriptive verbs include sprint, stroll, and laugh. Use these verbs judiciously to bring your writing to life and to help your reader visualize the scene.
Nouns are words used to name a person, place, thing, or idea. Descriptive nouns can help set the scene and provide context for your writing.
Nouns that describe specific items, like “canyon” or “skyscraper,” can paint a picture in your reader’s mind.
Integrating descriptive nouns alongside adjectives, adverbs, and participles can help you create a rich text that appeals to the senses.
Participles
Participles are words that combine the functions of verbs and adjectives. They can describe actions or qualities and are often used in phrases to add further detail.
Participles come in two forms: present participles (ending in -ing) and past participles (usually ending in -ed or -en). Examples of participles include “smiling,” “broken,” and “shattered.” Including participles in your writing can add depth and complexity, making your descriptions more engaging.
By incorporating these different types of describing words in your writing, you will create a rich and vivid text that keeps your readers engaged.
Remember to use adjectives, adverbs, verbs, nouns, and participles to add various layers to your description, making your work exciting and immersive.
Usage of Describing Words
In sentences.
Describing words, such as adjectives and adverbs, are essential in shaping the tone and the meaning of your sentences.
Adjectives modify nouns, adding details that help the reader visualize or understand a person, thing, or place.
For example, in the sentence “You baked a delicious cake,” the word “delicious” is an adjective describing the noun “cake.”
Adverbs, on the other hand, modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing more information about how an action is performed.
In the sentence “She quickly finished her homework,” the adverb “quickly” describes the verb “finished.”
When using describing words in your sentences, it’s important to keep the following in mind:
- Be specific: Use precise describing words to convey your exact meaning.
- Be concise: Avoid overusing adjectives or adverbs, as this can clutter your writing and make it less clear.
In your writing, describing words can help you create vivid imagery and compelling narratives. They are especially useful when you want to:
- Set the scene : Use describing words to immerse readers in your story by painting a detailed picture of the setting.
- Develop characters : Use adjectives and adverbs to describe your characters’ appearance, personality, emotions, and actions.
- Evoke emotions : Choose describing words that help readers feel the emotions you want to convey.
To improve your writing, try making lists of describing words for various nouns, verbs, and emotions in the English language. This exercise will help you expand your vocabulary and discover new ways to express your ideas.
In Descriptions
Describing words play a crucial role in creating vivid, informative descriptions, whether for a product, an event, or a concept. When crafting descriptions:
- Be accurate: Choose describing words that truly represent what you’re describing.
- Be concise: Focus on the most relevant details, using describing words sparingly but effectively.
- Appeal to the senses: Use sensory language (touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell) to make your description more immersive and engaging.
- Use comparisons: Use adjectives and adverbs to draw comparisons between similar items, highlighting unique features or characteristics.
Remember, the goal is to provide a clear and engaging description that gives your readers a full understanding of the subject at hand.
By using describing words effectively, you’ll enhance your descriptions, making them more informative and enjoyable for your audience.
Common Describing Words
Most common adjectives.
As you strive to improve your writing, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the most common adjectives. These descriptive words help convey various qualities or characteristics of the nouns they modify.
Some examples of common adjectives include big, small, red, happy, soft, and fast .
Here are 100 common adjectives in English:
good, bad, big, small, tall, short, young, old, fast, slow, happy, sad, angry, calm, hungry, full, hot, cold, easy, hard, quiet, loud, clean, dirty, pretty, ugly, nice, mean, rich, poor, busy, free, cheap, expensive, safe, dangerous, long, short, dark, light, dry, wet, dead, alive, sweet, sour, thick, thin, male, female, first, last, left, right, smooth, rough, flat, round, wet, dry, smart, stupid, lucky, unlucky, guilty, innocent, healthy, sick, friendly, unfriendly, red, green, blue, yellow, white, black, large, gigantic, tiny, huge, gigantic, miniature, strong, powerful, weak, shy, outgoing, proud, humble, brave, cowardly, lovely, gorgeous, boring, exciting, careful, careless, difficult, easy, fat, skinny, new, old, future, ancient, front, back, up, down, strange, familiar, same, different, fresh, rotten, open, closed, kind, cruel, loud, quiet, bumpy, smooth, crooked, straight, deep, shallow, soft, hard, sticky, runny, broken, fixed, messy, organized, early, late, fake, real, square, round, alive, dead, asleep, awake, cloudy, sunny, rainy, dry, freezing, boiling, chilly, warm, cold, hot, noisy, silent, scarce, abundant.
Most Common Adverbs
Adverbs are another essential aspect of describing words. They typically modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often providing information about how, when, where, or to what degree an action occurs.
Common adverbs you might encounter include quickly, very, soon, and always .
Here are 25 common adverbs:
- Difficultly
- Occasionally
Most Common Verbs
Verbs are the action words in your sentences. They not only convey what is happening but also can help paint a vivid picture when paired with appropriate adjectives or adverbs.
Some examples of common verbs are run, walk, eat, speak, and grow . Your writing will benefit from incorporating a diverse range of verbs to express different actions and states clearly and engagingly.
Most Common Nouns
Nouns are the foundation of your sentences, representing people, places, things, or ideas. To enrich your writing, expand on the common nouns you use and find more specific or unique describing words. Examples of common nouns are cat, tree, city, love, and car . By incorporating a more extensive variety of nouns into your writing, you will create a more vivid, engaging, and informative reading experience.
Describing Words for Appearance and Personality
Words for physical features.
When describing someone’s appearance, you might come across various adjectives that capture their physical features. Some examples include:
- Tall or short: Describing a person’s height – for instance, “you have a tall stature” or “your friend is quite short.”
- Slim or plump: Talking about a person’s body size – “your coworker is slim and athletic” or “your neighbor has a plump physique.”
- Charming or lovely: Complimenting someone’s pleasant or attractive appearance. “Your charming smile brightens the room” or “you have lovely eyes.”
- Old-fashioned or natural: Describing someone’s appearance in terms of style or grooming – “you have an old-fashioned sense of style” or “your natural look is refreshing.”
Here are 15 examples of using descriptive words to paint a vivid picture of someone’s physical appearance:
- Her flowing chestnut hair cascaded down her back in soft waves.
- His twinkling blue eyes creased at the corners when he smiled his crooked grin.
- She had a heart-shaped face with delicate features framed by loose ringlets.
- He was tall and slender with strong, sinewy arms from years of farm work.
- The old woman’s face was a roadmap of wrinkles that told the story of her long, well-lived life.
- The child had apple cheeks dotted with freckles and a button nose above a cupid’s bow mouth.
- His muscular physique rippled under a tight shirt that clung to his sculpted torso.
- She had alabaster skin with rosy cheeks and bow-shaped lips the color of ripe strawberries.
- He was thick around the middle with a round face and fingers like sausages.
- Her piercing green eyes shone like emeralds against her creamy complexion.
- The man had salt-and-pepper hair, bushy gray eyebrows, and a neatly trimmed beard.
- She was voluptuous with an hourglass figure, shapely legs, and elegant collarbone.
- He had broad shoulders and muscular arms covered in a light dusting of dark hair.
- Her glossy raven hair framed a heart-shaped face with captivating amber eyes.
- The child had a delicate build with skinny arms and legs like mini twigs.
Words for Character Traits
Moving beyond physical features, you can also describe someone’s personality using adjectives that define their character traits. Some examples include:
- Naive or passionate: Describing someone’s emotional qualities – “you are naive in your approach to new experiences” or “your passionate demeanor is inspiring.”
- Assertive or cheerful: Talking about a person’s disposition or demeanor – “your assertive personality helps you navigate tough situations” or “you have a cheerful and contagious energy.”
- Curious or dramatic: Describing a person’s behavioral tendencies – “you are curious about the world around you” or “your dramatic flair adds excitement to your stories.”
- Friendly or hysterical: Discussing someone’s sociability or reactions – “you are known for being friendly and approachable” or “your hysterical sense of humor always amuses your friends.”
Additionally, some other adjectives to describe one’s personality may include intelligent, jocular, lively, methodical, nasty, obnoxious, polite, and positive.
Tailoring your choice of words to the person’s specific traits creates a detailed and accurate representation.
Remember, as a writer, you should use a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear tone to describe appearance and personality. Writing in the second person point of view helps the reader connect more personally with the descriptions.
Describing Words by Tone
When it comes to describing words, tone plays a crucial role in conveying the intended message. The tone you choose can greatly impact the perception of your writing and how your audience interprets it. In this section, we’ll explore positive and negative describing words to help you choose the right words to suit your purpose.
Positive Words
Positive words are adjectives that evoke a sense of optimism, happiness, and enthusiasm. Using these words in your writing can create a favorable impression, making your reader feel more engaged and receptive to your message. Some examples of positive tone words include:
- Encouraging
To make your writing more compelling, try incorporating these positive tone words to create an uplifting atmosphere. For instance, you could describe someone as having a “ radiant smile” or a “ warm personality.”
Negative Words
On the other hand, negative words are adjectives that convey a sense of pessimism, sadness, and anger. These words can be used when your goal is to express criticism, concern, or disappointment. Examples of negative tone words include:
To create a more critical tone, use negative tone words to emphasize the seriousness of the situation or the shortcomings of a subject. For example, you might describe a work environment as “ toxic ” or a character as “ abrasive .”
In summary, the tone of your writing can greatly influence how your message is perceived. By choosing appropriate positive or negative describing words, you can convey your ideas with confidence and clarity while engaging your readers effectively.
Always consider your audience and purpose when selecting the right tone for your writing.
Describing Words by Sensory Categories
In this section, we will explore different sensory categories of describing words, which are essential to make your writing vivid and engaging. Using adjectives and sensory words effectively can significantly improve the quality and clarity of your descriptions.
Visual Describing Words
Visual describing words help you to create a clear mental image of an object, person, or scene. These adjectives often involve color, shape, or size. Some examples include:
- Beautiful: a visually pleasing appearance
- Dark: a lack of light or a deep color
- Angular: having sharp angles or edges
- Billowy: resembling or characterized by waves or undulations
Auditory Describing Words
Auditory describing words convey the sounds that you experience. These words can describe the volume, pitch, and quality of a sound. Examples of auditory describing words are:
- Loud: a sound that is strong or easily heard
- Soft: a sound that is gentle or quiet
- Melodious: a pleasant or harmonious sound
- Grating: a harsh, rasping, or irritating sound
Taste Describing Words
Taste describing words help you to communicate the flavors and textures of food or drink. They can range from delicious to bitter and from cold to hot. Some examples of taste describing words include:
- Delicious: having a very pleasing taste
- Rich: a strong and full flavor, often associated with high-quality ingredients
- Bitter: a sharp and pungent taste, like black coffee or dark chocolate
- Spicy: a taste that creates a sensation of heat in your mouth
Touch Describing Words
Touch describing words relate to the tactile sensations that you feel while touching an object or surface. Examples of touch describing words are:
- Cold: an object that is at a low or cool temperature
- Hot: an object that is at a high or warm temperature
- Smooth: an even and uniform surface with no irregularities
- Rough: a surface that is uneven, jagged, or abrasive
Smell Describing Words
Smell describing words help you to describe the aromas and scents that you experience. These words can range from fresh to pungent and from sweet to musty. Some examples of smell describing words include:
- Fragrant: a pleasant and sweet scent
- Pungent: a strong, sharp, or overpowering smell
- Musty: a stale, moldy, or damp odor
- Fresh: a clean, crisp, or invigorating scent
By incorporating these sensory categories into your writing, you can create vivid and engaging descriptions that resonate with your readers. Remember to choose your describing words carefully and make sure they are appropriate for the context. Don’t be afraid to experiment with various adjectives to find the ones that best convey your intended meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common describing words for people.
People can be described using various adjectives, which are words that describe their qualities, appearance, or character. Common examples include “tall,” “short,” “friendly,” “intelligent,” “charming,” and “hardworking.” You can also use adverbs to describe how people do things, such as “quickly,” “efficiently,” or “gracefully.”
How can I find synonyms for describing words?
To find synonyms for describing words, you can use an online thesaurus or a dictionary that provides synonyms along with definitions. These resources can help you expand your vocabulary and find alternative words to convey similar meanings. Try tools like Thesaurus.com or Merriam-Webster for comprehensive synonym options.
What are some powerful descriptive words?
Powerful descriptive words are those that evoke strong emotions or vivid imagery. Examples include “majestic,” “exhilarating,” “luxurious,” “enigmatic,” and “captivating.” These words can enhance your writing and help create a more engaging experience for the reader.
How can kids learn describing words?
Children can learn describing words through reading, games, and activities that encourage them to explore and use adjectives in their writing and speech. Teachers and parents can help by providing examples, offering feedback, and integrating descriptive words into daily conversations. Additionally, there are online resources and books that focus on teaching describing words to kids.
Can you give examples of descriptive words in sentences?
Certainly! Here are a few examples:
- The scorching sun beat down on the parched desert landscape.
- She laughed boisterously as she splashed water on her friends at the pool party.
- The intricate pattern on the antique vase caught everyone’s attention.
- The sumptuous meal left the guests feeling satisfied and content .
In these sentences, the italicized words are descriptive words that help paint a clearer picture of the scene or emotion.
Which describing words are used in creative writing?
Creative writing often employs a variety of descriptive words to evoke emotions, build imagery, and engage the reader’s senses. Some common describing words used in creative writing include “luminous,” “whisper,” “tantalizing,” “resilient,” and “melancholy.” The choice of descriptive words depends on the context, style, and purpose of the piece, so it’s essential to consider which words best enhance your writing while effectively conveying your intended message.
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Descriptive Words List: 400 Words to Make Your Writing More Colorful. Descriptive words take writing from boring to engaging. Consider this sentence: She swam across the water. While this tells you what is happening, it has little to help you imagine the scene. If you add some adjectives and adverbs and transform the statement to this:
AMBITION. 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.
Spice up your writing with this list of descriptive words. Get some inspiration for adding extra detail and personality into your vocabulary. ... Descriptive words help paint a picture in the reader's mind. They can be adjectives, adverbs, or participles that describe the subjects or actions of your sentence.
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 ...
Here are some examples of how to use verbs as descriptive words: "Her story was extremely puzzling ". "I am so satisfied with my work". "I'm just always bored for some reason". "Never go near a smiling crocodile". "My dad is going to repair our broken porch".
Adjectives -- descriptive words that modify nouns -- often come under fire for their cluttering quality, but often it's quality, not quantity, that is the. ... You're book marked for some exciting adjectives in my writing. Thanks don. Martingerrard. December 15, 2015 at 4:15 pm . Superb stuff, absolutely top notch.
Descriptive essay example. An example of a short descriptive essay, written in response to the prompt "Describe a place you love to spend time in," is shown below. Hover over different parts of the text to see how a descriptive essay works. On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house.
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.
The use of literary devices such as personification and metaphor makes the banyan tree in the second example come to life. This is how you can make your writing more vivid, descriptive, and poetic. 2. Use your senses. Sensory descriptors are one of the most important aspects of a descriptive essay.
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. Contents: Words to Use in the Essay Introduction. Words to Use in the Body of the Essay.
Subjective list of adjectives: You've likely heard the phrase "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." The words on the subjective adjectives list uphold this sentiment and include words that may be matters of opinion. Proper list of adjectives: Words on the proper adjectives list use a form of a proper noun to clarify words.
Definition and Importance. Describing words, also known as adjectives, are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. They can provide information about the size, shape, color, texture, and other qualities of the noun or pronoun. For example, in the sentence "The big, red apple," the words "big" and "red" are describing words ...
Descriptive adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. They can appear before or after the noun or pronoun that they modify. For example: The tall man. The man is tall. In both of these sentences, "tall" is a descriptive adjective that modifies the noun "man.".
These descriptive adjectives will help you spice up your writing. Browse this list, from simple to compound descriptive adjectives, to sprinkle into your work. ... Descriptive Words for Food: Taste, Texture and Beyond. Examples of Proper Adjectives. Proper adjectives come from proper nouns. They specify which nation, region, religion, or era a ...
3. Remember sensory details. A common adage for good descriptive writing is "show, don't tell"—and sensory information is a great way to make that happen. Sprinkling in specific details that appeal to readers' five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell) will bring your scenes to life and make them feel richer and more ...
Descriptive words are words that describe a person, place, thing, or idea in a way that relates to the senses. The five senses are sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. The better the description, the better the reader or listener can picture it in their head. Sometimes the imagery is pleasant and other times it might be frightening, saddening ...
The writer is expected to carefully explore the concept and formulate a concise, exciting thesis. The sole purpose of the ideas explored in a conceptual descriptive essay is to provide a clear definition explanation. For example: Depression, it's an empty, isolating, and hopeless feeling.
4. That is to say. Usage: "That is" and "that is to say" can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: "Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.". 5. To that end. Usage: Use "to that end" or "to this end" in a similar way to "in order to" or "so".
Descriptive Essay Example 5 Paragraph. 5 paragraphs essay writing format is the most common method of composing an essay. This format has 5 paragraphs in total. The sequence of the paragraphs is as follows; Introduction. Body Paragraph 1. Body Paragraph 2. Body Paragraph 3. Conclusion.
8. Do creative writing exercises. To improve your descriptive writing, try simple exercises. For example, try writing one-paragraph descriptions of places or people. Write a description of a room you know well. Take a location every knows—like New York—and describe the city from a fictional character's point of view.
Powerful descriptive words are those that evoke strong emotions or vivid imagery. Examples include "majestic," "exhilarating," "luxurious," "enigmatic," and "captivating.". These words can enhance your writing and help create a more engaging experience for the reader.