Looking for just the right words to express a person’s characteristics or personality? This giant list provides ample ideas to give your students’ (or your own) writing some sparkle and pizzazz. You’ll find positive and negative adjectives to describe a person, words to portray their personality and behavior, plus a selection of truly unique words to describe someone.
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Why are adjectives important?
This is a sentence about adjectives.
This is a detailed explanatory sentence about engaging and intriguing adjectives.
Adjectives bring writing to life! They help the reader better envision people, places, and things, and get a clear sense of what a writer has in mind. We can help our students develop into experienced writers who use adjectives to paint a picture with words, adding color and depth to their writing.
How do you choose the right adjective?
Choosing strong adjectives is all about understanding shades of meaning. Consider these words: big, huge, humongous, massive, and immense. Each has the same basic definition but evokes a slightly different feeling. The adjectives you choose have the ability to create a mood and provoke reactions in readers. When you use them well, a piece of writing takes on a whole new level of impressive quality.
Deciding on the right adjectives can be tricky. Writers, especially young student writers, often become attached to a few favorites, making their writing boring and predictable. Challenge your students to seek out and use new words to describe someone on a regular basis. Teach students to explore the possibilities using a thesaurus to help them find new options, or use a list like the ones below to help guide students to brainstorm a list on an anchor chart and then hang it in the classroom.
Positive Adjectives To Describe a Person
Able
Definition: Having the skills or ability to do something well
Example: Maria is an able student who always finishes her work on time.
Agreeable
Definition: Pleasant, nice, and easy to get along with
Example: Jason is so agreeable that everyone enjoys working with him.
Amiable
Definition: Friendly and kind
Example: The amiable librarian helped every student with a smile.
Appealing
Definition: Attractive or interesting
Example: Zoe’s appealing personality made her popular with her classmates.
Approachable
Definition: Easy to talk to or ask for help
Example: Mr. Lee is very approachable, so students aren’t afraid to ask questions.
Astute
Definition: Smart and able to understand things quickly
Example: Lila is an astute thinker who always sees the solution first.
Authentic
Definition: Real and true, not fake
Example: Liam gave an authentic speech that came straight from the heart.
Bighearted
Definition: Very kind and generous
Example: The bighearted boy shared his lunch with someone who forgot theirs.
Bright
Definition: Smart and quick to learn
Example: Taylor is a bright student who loves solving math puzzles.
Brilliant
Definition: Extremely smart or talented
Example: We all agreed that Riley was a brilliant writer who deserved to win the contest.
Capable
Definition: Able to do things well
Example: Anya is bright and capable, so we chose her to be the club president.
Comfortable
Definition: Feeling relaxed, not nervous
Example: Jacob seemed comfortable in any situation, no matter what happened.
Content
Definition: Happy and satisfied
Example: They ran out of pizza early, but Ethan was content with a sandwich instead.
Cultured
Definition: Knowledgeable about art, music, books, etc.
Example: The cultured guest told us about the museums she had visited on her travels.
Curious
Definition: Wanting to learn or know more about something
Example: The curious child asked a hundred questions during the museum tour.
Cute
Definition: Pretty or charming in a nice, pleasant way
Example: Everyone said the new student was cute and very friendly.
Dashing
Definition: Confident, stylish, and exciting
Example: The dashing knight smiled at the crowd, winning everyone’s hearts.
Defiant
Definition: Refusing to follow rules or do what others tell you
Example: Sophia was defiant, refusing to back down as the bullies approached.
Delightful
Definition: Very pleasant or charming
Example: Caden is delightful, full of funny stories and good humor.
Devoted
Definition: Very loyal or caring about someone or something
Example: Noah was a devoted brother, spending hours helping his younger brother learn to ride a bike.
Discerning
Definition: Able to notice or understand things that are not obvious
Example: The discerning teacher quickly saw who needed extra help.
Educated
Definition: Having a good amount of knowledge from learning or school
Example: The educated woman spoke clearly and knew a lot about history.
Experienced
Definition: Having done something many times and knowing it well
Example: The experienced coach gave helpful tips to the new players.
Fabulous
Definition: Really great or amazing
Example: The fabulous dancer amazed the cheering crowd.
Fanciful
Definition: Full of imagination or not based on real things
Example: His fanciful stories always made the class laugh and dream.
Farsighted
Definition: Able to plan or think ahead wisely
Example: The farsighted leader helped her team prepare for every possible problem.
Fashionable
Definition: Wearing stylish clothes or following up-to-date fashions
Example: Rachel loved to be fashionable, wearing all the latest trends and styles.
Friendly
Definition: Kind and pleasant to others
Example: The friendly bus driver waves to every child each morning.
Generous
Definition: Willing to give or share
Example: Aliyah was so generous, sharing her delicious cookies with all of us.
Gentle
Definition: Calm, kind, or soft
Example: Lucas was always gentle and kind, and everyone loved him.
Gifted
Definition: Naturally talented or good at something
Example: Ava is a gifted artist, able to paint like a professional even though she’s only 9.
Hopeful
Definition: Feeling positive that good things will happen
Example: Even when things were at their worse, Olivia was hopeful about the future.
Humble
Definition: Not bragging or thinking you’re better than others
Example: Even after winning the award, Emma was humble and thanked her team.
Illustrious
Definition: Very well known and respected
Example: The illustrious author visited the school to talk about her famous books.
Incisive
Definition: Clear and sharp in thinking or speaking
Example: Jackson was incisive and clever, offering smart ways to solve the problem.
Intelligent
Definition: Smart; good at learning and understanding things
Example: The intelligent student solved the puzzle in just a few minutes.
Joyful
Definition: Full of happiness and delight
Example: The joyful child ran through the playground, laughing and carefree.
Knowledgeable
Definition: Knowing a lot about something
Example: The knowledgeable guide answered every question during the tour.
Likable
Definition: Easy to like, fun to be around
Example: Ava is so likable that she has dozens of friends.
Lucky
Definition: Having good things happen by chance
Example: Mia was incredibly lucky, winning three prizes in the raffle.
Mature
Definition: Acting in a grown-up way
Example: Jayden is mature and responsible, so we know he’ll take good care of the puppy.
Popular
Definition: Liked by many people
Example: The popular student was invited to almost every birthday party.
Professional
Definition: Acting in a respectful and serious way, like someone with a job
Example: Chloe was professional and intelligent, impressing the committee.
Punctual
Definition: Always on time
Example: Madelyn is usually punctual, so we worried when she was late to arrive.
Qualified
Definition: Having the skills or knowledge to do something
Example: Amelia was qualified to lead the group because of her experience.
Resilient
Definition: Able to recover quickly from challenges or things that are hard
Example: Alexander is strong and resilient, always ready to try again when he makes a mistake.
Resourceful
Definition: Good at solving problems and finding clever ways to do things
Example: The resourceful student built a model using only scraps from the recycling bin.
Smart
Definition: Quick to learn or understand things
Example: Charlotte is smart at school, but she doesn’t have a lot of common sense.
Steady
Definition: Calm and dependable, not easily shaken or upset
Example: Everyone was nervous except Carter, who was steady and calm.
Strong
Definition: Having great power in the body or mind
Example: Isabella is strong enough to pick up the heavy box, but she’s also capable and strong in scary situations.
Sweet
Definition: Very kind, gentle, and caring
Example: The sweet boy helped carry his friend’s books without being asked.
Talented
Definition: Naturally good at something
Example: The talented singer amazed the audience with her voice.
Teachable
Definition: Willing and able to learn
Example: Elijah is a teachable student who always listens and tries his best.
Unaffected
Definition: Natural and sincere, not trying to impress others
Example: Even after becoming famous, she stayed unaffected and friendly to everyone.
Well-respected
Definition: Admired and thought highly of by others
Example: The well-respected principal always listens and treats people fairly.
Well-rounded
Definition: Skilled and knowledgeable in many different areas
Example: Ben is a well-rounded student who plays sports, gets good grades, and helps others.
Willing
Definition: Ready and happy to do something
Example: She was willing to help clean up the classroom without being asked.
Negative Adjectives To Describe a Person
Absent-minded
Definition: Often forgetting things or not paying attention
Example: He was so absent-minded that he forgot his backpack four days out of five.
Awful
Definition: Very bad or unpleasant
Example: She was truly awful at soccer, but she insisted on playing anyway.
Awkward
Definition: Clumsy or uncomfortable
Example: James was awkward around the new kid and didn’t know what to say.
Bad-tempered
Definition: Gets angry or upset easily
Example: The bad-tempered coach yelled over every little mistake.
Bitter
Definition: Still angry or hurt about something from the past
Example: He was bitter toward his friend who had broken a promise long ago.
Callous
Definition: Not caring about other people’s feelings
Example: Edna was often callous and cold, making rude remarks at the top of her voice.
Churlish
Definition: Rude and unfriendly
Example: He was too churlish to say “thank you” when someone held the door.
Closed-off
Definition: Not open about feelings or thoughts; hard to talk to
Example: Jaxon was closed-off when it came to talking about his family; no one could get him to open up.
Clumsy
Definition: Often drops things or bumps into stuff
Example: He was so clumsy that he spilled his water three times during lunch.
Cold
Definition: Not showing any kindness or emotion
Example: Patrick was cold and unwelcoming and didn’t even invite us in.
Combative
Definition: Always ready to fight or argue
Example: His combative attitude made group work very difficult.
Conceited
Definition: Thinking too highly of yourself
Example: He was conceited and couldn’t stop talking about how great he was at everything.
Condescending
Definition: Talking to others like you’re better or smarter than they are
Example: Aubrey already knew how to do a cartwheel and was very condescending to the rest of us as we tried to learn too.
Contemptuous
Definition: Showing strong dislike or disrespect
Example: Jack was contemptuous whenever one of us got an answer wrong.
Contentious
Definition: Likes to argue or cause disagreements
Example: She was always contentious, even over the smallest decisions.
Crabby
Definition: Easily annoyed or in a bad mood
Example: He was crabby all morning because he didn’t get enough sleep.
Crass
Definition: Rude and not caring if you offend others
Example: His crass jokes made everyone uncomfortable.
Crude
Definition: Lacking good manners or being very rude
Example: She was crude and obnoxious to the teacher, so the teacher punished her.
Demonic
Definition: Acting wild or mean, like you’re full of bad energy
Example: Sometimes he seems demonic—screaming, wild, and unable to control himself.
Dim
Definition: Not very smart or quick to understand
Example: He’s a bit dim when it comes to math, but he tries hard.
Disagreeable
Definition: Unpleasant or hard to get along with
Example: She was so disagreeable that no one wanted to sit next to her.
Fickle
Definition: Changing your mind often, especially about likes and dislikes
Example: Luis is so fickle—yesterday he loved soccer, and today he says it’s boring.
Foolish
Definition: Not showing good sense or judgment
Example: It was foolish of him to ride his bike with no helmet.
Grim
Definition: Serious, gloomy, or scary
Example: Her face looked grim when she heard the bad news.
Grouchy
Definition: In a bad mood and grumbling
Example: Oliver is always grouchy before breakfast.
Gruff
Definition: Rough or unfriendly in voice or manner
Example: The gruff old man scared kids away with just a glance.
Gullible
Definition: Easily fooled or tricked
Example: She’s so gullible that she believed her brother when he said elephants could fly, but only at night.
Haggard
Definition: Looking very tired or worn out
Example: He looked haggard after staying up all night with the baby.
Harried
Definition: Stressed and overwhelmed by too much to do
Example: The harried teacher rushed around the classroom trying to help everyone at once.
Hateful
Definition: Full of strong dislike or meanness
Example: She was hateful and cruel, calling us names and insulting our families.
Hypercritical
Definition: Always finding fault, even in small things
Example: She was hypercritical and never happy with anyone’s work but her own.
Ignorant
Definition: Not having information or an understanding of something
Example: When the ignorant man tried to argue with us, it was clear that he didn’t understand the rule at all.
Impudent
Definition: Disrespectful and rude on purpose
Example: The impudent student talked back to the teacher without any shame.
Insecure
Definition: Not feeling confident about or believing in yourself
Example: Avery was too insecure to share her poem with the class.
Lazy
Definition: Not willing to work or try
Example: He was too lazy to clean his room, even though he couldn’t find anything he needed.
Meddlesome
Definition: Getting involved in other people’s business without being asked
Example: She’s meddlesome and keeps trying to fix other people’s problems.
Morose
Definition: Very gloomy or depressed
Example: He’s the team’s biggest fan and was morose for a week after they lost the championship.
Naughty
Definition: Behaving badly or not following the rules
Example: The naughty child scribbled on the wall with a marker.
Nosy
Definition: Too interested in other people’s private matters
Example: Evelyn was being nosy, peeking over Grayson’s shoulder to read his text messages.
Obnoxious
Definition: Very annoying in a loud or rude way
Example: He was so obnoxious during the movie that everyone kept shushing him.
Petulant
Definition: Whiny and bad-tempered, especially when you don’t get your way
Example: She was petulant when she wasn’t allowed to have ice cream for dinner.
Pompous
Definition: Acting like you’re more important or smarter than everyone else
Example: He was pompous and boring, going on and on about all the times he’d seen the movie already.
Quarrelsome
Definition: Always starting arguments or fights
Example: He was a quarrelsome boy who couldn’t go one day without picking a fight.
Querulous
Definition: Always complaining or whining
Example: She was querulous and loud, grumbling to anyone who would listen.
Quick-tempered
Definition: Gets angry very easily
Example: He’s so quick-tempered that even a small mistake makes him yell.
Resentful
Definition: Feeling angry or hurt because you think something is unfair
Example: She was resentful when her friend got all the credit for their group project.
Short-tempered
Definition: Loses patience or gets angry quickly
Example: He’s short-tempered in the mornings before he’s fully awake.
Sneaky
Definition: Trying to do things in a secret or dishonest way
Example: The sneaky kid hid candy in his desk to eat during recess.
Sour
Definition: Grumpy or unfriendly, like someone who’s in a bad mood
Example: She was sour and cranky after getting no sleep at the sleepover.
Spiteful
Definition: Wanting to hurt or upset someone, often out of anger
Example: Their argument made him spiteful, so he told the teacher she cheated on the test.
Stupid
Definition: Not smart; showing poor thinking
Example: It was stupid to forget his homework again, but he didn’t learn his lesson.
Sulky
Definition: Silent and moody because you’re upset
Example: She was sulky all afternoon after her friend didn’t invite her to the party.
Sullen
Definition: Quiet and gloomy, often because you’re angry or upset
Example: Zack was sullen and quiet the morning after the disastrous party.
Supercilious
Definition: Acting like you’re better than others
Example: The supercilious student looked down on others who didn’t get perfect grades.
Unlucky
Definition: Having bad things happen to you often
Example: He felt unlucky when he missed the bus three days in a row.
Vulgar
Definition: Rude or offensive, especially in language or behavior
Example: He was vulgar and crude, and the teacher asked to speak to him after class.
Weak
Definition: Not strong, either physically or emotionally
Example: After being sick, she felt weak and had trouble walking.
Weak-willed
Definition: Not able to say no or stick to decisions easily
Example: He’s weak-willed and gave in to his friends even when he didn’t want to.
Adjectives To Describe a Person’s Personality
Amicable
Definition: Friendly and easy to get along with
Example: Devon is amicable with almost everyone, and makes friends easily.
Amusing
Definition: Funny or entertaining
Example: Ella is always amusing, and she can make anyone laugh.
Anxious
Definition: Feeling worried or nervous about something
Example: She was anxious before her big test.
Brave
Definition: Showing courage and not afraid
Example: The brave firefighters spent all night putting out the enormous fire.
Broad-minded
Definition: Open to different ideas and ways of thinking
Examples: He was broad-minded and liked learning about other traditions.
Carefree
Definition: Not worried about anything; relaxed
Examples: On vacation, my mom and dad are carefree and happy.
Caustic
Definition: Harsh or cutting in what you say, sometimes hurting others
Examples: He was caustic and mean, insulting everyone for no reason.
Cheerful
Definition: Happy and smiling
Example: She was cheerful and bright, making us all feel better.
Clever
Definition: Very smart or quick to think of good ideas
Example: Connor was clever when he suggested we team up to win the contest.
Confident
Definition: Feeling sure about yourself and your abilities
Example: She was confident and spoke easily in front of the large crowd.
Considerate
Definition: Thinking about other people’s feelings and needs
Example: Harper was always considerate and kind, listening to others when they had problems.
Consistent
Definition: Always doing things the same way or behaving the same over time
Example: She was consistent in practicing the piano every day.
Cool-headed
Definition: Staying calm even when things are hard or stressful
Example: He stayed cool-headed during the big game and helped his team win.
Cowardly
Definition: Not brave; easily scared
Example: The cowardly dog hid under the bed during the thunderstorm.
Crazy
Definition: Very silly or acting in a wild, unexpected way
Example: The crazy kid emptied the entire toy box onto the floor and started to throw the toys around.
Creative
Definition: Good at thinking of new ideas or making things
Example: She’s very creative and loves to draw and paint.
Critical
Definition: Finding problems or faults
Example: Eduardo was critical of our performance and said we weren’t good enough to be in the show.
Cynical
Definition: Not believing that people are good or honest
Example: She was cynical and didn’t trust anyone’s promises.
Dedicated
Definition: Working hard and giving a lot of time to something
Example: The dedicated student studied every night to get good grades.
Deep
Definition: Thinking a lot about important or serious things
Example: He was serious and deep, always wondering about the meaning of everything.
Dependable
Definition: Someone you can count on to do what they say
Example: Hailey is dependable and reliable, so we knew she’d remember to bring the uniforms.
Determined
Definition: Not giving up, even when things are hard
Example: He was determined to finish the race, even though he was exhausted.
Diligent
Definition: Working hard and carefully
Example: The diligent worker made sure every detail was perfect.
Direct
Definition: Straightforward and honest, saying exactly what you mean
Example: She was direct, telling Anna exactly what she thought about the music.
Dispassionate
Definition: Not showing strong feelings or emotions
Example: Gabriel was dispassionate when he spoke, even though we knew he was angry about the accident.
Earnest
Definition: Serious and sincere about what you say or do
Example: Henry is earnest and interesting when he talks about his childhood.
Easygoing
Definition: Relaxed and not easily upset or worried
Example: He’s easygoing and doesn’t get mad over small things.
Egotistical
Definition: Thinking you’re better or more important than others
Example: The egotistical player always talked about how great he was.
Emotional
Definition: Showing strong feelings like happiness or sadness
Example: She got emotional when she saw her friends for the first time in two years.
Empathetic
Definition: Understanding and caring about how others feel
Example: He was empathetic and comforted his friend when she was sad.
Exacting
Definition: Demanding a lot of effort and attention to detail
Example: The exacting teacher expects every assignment to be perfect.
Fair-minded
Definition: Treating everyone equally and without bias
Example: She’s fair-minded and listens to both sides before deciding.
Faithful
Definition: Loyal and true to someone or something
Example: He was a faithful friend who always stood by her side.
Funny
Definition: Making people laugh
Example: Owen is very funny, and we all love sitting near him at lunch.
Giving
Definition: Happy to share and help others
Example: Addison was very loving and giving, sharing her prize with everyone.
Hilarious
Definition: Extremely funny
Example: Adalyn is so hilarious that we couldn’t stop laughing all day.
Honest
Definition: Telling the truth and being trustworthy
Example: Isaac is honest and responsible and admitted that he had made a mistake.
Humorous
Definition: Showing a good sense of humor; funny
Example: Kaylee is quiet but humorous and loves to make others laugh.
Independent
Definition: Able to do things on your own without help
Example: Mackenzie is independent and likes to solve problems by herself.
Inflexible
Definition: Not willing to change your ideas or plans
Example: He was inflexible and refused to try a different way to solve the problem.
Intellectual
Definition: Liking to think deeply and learn new things
Example: She is very intellectual and loves reading books about science.
Kind
Definition: Being nice and caring toward others
Example: Wyatt was kind and helped the new student find her classroom.
Moody
Definition: Changing feelings quickly, often from happy to sad or angry
Example: Teenagers can be moody—sometimes happy one minute, then upset the next.
Narrow-minded
Definition: Not willing to consider new ideas or opinions
Example: He was narrow-minded and didn’t listen to others’ points of view.
Nervous
Definition: Feeling worried or scared about something
Example: Jon was nervous before his first piano recital.
Nice
Definition: Being pleasant and friendly
Example: She’s a nice person who always says hello to everyone.
Open-minded
Definition: Willing to listen to and accept new ideas
Example: He was open-minded and liked trying new foods.
Overemotional
Definition: Showing too many strong feelings
Example: She was overemotional, crying at the slightest thing.
Passionate
Definition: Showing strong feelings about something you care about
Example: He’s passionate about protecting animals and volunteers at shelters.
Pessimistic
Definition: Expecting bad things to happen or seeing the worst side
Example: She was pessimistic and thought it would rain all weekend.
Powerful
Definition: Having a lot of strength or influence
Example: The powerful woman helped pass the important new law.
Practical
Definition: Good at solving problems in a real and sensible way
Example: Henry had a practical plan to fix the broken bike.
Proud
Definition: Feeling happy and pleased about something you did
Example: Addie was proud when she aced the test after studying so hard.
Reliable
Definition: Someone you can trust to do what they promise
Example: Joe is reliable and always shows up on time.
Self-centered
Definition: Caring only about yourself
Example: She was self-centered and never thought about others.
Self-confident
Definition: Believing in yourself and your abilities
Example: Hannah is self-confident and never worries about speaking in front of the whole class.
Sensible
Definition: Using good judgment and making smart choices
Example: Cameron is sensible and smart, and his parents trust him to do the right thing.
Sensitive
Definition: Easily hurt by what others say or do
Example: She’s sensitive and gets upset if someone teases her.
Shrewd
Definition: Very clever and good at judging people or situations
Example: Ryan is shrewd and a good judge of character.
Silly
Definition: Funny in a playful way; not serious
Example: Peyton can be silly sometimes and might not take things seriously.
Sincere
Definition: Genuine and honest in what you say or do
Example: You can trust Avery—she’s always sincere when she gives compliments.
Sophisticated
Definition: Showing good taste and knowledge about the world
Example: Muhammad is sophisticated and intelligent and knows a lot about music and art.
Sympathetic
Definition: Feeling sorry for someone and wanting to help
Example: Lin was sympathetic when her friend lost her pet.
Thoughtful
Definition: Careful to consider other people’s feelings or needs
Example: He was thoughtful and brought flowers to his grandmother.
Thoughtless
Definition: Not thinking about how your actions affect others
Example: It was thoughtless of April to leave trash on the floor.
Timid
Definition: Shy and not confident
Example: Beth is timid around new people, but she really opens up when you get to know her.
Tough
Definition: Strong and able to handle hard things
Example: Andy was tough and capable, even when things got really difficult.
Trustworthy
Definition: Can be trusted to keep promises or secrets
Example: He’s trustworthy and never tells anyone’s secrets.
Unassuming
Definition: Not trying to draw attention to yourself; humble
Example: Mila was unassuming and never bragged about her good grades.
Understanding
Definition: Knowing how someone feels and being kind about it
Example: Lara was understanding and listened carefully when her friend was upset.
Unsophisticated
Definition: Simple or not fancy; not knowing much about the world
Example: Sarah is a bit unsophisticated, and we often have to tell her about things that everyone else seems to know already.
Untrustworthy
Definition: Not reliable or honest; can’t be trusted
Example: The untrustworthy boy lied about his homework every day.
Upbeat
Definition: Happy and full of energy
Example: Scarlett was upbeat all morning and made everyone smile.
Vain
Definition: Too proud of your looks or abilities
Example: He’s so vain that he looks into every mirror he passes.
Warmhearted
Definition: Kind and caring toward others
Example: She was warmhearted and always willing to help those who needed it.
Wise
Definition: Having good judgment and knowledge from experience
Example: The wise old grandmother always gave good advice.
Adjectives To Describe a Person’s Behavior
Adept
Definition: Very skilled at doing something
Example: Nia is very adept at playing guitar and practices every day.
Adventurous
Definition: Liking to try new or exciting things
Example: Brayden is adventurous and loves exploring new places.
Affectionate
Definition: Showing love and care
Example: From the day he was born, Hunter was affectionate and loved to cuddle.
Aggressive
Definition: Likely to act in a forceful or angry way
Example: Sarah could be aggressive when she wanted something and refused to wait her turn.
Alert
Definition: Quick to notice and pay attention to what’s happening
Example: The alert guard spotted the problem right away.
Aloof
Definition: Not friendly or interested; distant
Example: Eli seemed aloof and didn’t join the group.
Ambitious
Definition: Wanting to do great things and succeed
Example: The ambitious student worked hard to become class president.
Apologetic
Definition: Showing that you are sorry
Example: He was apologetic when he accidentally broke the vase.
Apprehensive
Definition: Worried or nervous about what might happen
Example: Ashton was apprehensive before her first day at a new school.
Ardent
Definition: Very passionate and enthusiastic about something
Example: Julian is an ardent fan of the local basketball team.
Arrogant
Definition: Thinking you are better than others
Example: He was so arrogant that he didn’t listen to anyone else’s ideas.
Artistic
Definition: Good at creating art or showing creativity
Example: She’s very artistic and enjoys sculpting and weaving.
Assertive
Definition: Confidently standing up for yourself
Example: Samir was assertive and confident, and everyone listened to what he had to say.
Attentive
Definition: Paying close attention to what is happening
Example: The attentive student never missed important details.
Aware
Definition: Knowing about what is happening around you
Example: She was aware of the rules and followed them carefully.
Blunt
Definition: Saying things in a very direct and sometimes rude way
Example: Gabriella was blunt and told Ian exactly what she thought, hurting his feelings.
Boastful
Definition: Talking too much about how great you are
Example: The boastful player kept bragging about his high scores.
Boisterous
Definition: Very noisy and full of energy
Example: The boisterous crowd cheered loudly at the game.
Bold
Definition: Brave and willing to take risks
Example: Kennedy was bold and assertive, asking for exactly what the group needed.
Boring
Definition: Not interesting or exciting
Example: The class thought this might be the most boring teacher of all time.
Bossy
Definition: Telling others what to do in a way that can be annoying
Example: Jillian was bossy and always wanted to be in charge.
Calm
Definition: Not worried or upset; peaceful
Example: Noah stayed calm during the storm and helped others stay safe.
Careful
Definition: Paying attention to avoid mistakes or danger
Example: Lalita was careful when crossing the street and looked both ways.
Careless
Definition: Not paying attention; making mistakes
Example: He was careless and cost the team the winning goal.
Cautious
Definition: Being careful to avoid danger or problems
Example: The cautious boy knew he shouldn’t run near the pool.
Charming
Definition: Having a nice and pleasant way that makes people like you
Example: Yuna was charming and made friends easily.
Chatty
Definition: Talking a lot
Example: Akira is very chatty, and even his mom asks him to be quiet sometimes.
Childish
Definition: Behaving in a silly or immature way
Example: Emery knew she was being childish, but she really wanted to go to the carnival.
Childlike
Definition: Innocent and simple, like a child
Example: Though she’s 83, Hilda still has a childlike wonder about the world.
Chivalrous
Definition: Being polite and kind, especially toward others
Example: The chivalrous child held open the door for everyone.
Civil
Definition: Polite and respectful to others
Example: Damian is mad at Clara, but he’s still civil when he talks to her.
Clingy
Definition: Needing a lot of attention and not wanting to be alone
Example: After her big scare, Ginny was very clingy and wouldn’t go to bed alone.
Collaborative
Definition: Working well together with others
Example: The team was collaborative and enthusiastic and finished the project early.
Commanding
Definition: Having a strong presence and control
Example: The commanding coach gave clear instructions to the players.
Communicative
Definition: Good at sharing ideas and information
Example: She’s very communicative and tells her friends how she feels.
Compassionate
Definition: Feeling kindness and wanting to help others who are hurting
Example: Chase was compassionate when his friend was feeling sad.
Competitive
Definition: Liking to win and be the best
Example: The competitive runner trained every day to improve.
Compliant
Definition: Willing to follow rules or do what others ask
Example: Vivian was compliant and did everything the teacher asked.
Composed
Definition: Calm and in control of your feelings
Example: He stayed composed even when others panicked.
Compromising
Definition: Willing to give up something to reach an agreement
Example: Since all the members were compromising, they were finally able to sign the contract.
Confrontational
Definition: Ready to argue or fight about something
Example: Josiah was confrontational with the group and made them all angry.
Conscientious
Definition: Working hard and doing what is right
Example: Reagan is conscientious and always finishes her chores carefully.
Cooperative
Definition: Working well with others
Example: The cooperative students helped each other during the group project.
Courageous
Definition: Brave and willing to face danger or difficulty
Example: The courageous firefighter saved the family from the fire.
Courteous
Definition: Polite and respectful toward others
Example: He was courteous and always said “please” and “thank you.”
Cruel
Definition: Hurting others on purpose
Example: We couldn’t understand why Stella was so cruel to her sister.
Deceitful
Definition: Not honest; trying to trick or lie to others
Example: The deceitful boy lied about doing his homework.
Decisive
Definition: Good at making decisions quickly and clearly
Example: She was decisive when choosing the team captain.
Defensive
Definition: Trying to protect yourself from criticism
Example: He got defensive when his teacher asked about his missing work.
Deferential
Definition: Showing respect and being polite to someone
Example: She was deferential to her grandparents and listened carefully.
Deliberate
Definition: Done carefully and on purpose
Example: Leo was very deliberate when he chose these shirts for the team.
Depressed
Definition: Feeling very sad and low for a long time
Example: She felt depressed after her cat was lost.
Devious
Definition: Tricky and not honest
Example: Trina was devious and deceitful, and no one could trust her anymore.
Dexterous
Definition: Good at using your hands or body skillfully
Example: The dexterous gymnast got a perfect score.
Diplomatic
Definition: Good at handling people and situations without causing problems
Example: The diplomatic leader helped solve the argument peacefully.
Discreet
Definition: Careful not to share secrets or cause trouble
Example: She was discreet and didn’t tell anyone about the surprise.
Dishonest
Definition: Not telling the truth
Example: He was dishonest when he said he emptied the dishwasher but didn’t.
Domineering
Definition: Trying to control others in a bossy way
Example: The domineering captain didn’t let anyone else make decisions.
Efficient
Definition: Working well without wasting time or efforts
Example: She was efficient and cleaned her room quickly.
Eloquent
Definition: Good at speaking or writing clearly and persuasively
Example: The eloquent speaker inspired the whole audience.
Energetic
Definition: Full of energy and lively
Example: The energetic kids ran around the playground all afternoon.
Enterprising
Definition: Willing to try new ideas and take risks
Example: She was enterprising and started a small business selling crafts.
Enthusiastic
Definition: Showing a lot of excitement and interest
Example: He was enthusiastic about joining the school play.
Entrepreneurial
Definition: Good at starting and running a business
Example: The entrepreneurial student sold lemonade to raise money.
Envious
Definition: Feeling unhappy because someone else has something you want
Example: Skyler was envious when her friend got a new bike.
Definition: Spending a lot of money or using too much of something
Example: Gavin was always extravagant, spending his whole allowance the day he got it.
Extroverted
Definition: Enjoying being with other people and talking a lot
Example: Christopher was extroverted and always looking for new people to hang out with.
Fastidious
Definition: Very careful about details and wanting things to be perfect
Example: The fastidious artist cleaned her brushes after every painting.
Fearless
Definition: Not afraid of anything
Example: The fearless explorer climbed the highest mountain.
Ferocious
Definition: Very fierce or violent
Example: My mom can be ferocious when she feels like her kids are in danger.
Flamboyant
Definition: Showing off with bright colors or loud behavior
Example: Elvis was flamboyant when he performed live concerts.
Flirtatious
Definition: Showing you like someone in a playful way
Example: She was flirtatious and smiled a lot at her crush.
Forceful
Definition: Strong and confident when saying or doing something
Example: The forceful speaker made sure everyone heard his opinion.
Frugal
Definition: Careful about spending money
Example: Kim was frugal and saved her allowance every week.
Gallant
Definition: Brave and polite
Example: The gallant knight helped the old man across the flooded river.
Grumpy
Definition: Often in a bad mood and complaining
Example: The grumpy old man didn’t like noise in the morning.
Hardworking
Definition: Putting a lot of effort into work or study
Example: The hardworking student studied late every night.
Helpful
Definition: Willing to assist others
Example: Sasha is so helpful—she always stays to clean up after class.
Hostile
Definition: Unfriendly and angry toward others
Example: Daniel was hostile to everyone that day, except his dog.
Idle
Definition: Not working or being active
Example: He was idle all afternoon and didn’t do his chores.
Imaginative
Definition: Good at thinking of new and creative ideas
Example: The imaginative boy wrote stories about magical lands.
Impartial
Definition: Fair and not taking sides
Example: The impartial judge listened carefully before making a decision.
Impatient
Definition: Not willing to wait calmly
Example: She was impatient and couldn’t sit still during the entire car ride to Disney World.
Impolite
Definition: Not showing good manners
Example: Evan was impolite, interrupting his classmates when they tried to talk.
Impulsive
Definition: Doing things quickly without thinking first
Example: Claire is impulsive and often makes bad choices.
Inconsiderate
Definition: Not thinking about how your actions affect others
Example: She was inconsiderate and played loud music when others were sleeping.
Indecisive
Definition: Having trouble making decisions
Example: He was indecisive about the best game to play at the party.
Indiscreet
Definition: Not careful about what you say or do, sometimes causing problems
Example: She was indiscreet and told everyone the surprise party details.
Industrious
Definition: Hardworking and always busy doing something useful
Example: The industrious student finished all her homework early.
Intolerant
Definition: Not willing to accept different opinions or ways of life
Example: He was intolerant of anyone else’s ideas.
Introverted
Definition: Shy and quiet; likes spending time alone
Example: Melanie is introverted and prefers reading over loud parties.
Inventive
Definition: Good at thinking of new and clever ideas
Example: The inventive boy built a robot from old parts.
Irresponsible
Definition: Not taking care of duties, or acting without thinking
Example: Max and Skyler were irresponsible, and it was their fault the bathroom flooded.
Jealous
Definition: Wishing you had what someone else has
Example: Grace was jealous of Dylan’s new best friend.
Laid-back
Definition: Relaxed and easygoing
Example: Jayce is very laid-back; he doesn’t worry about little things.
Loud
Definition: Making a lot of noise
Example: The boys were loud and excited, jumping up and down.
Loving
Definition: Showing a lot of care and affection
Example: She was loving and always gave her family big hugs.
Loyal
Definition: Standing by your friends or beliefs
Example: He was loyal to the team, even when they were on a losing streak.
Mean
Definition: Unkind or hurtful to others
Example: The mean kid laughed when someone tripped.
Modest
Definition: Not bragging or showing off
Example: She was modest about her talents, but it turned out she was the fastest runner in the school.
Nasty
Definition: Very unpleasant or rude
Example: She could be very nasty when we didn’t give her what she wanted.
Neat
Definition: Tidy and well-organized
Example: Sadie is a neat student whose backpack is perfectly organized.
Non-judgmental
Definition: Accepting people without criticizing them
Example: She was non-judgmental and listened to her friends’ problems without making them feel bad.
Observant
Definition: Good at noticing details
Example: The observant detective found clues others missed.
Obstinate
Definition: Stubborn and refusing to change your mind
Example: He was obstinate and wouldn’t admit he was wrong.
Optimistic
Definition: Expecting good things to happen
Example: She was optimistic and believed the team would win, even though the odds were against them.
Organized
Definition: Keeping things neat and in order
Example: Kayla was organized and always had her homework ready.
Overcritical
Definition: Too quick to find fault or complain
Example: The teacher was overcritical and never liked anyone’s work.
Patient
Definition: Able to wait calmly without getting upset
Example: She was patient while teaching her little brother to read.
Patronizing
Definition: Talking down to someone as if they’re less important
Example: He was patronizing when he spoke, as if we couldn’t possibly be expected to understand him.
Persistent
Definition: Not giving up, even when things are hard
Example: The persistent athlete kept practicing every day, no matter the weather.
Polite
Definition: Showing good manners and respect
Example: Ryan was polite to everyone, even if they weren’t nice to him.
Possessive
Definition: Wanting to own or control something or someone
Example: She was possessive of her toys and wouldn’t share with anyone.
Proactive
Definition: Taking action before problems happen
Example: Adam was proactive about his term paper and finished it with two weeks to spare.
Quiet
Definition: Not talking much or making noise
Example: Aaron was quiet, listening more than he spoke.
Rational
Definition: Thinking clearly and making good decisions
Example: We can always count on Penelope to be rational and do the smart thing.
Reserved
Definition: Keeping your thoughts and feelings to yourself
Example: Cate was reserved and didn’t like to share what she was thinking.
Responsive
Definition: Reacting quickly and helpfully
Example: The nurse was responsive and came right away when called.
Romantic
Definition: Showing love in a sweet or emotional way
Example: Cooper was very romantic and dreamed of getting married on a clifftop in Hawaii.
Rude
Definition: Not polite; showing bad manners
Example: We were all embarrassed when he was rude to the waiter.
Secretive
Definition: Not sharing thoughts or information with others
Example: He was secretive and wouldn’t tell anyone where he was going.
Self-disciplined
Definition: Able to control your actions and stick to your goals
Example: Maya was self-disciplined and studied every day without being reminded.
Selfish
Definition: Only caring about yourself
Example: The selfish boy refused to share his Halloween candy.
Shy
Definition: Feeling nervous or uncomfortable around people
Example: She was too shy to speak in front of the class.
Sociable
Definition: Enjoying being with other people
Example: Matthias is very sociable and makes new friends easily.
Spirited
Definition: Full of energy and excitement
Example: The spirited dancer leapt high above the stage.
Staid
Definition: Serious, calm, and not easily excited
Example: Our principal is very staid and quiet, but he’s also very kind.
Stoic
Definition: Not showing feelings even in tough situations
Example: My grandfather was stoic when my grandmother died, but we all knew how sad he was.
Straightforward
Definition: Honest and easy to understand
Example: Samantha is straightforward but kind, and her advice is really helpful.
Stubborn
Definition: Not willing to change your mind or give in
Example: She was too stubborn to admit she needed help.
Tactless
Definition: Saying things that hurt others’ feelings without meaning to
Example: Brandon often speaks before he thinks and can be very tactless.
Talkative
Definition: Liking to talk a lot
Example: The talkative student always had something to say in class.
Tidy
Definition: Neat and clean
Example: Dylan is very tidy, and his clothes are never stained or torn.
Tolerant
Definition: Willing to accept people who are different from you
Example: He was tolerant and respected everyone’s opinions.
Unmotivating
Definition: Not encouraging or inspiring
Example: Alyssa was a very unmotivated coach and didn’t care if we showed up to practice.
Unpredictable
Definition: Not acting the same way every time
Example: Nick is very unpredictable—we never know what he’ll say or do.
Unreliable
Definition: Not dependable; can’t be counted on
Example: Don’t ask Jenna to bring the food because she’s very unreliable.
Unsure
Definition: Not certain or confident
Example: She was unsure about how to solve the math problem.
Untidy
Definition: Messy and not organized
Example: Juan is very untidy, and his desk is a giant mess.
Vague
Definition: Not clear or specific
Example: Alexa was vague when we asked how she felt about the party.
Vigilant
Definition: Watching carefully for danger or problems
Example: The vigilant guard noticed someone sneaking in.
Watchful
Definition: Paying attention
Example: The teacher was watchful during the test.
Wild
Definition: Out of control or full of energy
Example: Faith is wild and crazy today after eating candy for breakfast.
Witty
Definition: Clever and funny at the same time
Example: Kaitlyn is so witty that she kept us laughing nonstop.
Unique Adjectives To Describe a Person
Above-average
Definition: Better than normal or better than most
Example: She’s an above-average reader who finishes books quickly and understands them well.
Adaptable
Definition: Able to adjust to new situations easily
Example: He’s adaptable and made new friends right after changing schools.
Affable
Definition: Friendly and easy to talk to
Example: The affable librarian always greeted students with a smile.
Analytical
Definition: Good at thinking carefully and solving problems
Example: Savannah is an analytical thinker, working out the answers one step at a time.
Angelic
Definition: Very kind and sweet, like an angel
Example: The angelic girl helped everyone without being asked.
Belligerent
Definition: Ready to fight or argue
Example: The belligerent boy argued with anyone who disagreed with him.
Beneficent
Definition: Doing good and helping others
Example: The beneficent neighbor brought food to families in need.
Bigheaded
Definition: Too proud of yourself; thinking you’re better than others
Example: After winning the contest, Paul became bigheaded and bragged all the time.
Calculating
Definition: Carefully thinking about how to get what you want, sometimes in a sneaky way
Example: The calculating villain had a plan to trick the hero.
Candid
Definition: Honest and open, even when the truth is hard
Example: Lauren was candid and told Justin she didn’t think his juggling was good enough for the talent show.
Cantankerous
Definition: Grumpy and hard to get along with
Example: The cantankerous old man complained about everything.
Capricious
Definition: Changing moods or decisions suddenly
Example: We all know Jasmine can be capricious, so we’re never sure what she might do next.
Charismatic
Definition: Charming and able to attract others easily
Example: The charismatic speaker had everyone’s attention right away.
Circumspect
Definition: Careful and thinking before acting or speaking
Example: Diana was circumspect and chose her words wisely.
Complex
Definition: Not simple; having many parts or layers
Example: Mr. Wilhelm is very complex, and we find it hard to understand his actions.
Convivial
Definition: Lively and full of fun
Example: Brian is a convivial teammate, and we love having him around.
Cordial
Definition: Warm and polite
Example: Amanda was cordial when saying hi to the new neighbors.
Courtly
Definition: Very polite and respectful, like someone from long ago
Example: The courtly knight bowed before speaking.
Crafty
Definition: Good at being tricky to get what you want
Example: In order to get into the locked cabinet, Jamie had to be a little crafty.
Crotchety
Definition: Easily annoyed or grumpy, especially with age
Example: The crotchety neighbor yelled whenever kids stepped on his lawn.
Dainty
Definition: Delicate and small in a pretty way
Example: Leah is sweet and dainty in her new dress.
Dauntless
Definition: Very brave and not easily scared
Example: The dauntless firefighter ran into the burning building without hesitation.
Deft
Definition: Quick and skillful, especially with hands
Example: Quinn is a deft woodworker and made our mom a beautiful birdhouse.
Delicate
Definition: Easily hurt
Example: Be kind when you break the news to Rebecca—she can be a little delicate.
Demure
Definition: Quiet and modest in a shy way
Example: The new student was demure and quiet until he got to know us all.
Dynamic
Definition: Full of energy and new ideas
Example: The dynamic teacher kept her class excited to learn.
Ebullient
Definition: Full of excitement and joy
Example: The ebullient child couldn’t stop bouncing up and down on her birthday.
Eccentric
Definition: Acting in a very unusual or odd way
Example: The eccentric artist wore two different shoes on purpose.
Erudite
Definition: Very smart and full of knowledge
Example: The erudite professor could answer any question about history.
Ethereal
Definition: Light, delicate, and almost magical
Example: In the soft morning light, Arianna seemed ethereal.
Exuberant
Definition: Full of happiness and excitement
Example: Cole was exuberant when he learned his best friend was moving back to the neighborhood.
Fervent
Definition: Showing strong and sincere feelings
Example: She is fervent about protecting the environment.
Finicky
Definition: Hard to please and picky about details
Example: She’s so finicky that she’ll only eat sandwiches with the crusts cut off.
Forthright
Definition: Direct and honest
Example: He was forthright and told the truth even when it was hard.
Frank
Definition: Open and truthful
Example: Diego was frank and honest, telling us exactly what he thought about the changes.
Freewheeling
Definition: Doing things your own way without worrying about rules
Example: She’s a freewheeling artist, making sculptures out of anything she finds.
Funky
Definition: Cool in a fun, unusual way
Example: He’s a bit funky, and not everyone gets his style.
Genial
Definition: Kind and cheerful
Example: The genial host made everyone feel welcome at the party.
Giddy
Definition: Feeling silly and excited
Example: She was giddy with joy after winning the championship
Glib
Definition: Speaking easily but without much thought or honesty
Example: He was glib when he answered, but we could tell he didn’t really know anything.
Gregarious
Definition: Loving to be around people; very social
Example: The gregarious girl made friends with everyone in class.
Intuitive
Definition: Understanding things quickly without needing proof or explanation
Example: Owen is very intuitive and always knows when something is wrong with his friends.
Kooky
Definition: Silly or a little strange in a fun way
Example: My aunt can be a little kooky, but she always knows how to make us laugh.
Philosophical
Definition: Thinking deeply about life and big ideas
Example: He got philosophical and started asking questions about the meaning of life.
Pigheaded
Definition: Very stubborn and refusing to change your mind
Example: She was too pigheaded to admit she made a mistake.
Pioneering
Definition: Doing something new and different before others do
Example: The pioneering inventor created a tool no one had ever seen.
Placid
Definition: Calm and peaceful
Example: Alan was quiet and placid, waiting patiently for the show to start.
Plucky
Definition: Brave and determined, even when things are tough
Example: The plucky student kept trying even after she fell behind.
Quick-witted
Definition: Able to think and respond quickly and cleverly
Example: The quick-witted kid always had a smart comeback ready.
Reclusive
Definition: Preferring to be alone and avoiding other people
Example: The reclusive writer lived in the woods and rarely spoke to anyone.
Tenacious
Definition: Not giving up, even when something is hard
Example: The tenacious runner kept going until he crossed the finish line.
Testy
Definition: Easily annoyed or irritated
Example: He was testy after skipping lunch and snapped at his friends.
Touchy
Definition: Getting upset very easily
Example: She’s a little touchy and doesn’t like jokes about her name.
Venal
Definition: Willing to do dishonest things for money
Example: The venal official took bribes instead of following the rules.
Versatile
Definition: Able to do many different things well
Example: Dana is a versatile player who can play any position on the team.
Visionary
Definition: Having strong, creative ideas about the future
Example: The visionary scientist imagined new ways to fight disease.
Vulnerable
Definition: Easily hurt, physically or emotionally
Example: Be nice to Isaac—he’s very vulnerable after his parents split up.
Zealous
Definition: Showing great energy or enthusiasm for something
Example: The zealous fan cheered loudly for her favorite team.
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