descriptive words used in creative writing

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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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A Guide to Descriptive Writing

by Melissa Donovan | Jan 7, 2021 | Creative Writing | 8 comments

What is descriptive writing?

Writing description is a necessary skill for most writers. Whether we’re writing an essay, a story, or a poem, we usually reach a point where we need to describe something. In fiction, we describe settings and characters. In poetry, we describe scenes, experiences, and emotions. In creative nonfiction, we describe reality. Descriptive writing is especially important for speculative fiction writers and poets. If you’ve created a fantasy world, then you’ll need to deftly describe it to readers; Lewis Carroll not only described Wonderland  (aff link); he also described the fantastical creatures that inhabited it.

But many writers are challenged by description writing, and many readers find it boring to read — when it’s not crafted skillfully.

However, I think it’s safe to say that technology has spoiled us. Thanks to photos and videos, we’ve become increasingly visual, which means it’s getting harder to use words to describe something, especially if it only exists in our imaginations.

What is Descriptive Writing?

One might say that descriptive writing is the art of painting a picture with words. But descriptive writing goes beyond visuals. Descriptive writing hits all the senses; we describe how things look, sound, smell, taste, and feel (their tactile quality).

The term descriptive writing can mean a few different things:

• The act of writing description ( I’m doing some descriptive writing ).
• A descriptive essay is short-form prose that is meant to describe something in detail; it can describe a person, place, event, object, or anything else.
• Description as part of a larger work: This is the most common kind of descriptive writing. It is usually a sentence or paragraph (sometimes multiple paragraphs) that provide description, usually to help the reader visualize what’s happening, where it’s happening, or how it’s happening. It’s most commonly used to describe a setting or a character. An example would be a section of text within a novel that establishes the setting by describing a room or a passage that introduces a character with a physical description.
• Writing that is descriptive (or vivid) — an author’s style: Some authors weave description throughout their prose and verse, interspersing it through the dialogue and action. It’s a style of writing that imparts description without using large blocks of text that are explicitly focused on description.
• Description is integral in poetry writing. Poetry emphasizes imagery, and imagery is rendered in writing via description, so descriptive writing is a crucial skill for most poets.

Depending on what you write, you’ve probably experimented with one of more of these types of descriptive writing, maybe all of them.

Can you think of any other types of descriptive writing that aren’t listed here?

How Much Description is Too Much?

Classic literature was dense with description whereas modern literature usually keeps description to a minimum.

Compare the elaborate descriptions in J.R.R. Tolkien’s  Lord of the Rings  trilogy  with the descriptions in J.K. Rowling’s  Harry Potter series  (aff links). Both series relied on description to help readers visualize an imagined, fantastical world, but Rowling did not use her precious writing space to describe standard settings whereas Tolkien frequently paused all action and spent pages describing a single landscape.

This isn’t unique to Tolkien and Rowling; if you compare most literature from the beginning of of the 20th century and earlier to today’s written works, you’ll see that we just don’t dedicate much time and space to description anymore.

I think this radical change in how we approach description is directly tied to the wide availability of film, television, and photography. Let’s say you were living in the 19th century, writing a story about a tropical island for an audience of northern, urban readers. You would be fairly certain that most of your readers had never seen such an island and had no idea what it looked like. To give your audience a full sense of your story’s setting, you’d need pages of detail describing the lush jungle, sandy beaches, and warm waters.

Nowadays, we all know what a tropical island looks like, thanks to the wide availability of media. Even if you’ve never been to such an island, surely you’ve seen one on TV. This might explain why few books on the craft of writing address descriptive writing. The focus is usually on other elements, like language, character, plot, theme, and structure.

For contemporary writers, the trick is to make the description as precise and detailed as possible while keeping it to a minimum. Most readers want characters and action with just enough description so that they can imagine the story as it’s unfolding.

If you’ve ever encountered a story that paused to provide head-to-toe descriptions along with detailed backstories of every character upon their introduction into the narrative, you know just how grating description can be when executed poorly.

However, it’s worth noting that a skilled writer can roll out descriptions that are riveting to read. Sometimes they’re riveting because they’re integrated seamlessly with the action and dialogue; other times, the description is deftly crafted and engaging on its own. In fact, an expert descriptive writer can keep readers glued through multiple pages of description.

Descriptive Writing Tips

I’ve encountered descriptive writing so smooth and seamless that I easily visualized what was happening without even noticing that I was reading description. Some authors craft descriptions that are so lovely, I do notice — but in a good way. Some of them are so compelling that I pause to read them again.

On the other hand, poorly crafted descriptions can really impede a reader’s experience. Description doesn’t work if it’s unclear, verbose, or bland. Most readers prefer action and dialogue to lengthy descriptions, so while a paragraph here and there can certainly help readers better visualize what’s happening, pages and pages of description can increase the risk that they’ll set your work aside and never pick it up again. There are exceptions to every rule, so the real trick is to know when lengthy descriptions are warranted and when they’re just boring.

Here are some general tips for descriptive writing:

• Use distinct descriptions that stand out and are memorable. For example, don’t write that a character is five foot two with brown hair and blue eyes. Give the reader something to remember. Say the character is short with mousy hair and sky-blue eyes.
• Make description active: Consider the following description of a room: There was a bookshelf in the corner. A desk sat under the window. The walls were beige, and the floor was tiled. That’s boring. Try something like this: A massive oak desk sat below a large picture window and beside a shelf overflowing with books. Hardcovers, paperbacks, and binders were piled on the dingy tiled floor in messy stacks.  In the second example, words like  overflowing  and  piled are active.
• Weave description through the narrative: Sometimes a character enters a room and looks around, so the narrative needs to pause to describe what the character sees. Other times, description can be threaded through the narrative. For example, instead of pausing to describe a character, engage that character in dialogue with another character. Use the characters’ thoughts and the dialogue tags to reveal description: He stared at her flowing, auburn curls, which reminded him of his mother’s hair. “Where were you?” he asked, shifting his green eyes across the restaurant to where a customer was hassling one of the servers.

Simple descriptions are surprisingly easy to execute. All you have to do is look at something (or imagine it) and write what you see. But well-crafted descriptions require writers to pay diligence to word choice, to describe only those elements that are most important, and to use engaging language to paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Instead of spending several sentences describing a character’s height, weight, age, hair color, eye color, and clothing, a few, choice details will often render a more vivid image for the reader: Red hair framed her round, freckled face like a spray of flames. This only reveals three descriptive details: red hair, a round face, and freckles. Yet it paints more vivid picture than a statistical head-to-toe rundown:  She was five foot three and no more than a hundred and ten pounds with red hair, blue eyes, and a round, freckled face.

10 descriptive writing practices.

How to Practice Writing Description

Here are some descriptive writing activities that will inspire you while providing opportunities to practice writing description. If you don’t have much experience with descriptive writing, you may find that your first few attempts are flat and boring. If you can’t keep readers engaged, they’ll wander off. Work at crafting descriptions that are compelling and mesmerizing.

• Go to one of your favorite spots and write a description of the setting: it could be your bedroom, a favorite coffee shop, or a local park. Leave people, dialogue, and action out of it. Just focus on explaining what the space looks like.
• Who is your favorite character from the movies? Describe the character from head to toe. Show the reader not only what the character looks like, but also how the character acts. Do this without including action or dialogue. Remember: description only!
• Forty years ago we didn’t have cell phones or the internet. Now we have cell phones that can access the internet. Think of a device or gadget that we’ll have forty years from now and describe it.
• Since modern fiction is light on description, many young and new writers often fail to include details, even when the reader needs them. Go through one of your writing projects and make sure elements that readers may not be familiar with are adequately described.
• Sometimes in a narrative, a little description provides respite from all the action and dialogue. Make a list of things from a story you’re working on (gadgets, characters, settings, etc.), and for each one, write a short description of no more than a hundred words.
• As mentioned, Tolkien often spent pages describing a single landscape. Choose one of your favorite pieces of classic literature, find a long passage of description, and rewrite it. Try to cut the descriptive word count in half.
• When you read a book, use a highlighter to mark sentences and paragraphs that contain description. Don’t highlight every adjective and adverb. Look for longer passages that are dedicated to description.
• Write a description for a child. Choose something reasonably difficult, like the solar system. How do you describe it in such a way that a child understands how he or she fits into it?
• Most writers dream of someday writing a book. Describe your book cover.
• Write a one-page description of yourself.

If you have any descriptive writing practices to add to this list, feel free to share them in the comments.

Descriptive Writing

Does descriptive writing come easily to you, or do you struggle with it? Do you put much thought into how you write description? What types of descriptive writing have you tackled — descriptive essays, blocks of description within larger texts, or descriptions woven throughout a narrative? Share your tips for descriptive writing by leaving a comment, and keep writing!

Further Reading: Abolish the Adverbs , Making the Right Word Choices for Better Writing , and Writing Description in Fiction .

I find descriptions easier when first beginning a scene. Other ones I struggle with. Yes, intertwining them with dialogue does help a lot.

I have the opposite experience. I tend to dive right into action and dialogue when I first start a scene.

I came across this article at just the right time. I am just starting to write a short story. This will change the way I describe characters in my story.

Thank you for this. R.G. Ramsey

You’re welcome!

Great tips and how to practise and improve our descriptive writing skills. Thank you for sharing.

You’re welcome, Bella.

Hello Melissa

I have read many of your articles about different aspects of writing and have enjoyed all of them. What you said here, I agree with, with the exception of #7. That is one point that I dispute and don’t understand the reason why anyone would do this, though I’ve seen books that had things like that done to them.

To me, a book is something to be treasured, loved and taken care of. It deserves my respect because I’m sure the author poured their heart and soul into its creation. Marking it up that way is nothing short of defacing it. A book or story is a form of art, so should a person mark over a picture by Rembrandt or any other famous painter? You’re a very talented author, so why would you want someone to mark through the words you had spent considerable time and effort agonizing over, while searching for the best words to convey your thoughts?

If I want to remember some section or point the author is making, then I’ll take a pen and paper and record the page number and perhaps the first few words of that particular section. I’ve found that writing a note this way helps me remember it better. This is then placed inside the cover for future reference. If someone did what you’ve suggested to a book of mine, I’d be madder than a ‘wet hen’, and that person would certainly be told what I thought of them.

In any of the previous articles you’ve written, you’ve brought up some excellent points which I’ve tried to incorporate in my writing. Keep up the good work as I know your efforts have helped me, and I’m sure other authors as well.

Hi Stanley. Thanks so much for sharing your point of view. I appreciate and value it.

Marking up a book is a common practice, especially in academia. Putting notes in margins, underlining, highlighting, and tagging pages with bookmarks is standard. Personally, I mark up nonfiction paperbacks, but I never mark up fiction paperbacks or any hardcovers (not since college).

I completely respect your right to keep your books in pristine condition. And years ago, when I started college, I felt exactly the same way. I was horrified that people (instructors and professors!) would fill their books with ugly yellow highlighting and other markips. But I quickly realized that this was shortsighted.

Consider an old paperback that is worn and dog-eared. With one look, you know this book has been read many times and it’s probably loved. It’s like the Velveteen Rabbit of books. I see markups as the same — that someone was engaging with the book and trying to understand it on a deeper level, which is not disrespectful. It’s something to be celebrated.

Sometimes we place too much value on the book as a physical object rather than what’s inside. I appreciate a beautiful book as much as anyone but what really matters to me is the information or experience that it contains. I often read on a Kindle. Sometimes I listen to audio books. There is no physical book. The experience is not lessened.

I understand where you’re coming from. I used to feel the same way, but my mind was changed. I’m not trying to change yours, but I hope you’ll understand.

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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.

• Conjunctions
• Prepositions

Enhancing Storytelling: Adjectives for Writing with Examples

When it comes to writing a captivating story, choosing the right adjectives can make all the difference. Adjectives are the colorful brushstrokes that bring your characters, settings, and emotions to life. They add depth, detail, and vividness to your writing, making it more engaging and immersive for your readers. In this article, I’ll be sharing a collection of powerful adjectives that you can use to enhance your storytelling skills. From describing the appearance of your characters to painting a vivid picture of the world they inhabit, these adjectives will help you create a story that jumps off the page and captivates your audience.

In storytelling, adjectives serve as the palette of words that allow you to paint a picture in the minds of your readers. By carefully selecting the right adjectives, you can create a rich tapestry of sensory details that transport your readers to a different time, place, or state of mind. Whether you want to convey the beauty of a serene countryside, the haunting darkness of a mysterious forest, or the overwhelming joy of a heartwarming reunion, the right adjectives can bring these experiences to life.

So, if you’re ready to take your storytelling to the next level, join me as we explore a wide range of adjectives that will add depth, color, and emotion to your writing. From simple and straightforward descriptions to more nuanced and evocative language, these adjectives will help you craft a story that resonates with your readers and leaves a lasting impression. Let’s dive in and discover the power of adjectives in storytelling.

Table of Contents

How to Describe story writing? – Different Scenarios

When it comes to story writing, using the right adjectives can make all the difference. Adjectives are like the magic wand that brings stories to life, allowing readers to visualize characters, settings, and emotions. They add depth, detail, and vividness to writing, making it more engaging and immersive.

To effectively describe story writing, we need to consider different scenarios and the kind of adjectives that can be used. Let’s explore a few examples:

1. Creating a Beautiful Setting:

• Visual:  Vivid, picturesque, idyllic, enchanting, breathtaking, panoramic, sun-drenched, moonlit, ethereal.
• Sensory:  Fragrant, aromatic, melodious, serene, tranquil, bustling, vibrant, alive, pulsating.
• Emotional:  Nostalgic, heartwarming, whimsical, magical, awe-inspiring, peaceful, serene, melancholic.
• Figurative:  Jewel-toned, tapestry-like, shrouded in mist, bathed in golden light, whispering secrets, bursting with life.

2. Building Suspense:

• Intense:  Nail-biting, heart-pounding, nerve-wracking, chilling, suffocating, claustrophobic, perilous, precarious.
• Unnerving:  Eerie, unsettling, unsettling, ominous, foreboding, cryptic, ambiguous, enigmatic.
• Pacing:  Breakneck, relentless, relentless, accelerating, escalating, simmering, volatile, explosive.
• Sensory:  Shadow-laden, echoing whispers, creaking floorboards, icy fingers, clammy skin, pounding heartbeats.
• Figurative:  A knot tightening in the stomach, a tightrope walk over a chasm, a ticking clock, a predator stalking its prey.

3. Conveying Emotions:

• Positive:  Joyful, ecstatic, euphoric, contented, hopeful, optimistic, carefree, lighthearted, playful.
• Negative:  Heartbroken, devastated, grief-stricken, terrified, enraged, desperate, isolated, lonely, vulnerable.
• Complex:  Bittersweet, melancholy, nostalgic, longing, yearning, conflicted, ambivalent, pensive, introspective.
• Sensory:  Tears streaming down cheeks, laughter echoing through the room, a lump forming in the throat, a smile playing on lips.
• Figurative:  A weight lifted from the shoulders, a storm raging within, a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, a heart as heavy as stone.

By choosing the appropriate adjectives, we can craft stories that resonate with readers and leave a lasting impression. Using words that engage the senses and convey emotions allows us to create a rich tapestry of storytelling.

Keep in mind that the examples provided above are just a starting point. There is a vast array of adjectives available for each scenario, allowing you to unleash your creativity and enhance your storytelling skills.

Describing Words for story writing in English

As a writer, I understand the power of descriptive language in captivating readers and bringing stories to life. When it comes to storytelling, the right adjectives can make all the difference in creating a vivid and engaging narrative. In this section, I will discuss a variety of describing words that can be used in story writing in English.

Adjectives to Describe Appearance

Describing the appearance of characters, objects, and settings can help readers visualize the story more vividly. Here are some examples of adjectives that can be used to describe appearance:

Adjectives to Convey Emotions

Emotions play a crucial role in storytelling, allowing readers to connect with the characters and their experiences. Here are some adjectives that can be used to convey emotions effectively:

Adjectives for Describing Actions

Describing actions in a story can add excitement and create a dynamic narrative. Here are a few examples of adjectives that can be used to describe actions:

Adjectives for story writing

As a seasoned writer, I understand the importance of using the right adjectives to bring stories to life. Choosing the perfect adjective can make all the difference in captivating your readers and immersing them in your narrative. In this section, I’ll provide you with a list of positive and negative adjectives that you can use in your story writing, along with example sentences to demonstrate their usage.

Positive Adjectives for Story Writing

Positive adjectives are a great way to create an uplifting and vibrant atmosphere in your stories. Here are 12 examples of positive adjectives that you can incorporate into your writing:

Negative Adjectives for Story Writing

On the other hand, negative adjectives can help you create tension, suspense, or a sense of conflict in your stories. Here are 5 examples of negative adjectives that you can use to add depth and complexity to your narrative:

By incorporating these adjectives into your storytelling, you can elevate your writing and engage your readers on a deeper level. Remember, the key is to use them thoughtfully and sparingly, allowing them to enhance your narrative without overpowering it.

Synonyms and Antonyms with Example Sentences

Synonyms for story writing.

When it comes to enhancing the richness and variety of your storytelling, using synonyms can be incredibly helpful. Synonyms are words that have similar meanings to the original word but provide a fresh perspective and bring more depth to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms that you can use in your story writing:

Integrating these synonyms into your narratives can add vividness and capture more nuanced emotions or descriptions. For instance, instead of saying “The girl was happy,” you could say “The girl was joyful .” By selecting the right synonym, you can create a more engaging and evocative reading experience for your young audience.

Antonyms for story writing

Incorporating antonyms can also be a valuable technique in story writing. Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings to the original word and can add contrast and tension to your narratives. Here are some examples of antonyms that you can use in your story writing:

By incorporating antonyms into your storytelling, you can create intriguing conflicts, contrasts, and suspense. For example, instead of saying “The knight was brave,” you could say “The knight was cowardly .” This not only adds depth to the character but also creates a more gripping narrative for young readers.

In this article, I have explored the importance of using adjectives in story writing to create vivid and engaging narratives. By incorporating descriptive words, writers can paint a picture in the reader’s mind, bringing characters, settings, and emotions to life.

We have also discussed the role of synonyms and antonyms in story writing. Synonyms offer alternative ways to describe things, adding depth and nuance to the storytelling. On the other hand, antonyms create contrast and tension, making the narrative more dynamic.

By utilizing a variety of adjectives, writers can captivate young audiences and make their stories more immersive. Whether it’s describing a character’s appearance, a fantastical setting, or the emotions they experience, the right choice of adjectives can make all the difference.

Remember, the key is to strike a balance. Too few adjectives can leave the story feeling flat, while an overabundance can overwhelm the reader. So, choose your adjectives wisely and let them enhance your storytelling.

Happy writing!

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Descriptive Writing: Definition, Tips, Examples, and Exercises

Descriptive writing is about using the power of words to arouse the imagination, capture the attention, and create a lasting impact in the mind of the reader. In this article, you'll learn how to employ descriptive elements in your writing, tips to enhance your descriptive writing skills, and some exercises to better yourself at it.

Descriptive writing is about using the power of words to arouse the imagination, capture the attention, and create a lasting impact in the mind of the reader. In this article, you’ll learn how to employ descriptive elements in your writing, tips to enhance your descriptive writing skills, and some exercises to better yourself at it.

Read the two sentences given below:

• I felt tired at work today.
• As the day wore on at work, I felt a cramp beginning to form at the nape of my neck, my eyes began to feel droopy, and the computer screen in front of me began blurring.

Which one of the two do you find more interesting to read? Most definitely the second one. This is because, while the first sentence merely tells you directly that ‘you felt tired at work today’, the second one explains the same experience in a much more vivid and relatable manner.

From this you can see that even something as simple as the above sentence can be transformed using literary devices that aid visualization, into something that someone can relate to. This is what descriptive writing is all about: heightening the sense of perception and alluring your reader to read ahead, because you have so much more to say.

Good Examples of Descriptive Writing

Given below are a couple of good pieces of descriptive writing from authors who know their business.

‘But the door slid slowly open before Lupin could reach it. Standing in the doorway, illuminated by the shivering flames in Lupin’s hand, was a cloaked figure that towered to the ceiling. Its face was completely hidden beneath its hood. Harry’s eyes darted downwards, and what he saw made his stomach contract. There was a hand protruding from the cloak and it was glistening, greyish, slimy-looking and scabbed, like something dead that had decayed in water…’ – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

‘I don’t know what I’d expected but it was something different than I saw. She looked unexpectedly young. Or, I suppose said better, she looked unexpectedly “not old”. Her hair, which was completely white, had a yellowish cast that could almost have been mistaken for a pale blond, and it was loose around her shoulders. And long. Longer than mine. No doubt she normally wore it pulled up in a bun, and such a style would have given her a more predictable little-old-lady look, but the way it was here now, parted on the side – long, loose, and straight – she seemed ageless as an ancient sculpture. This sense was enhanced by her skin. Though it had the fragile crepeyness of age, she had few wrinkles, especially across her forehead, which was smooth to a point of being almost waxy looking. She was of obvious northern Germanic heritage, with pale eyes and prominent features. Although she was not overweight, her bones were big and blunt, giving the impression of a tall, sturdy woman.’ – Twilight Children by Torey Hayden

Why be Descriptive While Writing?

• The purpose of descriptive writing is to inspire imagination. When you put your mind into making a piece of writing more descriptive, you automatically begin to pay attention to detail and refine your perception about things. You begin to imagine them as much more than, say a  party hat or a hard-bound book . You begin to look at them as a tall, pink, pointed paper hat with tassels , and a book that had a gleaming golden spine, and weighed a few good pounds .
• The next, and probably the most important benefit of descriptive writing is that in the process of trying to make the reader visualize what you want to say, you tend to use more interesting words. You want to convey a mental picture to your reader. So you’re bound to use words that might be unconventional or less-used. You will want to find words that exactly describe what you want to say, and will look for different words that mean the same. This will help you suitably build your vocabulary.
• The success of descriptive writing lies in the details. The more detailed your depiction of a plot or a character or a place is, the more you engross your reader. You become a keen observer and minder of details. You pay attention to the tiniest bits of information and appearance, which in turn helps you transfer the details into your writing.
• Since you have picked something to describe and have observed all its details, you are sure to understand the subject better. You may even come across bits and pieces that you may have missed the first time you looked at the object/subject in question. Thoroughly understanding what you’re going to write about is exceedingly important to the process of writing about it.

Tips you Can Use Identify what you’re about to describe

As you start with descriptive writing, identify exactly what you are setting out to describe. Usually, a descriptive piece will include the depiction of a person, a place, an experience, a situation, and the like. Anything that you experience or perceive about your subject can be the focal point of your descriptive writing. You build a backdrop by identifying an aspect of a subject that you want to describe.

Decide why you’re describing that particular aspect

While it can be a wonderful creative exercise to simply describe anything you observe, in descriptive writing, there is often a specific reason to describe whatever you have set out to describe. Tapping this reason can help you keep the description focused and infuse your language with the particular emotion or perspective that you want to convey to your readers.

Maintain a proper chronology/sequence Sometimes, you may get so caught up in making your work colorful and creative that you may end up having a mash-up of descriptions that follow no particular order. This will render the effort of writing useless as the various descriptions will simply confuse the reader. For instance, if you want to describe characters in a particular situation, begin by describing the setting, then proceed to the most important character of that particular situation, and then to the least important one (if necessary).

Use Imagery Imagery is the best tool you can employ in descriptive writing. Since you cannot show your reader what you are imagining, you need to paint a picture with words. You need to make the depiction of your imagination so potent that your reader will instantly be able to visualize what you are describing. However, don’t go overboard. Make sure that the focus does not dwindle stray. Keep your descriptions specific to the subject in question. The writing must be able to draw in the reader; hence, the writer should say things that the reader can relate to or empathize with. An introductory backdrop can often provide an effective setting for the remaining part of the piece. Great descriptive writing has the ability to lure the reader, enticing him or her to continue reading right to the end. While giving the details is important, it is how they are presented that makes the difference.

Hone the senses One of the most effective ways to make the experience you are describing vivid for your reader is to use the five senses: smell, sight, sound, taste, and touch. When the descriptions are focused on the senses, you provide specific and vivid details in such a way that it shows your reader what you are describing. So, when you describe a subject, depict it in such a manner that it involves the reader’s possible sensory interpretations. It must make the reader imagine what he would see, hear, smell, taste, or feel when he reads what you have written.

She gently squeezed the juice out of the plump, red tomato. She blended this juice into the simmering mix of golden-brown onions and garlic in the pan, and watched as they melded into each other. She then added the spice mixture that she had prepared, and the air was permeated with a mouth-watering aroma.

Use strong nouns and verbs effectively, adjectives intelligently It is true that the purpose of adjectives is to describe a subject, but overuse of adjectives in descriptive writing can render the piece shallow and hollow. Hence, make it a point to use other parts of speech to express the same sentiment. You’ll be surprised how effectively nouns, verbs and adverbs can be used to describe something, sometimes even better than adjectives alone. For instance, look at the two sentences below.

• The flowers were as fresh as the morning dew.
• The flowers had a freshness that could only equal that of the glistening morning dew.

The first sentence has used an adjective (fresh)  to describe the flowers. It is a good description too, because the comparison to morning dew is something that will immediately put the reader in the sense of mind that you want. The second sentence too has compared the freshness to morning dew, but has used a noun (freshness) and a verb (equal)  to do so, and in the process has probably enticed the reader to continue reading, more than the first sentence.

Pick related words Before you actually begin writing, it is always a good idea to build a word bank of related words and ideas. For instance, if you are going to be describing a flower arrangement, you could jot down a few ideas before you start describing it, like: vase, color, types of flowers, leaves, stem, style, shape, fresh, etc. Once you have these basic words, you could start descriptive sentences for each one. Then, carry on from there.

Display passion Impact is what you’re looking to create in the minds of your readers. You want your readers to relate and empathize with what you’re writing. This will be close to impossible if your work does not reflect the passion that you feel for it. Make them feel what you feel with the words you write. Language that relates to powerful emotions such as love, hatred, admiration, disgust, etc., can convey the range and intensity of the sentiment that you are trying to express. Use them to your favor and get the desired effect.

Exercises to Enhance Descriptive Writing

Given below are some simple, yet effective exercises that you can use to better yourself at descriptive writing.

Exercise 1 Decide on an everyday action, say ‘making a pot of coffee’ and write about it in a descriptive manner. Give yourself 3 words that you’re not allowed to use while writing about it. You’ll see yourself reaching for the thesaurus, which will help improve your vocabulary.

Exercise 2 Pick random objects like a hat, a burger, a chair, etc., and place them before you. Enlist the different names that these objects can be called. Describe each of the objects in sentences that have more than 15 words each. Be as imaginative as you can.

Get your ‘assignments’ read by an objective person to see if they can relate to and understand properly what you have tried to convey.

Make descriptive writing a rewarding experience, both for your reader and yourself. If you like what you write, chances are that your reader will too. As is evident, having a comprehensive vocabulary is the key to good descriptive writing. But mere vocabulary will fall short if your piece lacks passion, logic and interest. The trouble is that it can easily become an incoherent rambling of senses and emotions. To avoid that, present what you are writing about in a logical and organized sequence of thoughts, so that the reader comes away from it with a cogent sense of what you have attempted to describe.

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

• Posted By blog-user

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

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

1. Compelling (adj.)

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

Synonym: enthralling, captivating, gripping

Sentence examples:

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

2. Effervescent (adj.)

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

Synonym: vivacious, animated, bubbly

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

3. Euphonious (adj.)

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

Synonym: pleasant-sounding, sweet-sounding, honeyed

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

4. Evocative (adj.)

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

Synonym: reminiscent, suggestive

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

5. Halcyon (adj.)

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

Synonym: happy, carefree, blissful

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

6. Lissom (adj.)

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

Synonym: lithe, elegant, svelte

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

7. Resplendent (adj.)

Meaning: very bright, attractive and impressive in appearance

Synonym: splendid, magnificent, brilliant

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

8. Redolent (adj.)

Meaning: having a strong pleasant smell

Synonym: aromatic, perfumed

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

9. Serendipitous (adj.)

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

Synonym: coincidental, lucky

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

10. Sublime (adj.)

Meaning: of great excellence or beauty

Synonym: outstanding, grand, majestic, stellar

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

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

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

Ms. Hui Jun

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

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KathySteinemann.com: Free Resources for Writers and Poets

Word lists, cheat sheets, and sometimes irreverent reviews of writing rules. kathy steinemann is the author of the writer's lexicon series..

300+ Words to Describe Skin: A Word List for Writers

(Discover even more words in The Writer’s Body Lexicon .)

Picking the Perfect Adjective Saves Words

… and makes writing leap off the page. These lists contain more than 300 adjectives to describe skin color, tone, complexion, and texture . Some might be deemed cliché, but you can leverage them as springboards.

Let’s consider ivory , a hackneyed word for modifying skin . What looks like ivory? Piano keys. Can you use piano keys for a direct description? How about: Julianne flounced into the parlor, her flawless skin shimmering as white as the keys on the grand piano in the center of the room.

Do you picture a fair-skinned, affluent woman who might have musical talent or at least the desire to appear as though she does? Although the piano keys don’t shimmer, her skin does. The comparison between skin and keys hints that the keys are shiny. Either Julianne keeps them polished, or she spends considerable time playing. If she doesn’t play, perhaps she strokes the keys and daydreams about a musician who jilted her.

Another cliché is baby-soft skin . Consider this sentence: Jordan’s tiny fingers stroked his mother’s breast, a breast with skin as soft as his own.

Do you envision a baby? The sentence doesn’t say Jordan is in his mother’s arms , but that’s probably what you see. Even though the word baby is never used, you sense the softness of the mother’s skin.

You can also benefit from the following lists of adjectives by consulting them in conjunction with your favorite thesauruses.

Consider blotchy .

Microsoft Word provides these suggestions: mottled, blemished, marked, spotty, spotted, dappled, discolored, freckled, reddened, and red.

Google brings up the following recommendations: mottled, dappled, blotched, spotty, spotted, smudged, marked, erratic, irregular, patchy, and splotchy.

A search at dictionary.reverso.net provides these alternatives: blemished, macular, patchy, reddened, scurvy, spotty, and uneven.

Thesaurus.com presents a different list: mottled and spotted . Moving down the page to the mottled heading brings up the following adjectives: blotchy, checkered, dappled, flecked, freckled, maculate, streaked, tabby, variegated, marbled, motley, and piebald. More suggestions appear under additional headings.

Imagine what you could do with tabby and piebald , words that normally describe cats and horses. What about other animals? Crocodiles, elephants, leopards, giraffes — they all have different textures and patterns of skin or spots, with personalities that could match those of your protagonists.

I have included a few words that refer to scent . Let your imagination run wild. A protagonist’s skin could smell like grease, rose petals, beer, garlic, baby shampoo, or licorice. Investigate the surroundings and occupations of your characters to add appropriate scents. Likewise with flavor. I didn’t include any taste words , but consider the possibilities, especially if you’re writing a romance novel.

Most of these words could be applied to specific body parts rather than skin. For example:

• veined hands
• blistered face
• cottage-cheese thighs
• patchy chest
• sunburnt toes
• reptilian elbows

Now without further ado, I present the lists.

Skin Color /Tone

A and B alabaster, albino, almond, amber, anemic, apricot, ashen, beige, bisque, black, blanched, bloodless, blue-tinged, blushing, brick-colored, bronze, brown, burnt, butterscotch, buttery

C café-au-lait, caramel, cedar, chalky, charcoal, chestnut, chocolate, cinnamon, coffee-colored, colorless, copper, coral, cream-colored, creamy

D to G dark, dappled, dusky, ebony, espresso, fair, fawn, fiery, florid, flushed, flushing, freckled, ghostly, ginger, golden, granite-grey, grey, green

I to O ivory, jaundiced, lily-white, liver-spotted, mahogany, mango, milk-white, milky, mottled, ochre, olive

P to R painted, pale, pallid, pasty, peaches-and-cream, peach-colored, pearly, pink, porcelain, red, reddened, rose-brown, rosy, rouged, rubicund, ruddy, russet

S and T sallow, sand-colored, sepia, shock-white, sienna, snowy, sooty, sorrel, spotted, sunny, sunburnt, swarthy, tan, tanned, tarnished, taupe, tawny, teak, terra cotta, toffee

U to Y umber, vanilla, wan, washed-out, waxen, whitey, yellow

See also 1000+ Ways to Describe Colors

Skin Complexion/Texture

A and B abraded, acned, baby-soft, blackhead-speckled, blemished, blistered, blotchy, bristly, bubble-wrapesque, bumpy, burnished

C calloused, cellulite-dimpled, chapped, clean-shaven, clear, coarse, cottage-cheese, cratered, creased, crepe-textured, crinkled, crumpled

D to F delicate, depilated, desiccated, diaphanous, downy, dry, dull, elastic, erupted, erythemic, fine-grained, flaky, flawed, frail, furry, fuzzy

G to K gauzy, goose-bumped, goose-fleshed, goose-pimpled, granular, hairless, hairy, healthy, hirsute, hive-dotted, inflamed, keloid-marred, kitten-soft

L to P leathery, lined, lumpy, marred, oozing, orange-peel, papery, paper-thin, parchment, patchy, petal-soft, pillowy, pimpled, pimply, pitted, pockmarked, potholed

R rash-covered, rash-ridden, raw, reptilian, ridged, rough, rumpled, rutted

S sandpapery, satiny, saurian, scabby, scabrous, scaled, scaly, scarred, scratched, sensitive, sheer, silky, sleek, slick, smooth, soft, speckled, splotchy, spotty, stippled, supple

T to W taut, textured, thick, translucent, unblemished, unwrinkled, uneven, velvety, work-roughened, wrinkly

Other Words to Describe Skin

A to D aged, aglow, aromatic, boyish, caked, chilled, chilly, clammy, clawed, clean, cool, damaged, damp, dewy, dimpled, dirty, doughy, drawn, droopy

E and F etched, feverish, firm, flaccid, flapping, flappy, flawless, fleshy, fragranced, fragrant, fresh, frigid, frostbitten, frozen, furrowed

G to K gangrenous, girlish, gleaming, glistening, glossy, glowing, gossamer, greasy, grimy, grubby, gnarled, hot, icy, knotty

L to O lackluster, listless, loose, lustrous, lusterless, luminescent, makeup-caked, matte, mature, moist, mud-caked, musky, odorous, old

P to R patterned, peeling, perfumed, pierced, pliable, puckered, puffy, pure, radiant

S scented, sweet-smelling, sweet-scented, scrubbed, shimmering, shiny, slimy, slippery, smeared, sparkling, spongy, springy, sticky, streaked, stubbly, sweaty, swollen

T to V tattooed, tight, tingling, toasty, touchable, transparent, veined, veinous

W to Y warm, weathered, wet, windburnt, wind-worn, wholesome, whiskery, withered, wizened, worn, yielding, youthful

Are You Interested in More Word Lists and Writing Tips?

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4 thoughts on “ 300+ Words to Describe Skin: A Word List for Writers ”

This was an excellent article, very helpful for my particular situation and in my search for answers. I want to ask a question and I hope I can get some positive responses. Before I ask I just want to say that I am so sorry to leave this, please don’t cancel me, this is a genuine question I do not wish to offend any one reading this. I am trying to answer an ongoing debate with my cousin. I am looking for definitive answers to this question from an outside sources. I realize how sensitive this subject can be and I am trying to correct bad thinking within my own family because if I don’t then who will. In describing the skin tone/color of someone’s skin is it appropriate to use the word Tar? I say absolutely not, I believe it’s almost as inappropriate as using the N word and that it references back to slavery. I told him if you have to qualify a persons skin color at all then Onyx, Charcoal, or Sharpie are all more appropriate. He says it’s strictly being used to describe skin tone and that there is no ill will or derogatory intention behind its use and that it should be ok because when it’s used it’s clearly understood what is meant, that all other words are subjective. Again I disagree so please don’t hate me for asking this question. I’m honestly just seeking answers and wanting to hear the opinions of other people. Thank you for your time and for taking this seriously.

Hi, Anthony. If you think a word might be offensive, don’t use it. I wouldn’t use tar — it reminds me of the tar baby in the Uncle Remus stories. There are so many other options to choose from.

Another great list! So many new words and abundant choices to make. Thanks.

Thanks, Ohita.

I’ll be releasing new lists every Monday for the next several weeks. I hope they also prove useful to you.

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Strong Adjectives to Show Creative Writing

Table of Contents

With strong adjectives come strong thoughts. Anyone can use strong adjectives to convey a potent idea or paint a vivid picture through their words. There’s always a better way to state a fact.

Our manner of speech can influence the way people perceive us and our ideas. You need only look at how leaders, lawyers, and other influential people write and speak. Their word choices and tone can hold sway over listeners and deliver a powerful message.

In this article, we’ll be learning some strong  adjectives for a writer .

But before we delve into these words, it’s important to understand strong adjectives and the right way to use them.

What are Strong Adjectives?

Strong adjectives describe the important characteristics, feelings, or qualities of writing . These adjectives are often things that readers cannot ignore. 

Writers use strong adjectives instead of very + a normal adjective.

For example:

Very short → Succinct, Terse

Very long → Lengthy, Extensive 

They often paint a strong example of a noun they are describing. They can help make a sentence more potent or describe a character in greater detail. Writers use strong adjectives in all sorts of creative works, from books to poems.

These adjectives often cause readers to take note of an object they read about.

The Importance of Strong Adjectives

Strong adjectives are important because not all descriptive words can sufficiently capture the full meaning of a subject. Strong adjectives give a different sense of reality and highlight one part of an object or idea. It does this to demonstrate the characteristics that make certain nouns unique.

Strong adjectives also help an audience relate better to a thought. They help them grasp their essence entirely, allowing us to accurately describe what we feel and want to convey.

Moreover, strong adjectives also give the impression that we are an authority on the subject we are describing. Rarely will you find a critic use “very bad” to describe a poorly-written piece of writing.

You need to learn to use strong adjectives to write powerful sentences that leave a strong impression. The list below includes strong adjectives for a writer: 

List of Strong Adjectives for a Writer

• Authoritative
• Enthralling
• Exhilarating
• Imaginative
• Intelligent

The English language is replete with a wide collection of words you can use to convey a thought. Descriptors are among the most potent words writers can use to paint a vivid picture for their audience. Strong adjectives are useful in order to command influence over your audience and deliver a powerful message.

Try to learn new and better words to spice up your vocabulary. Doing so will improve your writing and speaking skills and will allow you to command attention like the way influential people do. Feel free to follow our other guides on strong adjectives if you want to gain better mastery of the English language.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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