Picture this: You’re talking to a friend, and you want to describe something but the word just doesn’t seem to form in your mind. You end up describing it in a very long phrase, or you’d say something like: “I don’t know what word to use but it’s ….” – well, don’t get me wrong. It’s alright to use a phrase, but it’s more colourful to be able to substitute those long phrases with just one word that tells all.

Today’s post aims to provide you with descriptive words to describe personalities. Refer to the table below. The ones in blue are negative personalities. Take note that the list is non-exhaustive:

The personality (of a person)

The word to use
very attractive

alluring
easy to love because they’re attractive or small

adorable
able to be believed or trusted

credible
attractive, confident and carefully dressed

debonair
behaving politely and in a controlled way

decorous
careful and using a lot of effort

diligent
careful not to cause embarrassment by keeping a secret

discreet
famous, respected, important

eminent
have lots of ideas, energetic, forceful

dynamic
very energetic

exuberant
not supporting any sides in an argument; neutral

impartial
have a calm appearance or characteristics, and not easily excited

placid
determined in character, actions or ideas

resolute
morally correct

righteous
intentionally choosing one thing (or person) and not the others

selective
have a clear understanding and good judgment

shrewd
stay the same for a long time, not changing quickly

steadfast
(a woman) attractively very energetic, lively and enthusiastic

vivacious
using rude and offensive words to hurt others

abusive
feels unpleasantly proud, better than others, and knows more than anyone else

arrogant
wishing to fight or argue

belligerent
completely unable to think well because of mental illness

deranged
giving unclear answers to avoid answering questions honestly

evasive
very difficult to please

finicky
tries to be funny with a serious subject

flippant
extremely unpleasant or unacceptable

repulsive
easily shocked or upset by things that are unacceptable

squeamish
unpleasant and likely to argue a lot

truculent
likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly

volatile

So, now that you know these words, in future, instead of saying:

  • This person can be trusted.
  • The referee doesn’t take sides.
  • That politician is so proud that he believes he’s the only one who is right and knows everything.
  • Some of my students are rude and argue a lot.

just say:

  • This person is credible.
  • The referee is impartial.
  • That politician is so arrogant.
  • Some of my students are truculent.