No matter who the person is – a friend, someone you love, a hero, or a villain – words can be used to describe people’s character and personality. People are unique- no two people are exactly alike. Whether you’re writing about someone you know or trying to find the right adjectives to use when describing someone in a story, this guide has you covered. Read on to discover hundreds of words and phrases you can use to describe someone- whether it’s their eyes, nose hair, or even their temper!
Adjectives are so important for story-telling. They convey emotion and help to paint vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. By using adjectives, authors can create unique, compelling images that will draw readers into the story.
For example, instead of simply saying that a character is happy or sad. using words like elated or miserable is much more interesting and creates much more depth to a story. When you use words in this way, you will engage the imagination of your readers or listeners.
An adjective is a describing word. It is a word that names the attributes of a noun (a naming word).
Here are some examples:
A plum is a noun(a naming word). I can add adjectivesto describe the plum.
– a red plum – a juicy plum – a big plum
A friend is a noun (a naming word). I can add adjectives to describe my friend.
– my funny friend – my tall friend – my busy friend
These are all examples of adjectives! They help us describe the noun. By using adjectives, you paint a much more accurate and interesting description for people listening or reading.
THERE ARE FOUR MAIN TYPES OF WORDS:
Nouns: a naming word Examples: apple, giraffe, France, Sarah
Verbs: a doing word Examples: running, swimming, climbing, eating
Adjectives: a word that describes a naming word (noun) Examples: sweet, yellow, small, new
Adverb: a word that describes an action word (verb) Examples: quickly, lazily, calmy, carefully
I really love MC Grammar’s videos to describe grammar and part of speech in a super fun way. Check out his adjective song for an engaging way to learn about adjectives, then keep reading for my mega list of words to describe people!
Adjectives You Can Use to Describe Yourself
No one knows you better than yourself, so let’s start off with some adjectives that can be used when describing yourself. Here are twenty examples of words you can use to talk about yourself:
Intelligent
Artistic
Kind-hearted
Calm
Outgoing
Determined
Ambitious
Driven
Resourceful
Playful
Happy
Serious
Organized
Funny
Messy
Spontaneous
Relaxed
Anxious
Stubborn
Energetic
Example: I see myself as a funny person, but I am serious when I need to be! I am also very stubborn– I got this from my parents!
Adjectives to Describe Someone's Voice
A person’s voice tells us a lot about their personality. There are lots of interesting ways you can describe a voice that will help to build a better understanding of a person. Here are some examples of words you can use to describe someone’s voice:
Melodious
Energetic
Commanding
Animated
Mellow
Sweet
Sonorous
Resonant
Grating
Gravelly
Harsh
Soothing
Hoarse
Piercing
Deep
High
Example: He was an incredible story-teller: his rich, melodious voice would fill the room, making his stories come alive.
Adjectives to Describe Someone's Appearance
When it comes to physical characteristics, there are hundreds of words that can be used to describe someone’s appearance. We’ll go into each of the physical characteristics in much more detail, but here are some examples of words you can use when describing someone’s appearance to get you started:
Attractive
Handsome
Pretty
Charming
Striking
Statuesque
Diminuitiuve
Dishevelled
Sloppy
Neat
Well-dressed
Presentable
Example: Although she wasn’t exactly striking, she was always neat and well-dressed, which made her an attractive figure.
Adjectives to Describe Stature
Stature is one of the most obvious things we can use to describe someone. Using adjectives about stature will help us to convey the physical build of the person, which says a lot about them and will help the reader or listening to imagine them more clearly. Here are some essential words to describe someone’s stature:
Petite
Stout
Tall
Short
Muscular
Slender
Robust
Lanky
Compact
Wiry
Slender
Svelte
Athletic
Lean
Brawny
Buoyant
Substantial
Plump
Sturdy
Robust
Example: Although he was small, he was wiry, lean and athletic.
Adjectives to Describe Someone's Eyes
It is said that eyes are the gateway to the soul. The eyes are often the first thing you notice when you see a person- so it’s important to be able to describe eyes accurately. Here are some of the best words you can use to describe someone’s eyes:
Luminous
Sparkling
Bright
Glowing
Piercing
Mystical
Alluring
Captivating
Charismatic
Engaging
Dull
Glassy
Darting
Intense
Staring
Vacant
Empty
Soulless
Example: His eyes were darting and intense, it seemed like he had something to hide.
Adjectives to Describe Someone's Nose
The nose of a person is often a very prominent feature that lends itself to a rich description. If you want to use adjectives to describe someone well, focus in on how their nose looks and what words you can use to describe it. You can describe it to make someone sound attractive, comic, funny or smart. Here are some words to get you started:
Pointed
Snub
Prominent
Aquiline
Button
Hooked
Beaked
Flat
Bulbous
Flared
Big
Small
Example: His large, beaked nose was what I noticed first, it was a prominent feature.
Adjectives to Describe Eyebrows
A person’s eyebrows add so much character to their face, whether they’re bushy or smooth. Describing someone’s eyebrows might not be what we first think of, but when you focus in, you will find that there are lots of ways someone’s eyebrows can be described. Here are a few of the top words to describe someone’s eyebrows:
Dense
Robust
Coarse
Fluffy
Glistening
Spiky
Arched
Soft
Bushy
Frizzy
Example: His bushy eyebrows perched on his face like a fluffy caterpillar.
Adjectives to Describe Someone's Mouth/ Lips
A person’s mouth can say a lot about them and what they feel about certain situations, whether it’s puckered in disapproval or chapped by cold weather. Here are a few words ideas of words to describe someone’s mouth:
Thin
Plump
Pouty
Fat
Dry
Cracked
Chapped
Pierced
Swollen
Split
Moist
Puckered
Grimacing
Example: Her thin,puckered mouth was in an expression of constant disapproval
Adjectives to Describe Teeth
Describing teeth is a brilliant way to imply a lot about the character. How well someone’s teeth are cared for can show wealth or poverty, as well as show whether they are older or younger, vain or humble.
Gleaming
White
Straight
Clean
Pearly
Brushed
Polished
Strong
Flawless
Healthy
Discolored
Decayed
Chipped
Crooked
Stained
Cavity-ridden
Rotten
Unattractive
Worn down
Misaligned
Wonky
Example: His wonky teeth were decayed and discolored with many years of neglect.
Adjectives to Describe Someone's Hair
Using adjectives to describe someone’s hair often tells us a lot about the beauty of the person, as well as their age, status and personality. Here are a few important words you can use to describe someone’s hair:
Glossy
Silky
Flowing
Wavy
Frizzy
Coarse
Curly
Straight
Shiny
Thick
Lustrous
Long
Short
Black
Brown
Red
Yellow
Soft
Example: Her black mane of hair was silky and lustrous. It lay in soft curls around her shoulders.
Adjectives to Describe Hands
If you are describing someone in a story, consider using a few adjectives to describe their hands. This will help your reader to learn a lot about your character.
Flexible
Strong
Nimble
Gentle
Smooth
Rough
Calloused
Graceful
Delicate
Clumsy
Example: Her calloused hands were surprisingly nimble as they played the piano.
Adjectives to Describe Someone's Personality
There is more to a person than just their physical characteristics. Personality is also an important factor in how we perceive people. Here are some examples of words you can use when describing someone’s personality:
Generous
Confident
Patient
Thoughtful
Creative
Amiable
Intelligent
Artistic
Kind-hearted
Calm
Outgoing
Determined
Ambitious
Driven
Resourceful
Playful
Happy
Serious
Organized
Funny
Messy
Spontaneous
Relaxed
Anxious
Stubborn
Energetic
Example: My mother was an artist- messy and creative.
Adjectives to Describe Someone's Mood
Of course, while it is important to have great words to describe someone’s personality, we all know that our mood can change, and can depend on the day or what’s happening around us. We all have our ups and downs; sometimes we feel happy and full of life while other times we may feel sad or discouraged. Here are some examples of words you can use when describing someone’s mood:
Cheerful
Content
Anxious
Enthusiastic
Disheartened
Grumpy
Cranky
Sad
Happy
Gloomy
Grateful
Amused
Bored
Curious
Mad
Angry
Annoyed
Positive
Negative
Energetic
Fed-up
Excited
Example: I leapt out of bed feeling energetic and cheerful about the day ahead.
Words to Describe Someone's Temper
Temper is close in meaning to mood with a slight difference. A person’s mood can change from moment to moment, while their temper is how they control their anger in general. So, for example, someone may be quick-tempered or have a ‘good’ temper. Here are some top words to describe someone’s temper:
Sullen
Amiable
Fiery
Submissive
Contentious
Calming
Docile
Restrained
Outspoken
Cheerful
Example: Although she was usually amiable, she was fiery when provoked.
Words to Describe Someone's Sense of Humor
Whether someone has a sparkling sense of humor or is completely lacking in one, you can find the perfect word to describe it. These are some useful words to describe someone’s sense of humor:
Witty
Humorous
Playful
Sarcastic
Slapstick
Jocular
Clever
Charming
Dry
Eccentric
Example: He had a witty sense of humor and always had a clever retort ready.
Adjectives to Describe a Friend
Friendships come in all shapes and sizes; friends come in all kinds of forms as well. Here are some examples of words you can use when describing your friend:
Loyal
Supportive
Dependable
Fun
Understanding
Thoughtful
Affable
Sociable
Trustworthy
Warm-hearted
Sweet
Sincere
Sympathetic
Spontaneous
Example: My best friend is warm-hearted and sincere.
Words to Describe Someone You Love
Love is when two people care about each other. It might be that you love someone you are in a relationship with, your family, or a special friend. Here are some examples of words you can use when describing someone you love:
Devoted
Caring
Sweet
Passionate
Devoted
Considerate
Beautiful
Amazing
Incredible
Big-hearted
Warm-hearted
Inspirational
Brilliant
Funny
Cute
Special
Affectionate
Gentle
Charming
Lovely
Wise
Generous
Respectful
Compassionate
Sensitive
Supportive
Example: My incredible sister is big-hearted and always generous.
Words to Describe Someone You Dislike
Unfortunately not everyone gets along 100% percent of the time; sometimes its necessary for us to express how we feel about certain people through our choice of words. Here are some examples of words you can use when describing someone who you dislike:
Arrogant
Cold
Insensitive
Annoying
Unreliable
Scheming
Irritating
Example: He is arrogant and cold– we disliked each other from the moment we met.
10 Adjectives to Describe a Leader
Charismatic
Confident
Engaging
Outgoing
Charming
Witty
Inspiring
Ambitious
Generous
Popular
Mufasa, the King of Pride Rock; a wise, determined, honest and powerful leader. He is a well-built lion, with orange fur and a creamy peach muzzle and underbelly. His mane is thick and dark red. (Mufasa from Disney’s The Lion King)
15 Adjectives to Describe a Hero
Brave
Courageous
Selfless
Kindhearted
Determined
Strong-willed
Loyal
Dedicated
Honorable
Noble
Selfless
Heroic
Compassionate
Persevering
Fearless
A young man of about sixteen, Romeo is handsome, intelligent, and sensitive. Though impulsive and immature, he is idealistic and passionate which makes him an extremely likable character. He lives in the middle of a violent feud between his family and the Capulets, but he is not at all interested in violence. (Romeo from Romeo and Juliet)
15 Adjectives to Describe a Villain
Malevolent
Nefarious
Wicked
Brutal
Merciless
Authoritative
Tyrannical
Oppressive
Devious
Sadistic
Evil
She’s unattractive to look at and built like a tank. Her thick, stocky, muscular body is usually clothed in a uniform similar to a soldier’s. Ms. Trunchbull was an athlete when she was younger, and she still has a powerful body. She is tyrannical and oppressive, notorious for her cruel and merciless discipline. (Agatha Trunchbull from Matila, Roald Dahl)
Expanding Vocab Program
If you’re enjoying this resource on adjectives and building your or your child’s knowledge bank on words to describe someone, be sure to check out my Expanding Vocab Program. Designed by a speech and language therapist as an easy resource to develop vocab, It’s packed full of activities to teach new nouns, adjectives and verbs, and can be done from the comfort of your home or the convenience of the classroom.
The Expanding Vocab Program contains over 167 slides full of activities and games to support developing vocabulary! It contains pictures, activities and games and is fun and interactive to use with your child or class. It is a ready to go program that can be used interactively on any device from anywhere!
Example of Adjectives in Action: A Fairytale Princess
A princess is often described as graceful, elegant, kind, generous, beautiful, brave, courageous, wise, loyal, and compassionate. She is the embodiment of grace and poise; her moves are fluid and captivating. Her beauty is incomparable with a delicate complexion and perfect curves. She radiates kindness and generosity with every interaction she has with those around her making them feel special and valued. Even in the most difficult of circumstances she remains brave and courageous while showing wisdom in her decisions. Above all else she is loyal to her cause and will go to any necessary length to protect it even putting herself in harm’s way if needed. Compassionate towards all beings she will not hesitate to lend a helping hand when necessary or comfort those who may be suffering. A princess is truly an inspiring example of what it means to be a woman of virtue and honor.
Example of Adjectives in Action: An Evil Villain
The malevolent villain is filled with a deep-seated hatred and contempt for those who oppose him and he takes pleasure in causing pain and suffering. He has an unquenchable thirst for power and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He is ruthless and calculating in his plans, often using deceit and manipulation to get what he wants. His tyrannical nature forces others into submission as he uses his oppressive authority to control those around him. He is also extremely devious in his actions; always finding new ways to bend the rules or use loopholes to further his own agenda without breaking any laws. On top of this all lies a sadistic streak that makes him take pleasure from other’s misery which gives him a kind of sick satisfaction. This combination of traits makes him a truly treacherous adversary who should never be underestimated by any means.
Conclusion
No matter who the person is – be it a friend, family member, hero or villain – the right word or phrase will always help paint the best picture imaginable. This guide offers hundreds of adjectives that cover all aspects from physical appearance and personality traits, down to mood and emotion. The next time you need help finding exactly the right word or phrase for any occasion, look no further than this comprehensive list! With these tools at your disposal, now nothing stands between your creative vision and successfully defining anyone!