Words to Describe Someone: The Ultimate Guide

Words To Describe Someone: The Ultimate Guide

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.

Ready to learn how? Let’s get started!

What is an adjective?

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 adjectives to 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!

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