Living Vocabulary

Enthusiastic or passionate; showing strong feelings or devotion.

Traits: Expresses enthusiasm warmly, passionate about what she believes, inspires others with her energy.

"She was an ardent supporter of the local animal shelter, volunteering every weekend."

Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior; unpredictable.

Traits: Changes interests quickly, unpredictable in decisions, full of surprising impulses.

"The capricious weather changed from sunshine to rain three times before lunch."

To make something clear; to explain or shed light on a subject.

Traits: Requests thorough explanations, enjoys detailed understanding, teaches through careful exposition.

"The professor took time to elucidate the difficult concept until every student nodded in understanding."

Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; playfully joking.

Traits: Makes witty remarks, lightens tense moments with humor, sees the amusing side of situations.

"When asked if she wanted more vegetables, she gave a facetious reply about already having eaten her weight in broccoli."

Having or showing an interest in learning things; curious and eager to investigate.

Traits: Asks frequent questions, expresses curiosity about everything, encourages others to explain themselves.

"My inquisitive daughter asked so many questions at the museum that the guide gave her a special tour."

Expressed clearly; easy to understand. Also: showing an ability to think clearly.

Traits: Speaks with remarkable clarity, simplifies complex ideas, thinks through problems logically.

"Her lucid explanation of the math problem helped the whole class finally understand."

Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

Traits: Pays attention to every detail, arranges things precisely, notices when things are out of place.

"Her meticulous notes included every detail from the meeting, down to who sat where."

Acting with or showing care and thought for the future; wise and careful in practical matters.

Traits: Considers consequences before acting, offers wise counsel, saves and prepares for difficult times.

"It was prudent to bring an umbrella, even though the morning sky looked clear."

Briefly and clearly expressed; using few words to convey meaning.

Traits: Speaks in brief, pointed sentences, values efficiency in communication, interrupts long-winded speakers.

"The teacher appreciated succinct answers that got straight to the point."

Equivalent in seriousness or effect to; virtually the same as.

Traits: Draws comparisons and equivalences, relates new experiences to familiar ones, helps others see connections.

"Leaving the gate open with the dog in the yard was tantamount to letting him run away."

Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties; watchful and alert.

Traits: Watches intently before acting, notices details others miss, protective of her neighbors.

"The vigilant crossing guard noticed the approaching car and held up her hand to stop traffic."

Vehement or clamorous; expressing opinions or feelings loudly and forcefully.

Traits: Speaks loudly and boldly, expresses opinions with force, announces things to crowds.

"The vociferous crowd at the game could be heard from three blocks away."

Having a spirit of friendliness; without serious disagreement.

Traits: Resolve conflicts peacefully, maintain friendships easily, spread good cheer.

"After a brief discussion, they reached an amicable agreement that satisfied everyone."

Well-meaning and kindly; showing a desire to do good for others.

Traits: Always seeking to help, gives freely without expectation, sees the best in everyone.

"The benevolent stranger paid for everyone's coffee without expecting thanks."

Pleasant and agreeable in nature; suited to one's taste or inclination.

Traits: Makes everyone feel welcome, finds common ground easily, creates harmony in groups.

"The congenial host made sure every guest felt at home at her dinner party."

Brave and heroic; showing special attention and respect, especially to women.

Traits: Brave in the face of danger, chivalrous and courteous, defends the vulnerable.

"The gallant firefighter carried the child to safety through the smoke."

A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of something.

Traits: Senses change coming, announces new beginnings, reads signs others miss.

"The robin is a harbinger of spring, arriving just as winter begins to fade."

Very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person.

Traits: Forgives freely, generous beyond expectation, noble in character.

"In a magnanimous gesture, the winner shared his prize money with the runner-up."

Not easily upset or excited; calm and peaceful in nature.

Traits: Speaks in unhurried tones, remains calm in chaos, brings peace to tense situations.

"Despite the storm raging outside, Grandfather remained placid, sipping his tea by the fire."

Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior; very precise.

Traits: Follows proper etiquette, notices every detail, ensures everything is correct.

"The punctilious butler arranged the silverware with mathematical precision."

Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; wise.

Traits: Offers profound insights, sees through pretense, guides with quiet wisdom.

"The sagacious professor predicted the economic trends months before anyone else."

Loyal, reliable, and hardworking; strongly built and dependable.

Traits: Stands firm in her convictions, works tirelessly for others, never wavers in loyalty.

"The stalwart volunteers worked through the night to rebuild the community center."

Showing or suffering from nervousness or fear; timid.

Traits: Hesitant but hopeful, overcomes fear slowly, finds courage in community.

"The timorous kitten slowly emerged from hiding when it heard the gentle voice."

Conformity to facts; accuracy and truthfulness.

Traits: Speaks only truth, values honesty above all, cannot abide deception.

"The witness was known for her veracity, so the jury believed every word she said."

Cheerful and full of energy; enthusiastically excited.

Traits: Bubbling with enthusiasm, energetic and lively, infectious joy.

"The ebullient crowd cheered as the team scored the winning goal."

Vivacious and enthusiastic; giving off bubbles.

Traits: Bubbling personality, infectious enthusiasm, lights up the room.

"Her effervescent personality made every party more fun."

Cheerful and friendly; good-humored.

Traits: Hearty laughter, warm and friendly, spreads good cheer.

"The jovial innkeeper welcomed travelers with a warm smile and a hearty meal."

A deep, pensive sadness; thoughtful sadness.

Traits: Thoughtfully sad, reflective and deep, finds joy through connection.

"A melancholy settled over him as he looked at old photographs of happier times."

Sullen and ill-tempered; gloomy.

Traits: Initially gloomy, sullen but reachable, transforms through community.

"After losing the game, he was morose for days until his friends cheered him up."

Engaged in deep or serious thought.

Traits: Deep in thought, contemplative nature, shares insights slowly.

"She sat by the window in a pensive mood, contemplating her future."

Having an unemotional and calm disposition; not easily excited.

Traits: Unflappable calm, steady in crisis, reliable and consistent.

"The phlegmatic captain kept his crew calm during the storm."

Complaining in a petulant or whining manner.

Traits: Finds fault easily, complains often, softens through kindness.

"His querulous complaints about the weather annoyed everyone on the trip."

Optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult situation; cheerfully confident.

Traits: Always hopeful, sees silver linings, inspires optimism in others.

"Despite the setback, she remained sanguine about their chances of success."

Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.

Traits: Speaks rarely, listens intently, words carry weight.

"The taciturn farmer worked alongside his hands, saying nothing but missing nothing."

Attractively lively and animated.

Traits: Full of life, animated and engaging, draws others in.

"The vivacious host made sure everyone was having a wonderful time."

Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.

Traits: Longing for connection, dreamy and hopeful, finds belonging.

"She cast a wistful glance at the playground, remembering her own childhood."