Hello! Very often, when we are asked to describe ourselves or another person in English, we limit ourselves to a verbal depiction of appearance. Meanwhile, a person is a versatile person, having his own character traits and other characterizing features. Without using these words, you will not be able to tell anything about a person as a person. Describing a person in English
In the vast majority of cases, in order to talk about a person, we use characterizing adjectives. In this article, I tried to collect the most popular adjectives that can describe a man or a girl as an individual. For this purpose, you can use words that are part of the following categories:
Let's take a look at each of these categories one by one. 
Dictionary for describing appearance in English 
Adjectives characterizing a person in English
Speaking of appearance, we describe height, age, voice, clothes. For example, growth can be high ( tall), short ( short) or average ( medium), and age is elderly or old ( old), middle-aged ( middle-aged) and young ( young). Speaking about the voice, you can indicate that it is hoarse (cracked), voiced ( crisp) or melodic ( tuneful).
A smile can be charming engage), charming ( charming) and sincere ( Sincere) or vice versa, tricky ( cunning), simulated ( forced) and insincere ( artificial). You also need to express your own opinion about how a person looks with the help of such adjectives:
Description of a person in English implies a story about character traits, habits and preferences. Sides of character can be both positive (intelligent, optimistic, extroverted) and negative (stupid, pessimistic, introverted). And sometimes the same feature, depending on intonation and context, can be both positive and negative (determined, thrifty, obstinate).
When characterizing an individual, do not forget to specify why you call him that. For example, when saying that a girl is hardworking, explain why you think so:
Any is very hard-working. It can work all day without any break at all. I really admire the way it studies and works. (Annie is very hardworking. She can work all day without a break. I really admire the way she studies and works).
The criteria that make up the character of the individual are also diverse. For ease of memorization and pronunciation, I put them in a compact table with translation and transcription. So it will be easier for you to navigate the criteria and remember the characterizing adjectives.
|
Word |
Translation |
Transcription |
|
personality traits |
||
| arrogant | arrogant | ["ærəgənt] |
| irritable | irritable | ["irit(ə)bl] |
| self-confident | self-confident | [self-"kɔnfidənt] |
| persistent | persistent | [pə"sist(ə)nt] |
| curious | curious | ["kjuəriəs] |
| modest | modest | ["mɔdist] |
| able | bright | [bright] |
| brave | brave | [breiv] |
| creative | creative | [kri:"eitiv] |
| restrained | reserved | [ri'zə:vd] |
| observant | observant | [əb"zə: vənt] |
| enterprising | enterprise | ["entəpraiziŋ] |
| cunning | cunning | ["kʌniŋ] |
| stubborn | obstinate | ["ɔbstinit] |
| purposeful | purposeful | ["pə:pəsful] |
| boastful | boastful | ["bəustful] |
| incorruptible | corruptible | [‚ɪnkə"rʌptəbəl] |
| hot-tempered | hot tempered | [‚hɒt"tempərd] |
| resourceful | quick witted | [kwik witɪd] |
|
Mental capacity |
||
| broad-minded | broad-minded | ["brɔ:d‚maɪndɪd] |
| quick-witted | bright | |
| clever | clever | ["klevər] |
| wise | wise | [ˈwaɪz] |
| silly | foolish | ["fu:lɪʃ] |
| witty | witty | ["wɪtɪ] |
| slow-moving | blunt | [bl'nt] |
| well-read | well-read | |
| uneducated | uneducated | [ˈʌnˈedjukeɪtɪd] |
| ignoramus | ignoramus | [ˌɪɡnəˈreɪməs] |
| erudite | erudite | [ˈerədīt] |
| illiterate | illiterate | [ɪ"lɪtərɪt] |
| mediocre | mediocre | [‚mi:di:"əʋkər] |
| ordinary | ordinary | [ˈɔ:dnrɪ] |
|
Volitional qualities |
||
| bold | bold | |
| brave | brave | |
| cowardly | coward | ["kaʋərd] |
| decisive | resolve | ["rezə‚lu:t] |
| indecisive | irresolute | [ɪ"rezə‚lu:t] |
| courageous | courageous | [kəʹreıdʒəs] |
| persistent | stubborn | ["stʌbərn] |
| shy | timid | ["tɪmɪd] |
| flexible | flexible | ["fleksəbəl] |
| fearful | fearful | [ˈfɪəful] |
| stubborn | obstinate | ["ɒbstənɪt] |
| unshakable | steady | ["stedɪ] |
|
Attitude towards other people |
||
| communicative | sociable | ["səuʃəbl] |
| selfish | selfish | ["selfieʃ] |
| friendly | friendly | ["friends] |
| decent | decent | ["di:s(ə)nt] |
| impudent | impudent | ["ɪmpjədənt] |
| honest | honest | ["ɔnist] |
| tolerant | tolerant | ["tɔlərənt] |
| respectful | respectful | [ris'pektful] |
| loyal | faithful | ["feiθful] |
| hospitable | hospitable | ["hɔspitəbl] |
| aloof | detached | [dɪtætʃt] |
| unreliable | disloyal | [dɪslɔɪəl] |
| sincere | frank | |
| equitable | just | |
| false | false | |
| indifferent | different | [ɪn "dɪfərənt] |
| truthful | truthful | ["tru:Ɵfəl] |
| insidious | treacherous | ["tretʃərəs] |
| rude | harsh | |
| sensitive, gentle | tender | ["tender] |
| strict | strict | |
| good-natured | good-natured | [ˈɡudˈ"neɪtʃərəd] |
| demanding | exacting | [ɪg"zaktɪŋ] |
| noble | noble | ["nəʋbəl] |
| altruistic | Altruistic | [ˏæltruˊɪstɪk] |
| selfless | selfless | [self les] |
| highly moral | moral | ["mɔ:rəl] |
| sneaky | scoundrel | [ˈskaundrəl] |
| tactful | tactful | [tæktfʊl] |
|
Relationship to property |
||
| greedy | greedy | ["gri:di] |
| generous | generous | [ˈdʒenərəs] |
| stingy | stingy | ["stɪŋɪ] |
| economical | frugal | ["fru:gəl] |
| thrifty | thrifty | [ˈθrɪftɪ] |
| wasteful | wasteful | ["weɪstfəl] |
|
Attitude to work |
||
| responsible | responsible | [ris'pɔnsəbl] |
| hardworking | hard working | [hɑ:rd"wɜ:rkɪŋ] |
| cooperating | cooperative | [kəʋ"ɒpərətɪv] |
| executive | can do | [kæn-du:] |
| irresponsible | ||
As Victor Hugo used to say, a person has as many as three characters: one ascribes to him the environment, the other he ascribes to himself, and the third is real, objective.
There are more than five hundred character traits of a person, and not all of them are unambiguously positive or negative, a lot depends on the context.
Therefore, any person who has collected certain qualities in individual proportions is unique.
The character of a person is a specific combination of personal, ordered psychological traits, features, nuances inherent only to him. It is formed, meanwhile, for a lifetime and manifests itself during labor and social interaction.
Soberly assessing and describing the character of the chosen person is not an easy task. After all, not all of its properties are shown to the environment: some features (good and bad) remain in the shadows. Yes, and to ourselves we seem somewhat different than seen in the mirror.
Is it possible? Yes, there is a version that this is possible. Through long efforts and training, you are able to appropriate the qualities you love, becoming a little better.
The character of a person is manifested in actions, in social behavior. It is visible in the attitude of the individual to work, to things, to other people and in her self-esteem. 
In addition, the qualities of character are divided into groups - "volitional", "emotional", "intellectual" and "social".
We are not born with specific traits, but acquire them in the process of upbringing, education, exploration of the environment, and so on. Of course, the genotype also influences the formation of character: the apple often falls very close to the apple tree.
At its core, character is close to temperament, but they are not the same thing.
In order to relatively soberly assess yourself and your role in society, psychologists advise you to write out your positive, neutral and negative traits on a piece of paper and analyze them.
Try to do this and you will find examples of character traits below.
At the same time, some qualities are difficult to attribute to good or bad, and you can’t call them neutral either. So, any mother wants her daughter to be shy, silent and bashful, but is this good for the girl?
Again, a dreamy person can be cute, but completely unlucky due to the fact that he is always in the clouds. An assertive individual looks stubborn for some, unbearable and stubborn for others.
Is it bad to be gambling and carefree? How far has cunning gone from wisdom and resourcefulness? Ambitiousness, ambition, purposefulness lead to success or to loneliness? It will probably depend on the situation and context.
And what to be to you, you decide!
Good qualities of a person - a list of them is often needed for compiling a resume. After all, one of the points in the resume is the personal qualities of the job seeker.
What are the most significant positive qualities of a person's character for work and a comfortable life in society? How best to describe yourself and what to include in your resume? Let's figure it out. In order to know our virtues in person, we have prepared a list of positive qualities to characterize a person.
This is a caring attitude to the available benefits, no matter your own or someone else's. We are talking not only about material things, but even about the spiritual forces and vital energy of a person. This quality allows you to optimize the consumption of any resources, to achieve more by saving less.
This is the lack of desire for profit. Selfish people are driven only by personal gain. Sincere and selfless people do not care about their own benefit, they will help and will not demand anything in return, so they are trusted much more.
Respectful attitude towards others. Is always. Even in cases where the situation is not conducive to courteous and tactful treatment. By the way, this quality annoys boors. They want to quarrel, but a polite person does not come into conflict with them. Politeness and cursing for the belt shuts up, and conquers the city!
This is devotion, but not only in relation to close people, but also to one's own worldview, ideas and views. This is an important side of the relationship between a man and a woman, because such a negative trait as jealousy is associated with it. Loyalty speaks of the reliability and constancy of a person with this quality.
These are good manners and the ability to behave in society. An educated person is polite to others, regardless of their social status. This is knowledge and implementation of the rules of behavior in society, respect for other people's property, nature, society. For an educated person is never ashamed.
It is the ability to follow rules and regulations. A disciplined person not only strictly observes the established rules, but also knows how to manage his own time in such a way that it is enough for all important things.
This is a kind and caring attitude towards people. Responsiveness and attentiveness towards others, the desire to help and rescue from difficult situations, without expecting anything in return. This quality does not bring immediate benefits, but those around him appreciate it, and the kindness shown is often answered with the same kindness and care.
This is a benevolent attitude towards others. This is not only an opportunity to build friendly relations with any person, but also the ability to behave openly and sympathetically towards people. A friendly person strives for mutual pleasant communication, therefore he has not only true friends, but also a lot of useful acquaintances.
It is the ability to make contacts. A person who does not have communication barriers easily enters the team and makes friends. We live in a society, so the ability to communicate with others is useful in any area of life. A person with this quality will never be left alone.
This is the ability of a person to be responsible for what he is entrusted with, the ability to make difficult decisions and evaluate their consequences. Husbands are responsible for wives, mothers for children, employees for professional tasks. A person who is not afraid to take responsibility for anything shows himself as an independent and mature person.
This is a willingness to help, the ability to disinterestedly respond to a request, to help in a difficult situation. The advantage of this quality is not only in a good attitude towards others, but also in self-perception of being a kind person.
This is compliance with rules and regulations. In life, this quality is more associated with the absence of delays, the ability to complete assignments on time, to comply with agreements. Especially appreciated in industries where "time is money". But do not neglect punctuality in other areas of life - its absence can be perceived as disrespect.
This is the willingness to make decisions, the ability to carry out the plan, without being shy and not succumbing to fears. Determination is the absence of the so-called paralysis of the will, when doubts interfere with activity. Closely associated with fortitude and courage. They say about decisive people: "He has an inner core."
This is a sober self-assessment, an adequate perception of one's own views and activities. A self-critical person does not consider his own opinion to be the only true one, he has a sound attitude towards views from the outside. But you need to remember the golden mean, because excessive self-criticism indicates low self-esteem.
It is the lack of intention to exalt oneself. It's nice to deal with people who have achieved a lot, and at the same time do not praise themselves at every step. Modesty is not only the absence of boasting, but also tact in relation to others. This quality can manifest itself both because of respect for other people, and because of shyness.
It is the ability not to give in to fear. They say that a brave person is not afraid of anything, but the complete absence of fear is not only recklessness, but also a syndrome of some mental abnormalities. Courage is the ability to act in spite of fears. As an example, firefighters may also be afraid of fire, but perform their professional duty without succumbing to fear.
It is correctness and impartiality. This concept is based on ideas about good and evil, the laws of retribution for good and bad deeds. Evaluating events, a fair person excludes predispositions and sympathies for someone. A person is just when he is objective.
This is tolerance for people. Tolerance does not allow dividing people into representatives of other nations, ethnic groups and religions. A tolerant person does not reject someone else's point of view, and is unlikely to allow himself to be rude to someone. Tolerance is a necessity of the modern world.
It is the ability to have a positive attitude towards one's own work. Diligence is not only the willingness to give one's strength and personal time to the labor process, but also the ability to do it with pleasure. A person who systematically shirks from work and is not able to perceive his work with interest is the burden of the entire team.
This is a recognition of the value of other people's views. Respectful attitude towards others says that you see the personality in each person. In labor processes, this quality is mandatory, manifested in distance and subordination.
This is a positive assessment of one's own qualities. Confidence is closely related to a person's ability to manage himself in ambiguous situations. A confident person knows his own worth, is not afraid of public speaking, and in a stressful situation knows how to control himself. Looking at such a person, you might think: "He knows what he's doing."
This is the ability to go to the goal. This quality is characteristic of strong people who do not succumb to difficulties and failures. Perseverance in achieving goals and implementing plans shows strength of character and unshakable spirit. Persistent individuals achieve heights on their own.
This is openness, the inadmissibility of deception in relation to others. This quality speaks of decency, morality and strong character. An honest person always respects the interlocutor, therefore he tells him the truth, sometimes even unpleasant, but necessary.
This is self-respect and a high assessment of one's qualities, an understanding of value and significance. A person with this quality is unlikely to decide on a low deed, deceit, or even ordinary abuse in a public place. This is below his dignity. For such a person, it is not even the opinion of others that is important, but their own assessment of their actions.
This is the ability to perceive the situation from the comic side. Even better is to find this comic side in everything. It’s more fun to live like this, and it’s pleasant for people to communicate with such a person. A sense of humor is an indicator of a person's mental health. It is not known whether laughter increases life expectancy, but it can definitely save you from unnecessary sorrows.
This is the willingness to share with others, absolutely not wanting to receive something in return. Generous people, for example, can do charity work - help those in need, donate funds to special funds. Even the most selfless people appreciate this quality, because it shows the breadth of the soul.
Nothing characterizes a person better than an adjective served under an unusual sauce of other bright adjectives and decorated with a bright ribbon.
When meeting a person, the first thing we can describe is his appearance. Do not limit yourself to the standard set of words, as there is a lot of vocabulary that will help you in this difficult task. So, you can tell a girl that she is beautiful with the help of words beautiful, pretty, cute(cute, lovely) stunning(stunning). Men are less fortunate. For them, there is only one word that characterizes male beauty - handsome.
Speaking of human growth, it is worth remembering three words - tall(high), short(short), of medium height(medium height). If you want to say about age, use young(young), old(elderly), middle-aged(middle-aged).
If you want to talk more about hair, you should remember the following words: long (hair)- long hair
short (hair)- short hair
shoulder length- shoulder length
curly- curly
wavy- wavy
bald- bold
If your friend has special facial features, pay attention to the vocabulary below:
almond-shaped eyes- almond shaped eyes
snub-nosed- a person with a snub nose
turned-up nose- snub nose
freckled– freckled
So, we figured out the appearance. You can go directly to the character of a person. And then prepare memory cards, run your brain at full capacity, stock up on a pen and paper, or just try to remember all the necessary words. It is not surprising that we can say good or bad things about a person, because sometimes we have to describe people that we don’t like at all.
Aggressive- aggressive
Angry (vicious)- evil, vicious
Arrogant- arrogant or one who turns up his nose all the time
Boastful- boastful
Faint-hearted- cowardly
Dishonest- dishonest
Flabby, weak-willed- weak character
Fussy- nervous, fussy. Here we can add nervous
Excitable, high strung- easily excitable
Hypocritical- hypocritical
Impatient- impatient
Indecisive- indecisive
Mercenary- selfish
Narrow-minded– thinking in one direction (limited)
Rebellious- rebellious, rebellious
Rude- rude
secretive- secretive
self-assured- presumptuous
self-centered- egocentric
Self-confident- self-confident
self-conscious- shy, shy
selfish- selfish
Taciturn, silent- silent
unscrupulous- unscrupulous
Unpredictable- unpredictable
Vain- conceited, narcissistic
Violent- quick-tempered
I am sure that these adjectives are quite enough to fully describe your boss in a dream in case you do not like him. Well, if your leader is an angel in the flesh, write down and memorize the next batch of words. Let's start.
affectation- loving
Ambitious– ambitious
Competent- knowledgeable, qualified
Considerate- sensitive, attentive to others
Courageous- courageous, fearless
Dedicated- dedicated, convinced
easygoing- good-natured, easy-going
Experienced– experienced
fair minded- impartial, fair
Frank- outspoken
generic- noble, kind
hard working- hardworking
imaginative- creative, imaginative
Lively- lively, energetic
Outgoing, sociable– sociable
Remarkable- excellent, outstanding
Sensible, well-balanced- sensible
Tender- affectionate
Thoughtful- caring, considerate
tolerant- tolerant
trustworthy- reliable
Now you know that adjectives in English that characterize a person can be a real weapon in your hands. When expressing your own point of view, be sure to argue your opinion in order to avoid any other subtext.
