115 Advanced English Words (Advanced Vocabulary List)
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115 Advanced Words in English
1. construe (verb).
Example: From her arguments, I construe she wants to turn the world into a place of chaos.
2. Peruse (verb)
a) read (something), typically thoroughly or carefully. b) examine carefully or at length.
3. Condone (verb)
Example: For the last time, she condoned their egregious mistake.
4. Latent (adjective)
5. acrimonious (adjective).
Example: She rejected his offer with an acrimonious sneer.
6. Indubitable (adjective)
7. propitious (adjective), 8. tremulous (adjective), 9. masquerade (noun/verb).
Example: The whole grand reception was a masquerade.
10. Salient (adjective)
11. embroil (verb).
Example: She was embroiled in the scheme and there was no way out.
12. Languish (verb)
13. aspersion (noun).
Example: They hurled aspersions as she came along.
14. Sedulous (adjective)
15. pertinacious (adjective), 16. encumber (verb).
restrict or impede (someone or something) in such a way that free action or movement is difficult.
17. Effusion (noun)
a) an instance of giving off something such as a liquid or gas. b) an act of talking or writing in an unrestrained or heartfelt way.
18. Waffle (verb)
Example: Stop waffling about it or I’ll pull your tongue out!
19. Intrepid (adjective)
20. mores (noun), 21. disheveled (adjective).
untidy, disarranged
22. Sumptuous (adjective)
23. reciprocate (verb).
Example: The Moroccan trader gave him some tea, so he felt he had to reciprocate by buying something.
24. Infallible (adjective)
25. dissident (noun/adjective), 26. dispatch (verb/noun), 27. intransigence (noun), 28. pastoral (adjective/noun).
Example: The light pastoral depicted children strolling through meadows among the cattle.
29. Concede (verb)
30. manifold (adjective), 31. punitive (adjective).
inflicting or intended as punishment.
32. Nonplus (noun/verb)
33. salacious (adjective).
Example: The salacious dog had to be restrained.
34. Behoove (verb)
35. vulpine (adjective), 36. premise (noun).
a) a previous statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows as a conclusion.
37. Demise (noun)
38. megalomania (noun).
Example: Megalomania was the worst, among his many negative qualities.
39. Asinine (adjective)
40. surfeit (noun/verb), 41. reputable (adjective).
Example: I’ll give you a recommendation for a reputable psychologist.
42. Oblique (adjective)
43. jeopardize (verb).
Example: By divulging secret information, he jeopardized the whole operation.
44. Impudence (noun)
45. desolate (adjective/verb), 46. ballast (noun/verb).
a) heavy material, such as gravel, sand, or iron, placed in the bilge of a ship to ensure its stability. b) give stability to (a ship) by putting a heavy substance in its bilge.
47. Disperse (verb/adjective)
48. faze (verb).
Example: He wasn’t fazed by their threats.
49. Compunction (noun)
50. complacency (noun), 51. caliber (noun).
a) the quality of someone’s character or the level of their ability. b) the internal diameter or bore of a gun barrel.
52. Entreat (verb)
53. dissection (noun).
Example: He dissected the paragraph with such precision that even the distinguished professors were amazed.
54. Antiquated (adjective)
55. anguish (noun/verb), 56. effeminate (adjective).
(of a man) having characteristics regarded as typical of a woman; unmanly.
57. Enmity (noun)
58. epoch (noun).
Example: It was in the epoch of Socrates and Plato that ideas of the afterlife first took hold over the European psyche.
59. Intrinsic (adjective)
60. quotidian (adjective), 61. hazardous (adjective).
risky; dangerous.
62. Peregrination (noun)
63. attenuate (verb).
Example: Medical cannabis attenuated the pain of the cancer patient.
64. Unravel (verb)
65. behemoth (noun), 66. impeccable (adjective).
by the highest standards; faultless.
67. Jaded (adjective)
68. figurative (adjective).
Example: He was a master of pithy, figurative expressions.
69. Relic (noun)
70. wreak (verb), 71. utopia (noun).
an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.
72. Vegetate (verb)
73. infringe (verb).
Example: He infringed on their agreement by opting out just after twenty days into the contract.
74. Subtlety (noun)
75. epitaph (noun), 76. grisly (adjective).
causing horror or disgust.
77. Libido (noun)
78. epitome (noun).
Example: The president was an epitome of imbecility.
79. Topple (verb)
80. morose (adjective), 81. impalpable (adjective).
a) unable to be felt by touch. b) not easily comprehended.
82. Gratuitous (adjective)
83. opaque (adjective).
Example: He couldn’t see anything through the opaque glass of the jail cell.
84. Postmortem (noun)
85. eclectic (adjective/noun), 86. delve (verb).
reach inside a receptacle and search for something.
87. Studious (adjective)
88. impel (verb).
Example: He impelled the soldiers to face the enemy.
89. Mannered (adjective)
90. peevish (adjective), 91. stickler (noun).
a person who insists on a certain quality or type of behavior
92. Adulterate (verb)
93. deplete (verb).
Example: All our resources are being depleted.
94. Nadir (noun)
95. prelude (noun), 96. curtail (verb).
reduce in extent or quantity; restrict on.
97. Tacit (adjective)
98. abstruse (adjective).
Example: His philosophy was abstruse.
99. Placate (verb)
100. fathomless (adjective), 101. iconoclastic (adjective).
criticizing or attacking cherished beliefs or institutions.
102. Antithesis (noun)
103. magniloquent (adjective).
Example: His magniloquent speech didn’t impress anyone.
104. Deference (noun)
105. unwitting (adjective), 106. mutinous (adjective).
Example: The mutinous sailors threw the captain over the board.
107. Craven (adjective/noun)
108. luminary (noun), 109. homage (noun).
special honor or respect that is shown publicly.
110. Cupidity (noun)
111. syllogism (noun), 112. facetious (adjective).
treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant.
113. Martinet (noun)
114. irksome (adjective), 115. defalcate (verb).
embezzle (funds with which one has been entrusted).
This is a part of the language and vocabulary series, which includes:
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- 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays
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To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.
Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.
It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.
If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.
General explaining
Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.
1. In order to
Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”
2. In other words
Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”
3. To put it another way
Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”
4. That is to say
Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”
5. To that end
Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”
Adding additional information to support a point
Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument. Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.
6. Moreover
Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”
7. Furthermore
Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”
8. What’s more
Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”
9. Likewise
Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”
10. Similarly
Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”
11. Another key thing to remember
Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”
12. As well as
Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”
13. Not only… but also
Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”
14. Coupled with
Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”
15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…
Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.
16. Not to mention/to say nothing of
Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”
Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast
When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.
17. However
Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”
18. On the other hand
Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”
19. Having said that
Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”
20. By contrast/in comparison
Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”
21. Then again
Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”
22. That said
Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”
Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”
Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations
Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.
24. Despite this
Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”
25. With this in mind
Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”
26. Provided that
Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”
27. In view of/in light of
Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”
28. Nonetheless
Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”
29. Nevertheless
Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”
30. Notwithstanding
Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”
Giving examples
Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.
31. For instance
Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”
32. To give an illustration
Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”
Signifying importance
When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.
33. Significantly
Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”
34. Notably
Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”
35. Importantly
Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”
Summarising
You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.
36. In conclusion
Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”
37. Above all
Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”
38. Persuasive
Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”
39. Compelling
Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”
40. All things considered
Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”
How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.
At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine and engineering .
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Words to Use in an Essay: 300 Essay Words
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By Hannah Yang
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Table of Contents
Words to use in the essay introduction, words to use in the body of the essay, words to use in your essay conclusion, how to improve your essay writing vocabulary.
It’s not easy to write an academic essay .
Many students struggle to word their arguments in a logical and concise way.
To make matters worse, academic essays need to adhere to a certain level of formality, so we can’t always use the same word choices in essay writing that we would use in daily life.
If you’re struggling to choose the right words for your essay, don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of over 300 words and phrases to use in the introduction, body, and conclusion of your essay.
The introduction is one of the hardest parts of an essay to write.
You have only one chance to make a first impression, and you want to hook your reader. If the introduction isn’t effective, the reader might not even bother to read the rest of the essay.
That’s why it’s important to be thoughtful and deliberate with the words you choose at the beginning of your essay.
Many students use a quote in the introductory paragraph to establish credibility and set the tone for the rest of the essay.
When you’re referencing another author or speaker, try using some of these phrases:
To use the words of X
According to X
As X states
Example: To use the words of Hillary Clinton, “You cannot have maternal health without reproductive health.”
Near the end of the introduction, you should state the thesis to explain the central point of your paper.
If you’re not sure how to introduce your thesis, try using some of these phrases:
In this essay, I will…
The purpose of this essay…
This essay discusses…
In this paper, I put forward the claim that…
There are three main arguments for…
![high level vocabulary for essays Phrases to introduce a thesis](https://assets.prowritingaid.com/f/145420/640x427/4540253d21/blog-content-phrases-to-introduce-your-thesis.png/m/)
Example: In this essay, I will explain why dress codes in public schools are detrimental to students.
After you’ve stated your thesis, it’s time to start presenting the arguments you’ll use to back up that central idea.
When you’re introducing the first of a series of arguments, you can use the following words:
First and foremost
First of all
To begin with
Example: First , consider the effects that this new social security policy would have on low-income taxpayers.
All these words and phrases will help you create a more successful introduction and convince your audience to read on.
The body of your essay is where you’ll explain your core arguments and present your evidence.
It’s important to choose words and phrases for the body of your essay that will help the reader understand your position and convince them you’ve done your research.
Let’s look at some different types of words and phrases that you can use in the body of your essay, as well as some examples of what these words look like in a sentence.
Transition Words and Phrases
Transitioning from one argument to another is crucial for a good essay.
It’s important to guide your reader from one idea to the next so they don’t get lost or feel like you’re jumping around at random.
Transition phrases and linking words show your reader you’re about to move from one argument to the next, smoothing out their reading experience. They also make your writing look more professional.
The simplest transition involves moving from one idea to a separate one that supports the same overall argument. Try using these phrases when you want to introduce a second correlating idea:
Additionally
In addition
Furthermore
Another key thing to remember
In the same way
Correspondingly
Example: Additionally , public parks increase property value because home buyers prefer houses that are located close to green, open spaces.
Another type of transition involves restating. It’s often useful to restate complex ideas in simpler terms to help the reader digest them. When you’re restating an idea, you can use the following words:
In other words
To put it another way
That is to say
To put it more simply
Example: “The research showed that 53% of students surveyed expressed a mild or strong preference for more on-campus housing. In other words , over half the students wanted more dormitory options.”
Often, you’ll need to provide examples to illustrate your point more clearly for the reader. When you’re about to give an example of something you just said, you can use the following words:
For instance
To give an illustration of
To exemplify
To demonstrate
As evidence
Example: Humans have long tried to exert control over our natural environment. For instance , engineers reversed the Chicago River in 1900, causing it to permanently flow backward.
Sometimes, you’ll need to explain the impact or consequence of something you’ve just said.
When you’re drawing a conclusion from evidence you’ve presented, try using the following words:
As a result
Accordingly
As you can see
This suggests that
It follows that
It can be seen that
For this reason
For all of those reasons
Consequently
Example: “There wasn’t enough government funding to support the rest of the physics experiment. Thus , the team was forced to shut down their experiment in 1996.”
![high level vocabulary for essays Phrases to draw conclusions](https://assets.prowritingaid.com/f/145420/640x427/af51666ca8/blog-content-phrases-to-draw-conclusions.png/m/)
When introducing an idea that bolsters one you’ve already stated, or adds another important aspect to that same argument, you can use the following words:
What’s more
Not only…but also
Not to mention
To say nothing of
Another key point
Example: The volcanic eruption disrupted hundreds of thousands of people. Moreover , it impacted the local flora and fauna as well, causing nearly a hundred species to go extinct.
Often, you'll want to present two sides of the same argument. When you need to compare and contrast ideas, you can use the following words:
On the one hand / on the other hand
Alternatively
In contrast to
On the contrary
By contrast
In comparison
Example: On the one hand , the Black Death was undoubtedly a tragedy because it killed millions of Europeans. On the other hand , it created better living conditions for the peasants who survived.
Finally, when you’re introducing a new angle that contradicts your previous idea, you can use the following phrases:
Having said that
Differing from
In spite of
With this in mind
Provided that
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
Notwithstanding
Example: Shakespearean plays are classic works of literature that have stood the test of time. Having said that , I would argue that Shakespeare isn’t the most accessible form of literature to teach students in the twenty-first century.
Good essays include multiple types of logic. You can use a combination of the transitions above to create a strong, clear structure throughout the body of your essay.
Strong Verbs for Academic Writing
Verbs are especially important for writing clear essays. Often, you can convey a nuanced meaning simply by choosing the right verb.
You should use strong verbs that are precise and dynamic. Whenever possible, you should use an unambiguous verb, rather than a generic verb.
For example, alter and fluctuate are stronger verbs than change , because they give the reader more descriptive detail.
Here are some useful verbs that will help make your essay shine.
Verbs that show change:
Accommodate
Verbs that relate to causing or impacting something:
Verbs that show increase:
Verbs that show decrease:
Deteriorate
Verbs that relate to parts of a whole:
Comprises of
Is composed of
Constitutes
Encompasses
Incorporates
Verbs that show a negative stance:
Misconstrue
![high level vocabulary for essays Verbs that show a negative stance](https://assets.prowritingaid.com/f/145420/640x427/e8bfcce3c0/blog-content-verbs-that-show-a-negative-stance.png/m/)
Verbs that show a positive stance:
Substantiate
Verbs that relate to drawing conclusions from evidence:
Corroborate
Demonstrate
Verbs that relate to thinking and analysis:
Contemplate
Hypothesize
Investigate
Verbs that relate to showing information in a visual format:
Useful Adjectives and Adverbs for Academic Essays
You should use adjectives and adverbs more sparingly than verbs when writing essays, since they sometimes add unnecessary fluff to sentences.
However, choosing the right adjectives and adverbs can help add detail and sophistication to your essay.
Sometimes you'll need to use an adjective to show that a finding or argument is useful and should be taken seriously. Here are some adjectives that create positive emphasis:
Significant
Other times, you'll need to use an adjective to show that a finding or argument is harmful or ineffective. Here are some adjectives that create a negative emphasis:
Controversial
Insignificant
Questionable
Unnecessary
Unrealistic
Finally, you might need to use an adverb to lend nuance to a sentence, or to express a specific degree of certainty. Here are some examples of adverbs that are often used in essays:
Comprehensively
Exhaustively
Extensively
Respectively
Surprisingly
Using these words will help you successfully convey the key points you want to express. Once you’ve nailed the body of your essay, it’s time to move on to the conclusion.
The conclusion of your paper is important for synthesizing the arguments you’ve laid out and restating your thesis.
In your concluding paragraph, try using some of these essay words:
In conclusion
To summarize
In a nutshell
Given the above
As described
All things considered
Example: In conclusion , it’s imperative that we take action to address climate change before we lose our coral reefs forever.
In addition to simply summarizing the key points from the body of your essay, you should also add some final takeaways. Give the reader your final opinion and a bit of a food for thought.
To place emphasis on a certain point or a key fact, use these essay words:
Unquestionably
Undoubtedly
Particularly
Importantly
Conclusively
It should be noted
On the whole
Example: Ada Lovelace is unquestionably a powerful role model for young girls around the world, and more of our public school curricula should include her as a historical figure.
These concluding phrases will help you finish writing your essay in a strong, confident way.
There are many useful essay words out there that we didn't include in this article, because they are specific to certain topics.
If you're writing about biology, for example, you will need to use different terminology than if you're writing about literature.
So how do you improve your vocabulary skills?
The vocabulary you use in your academic writing is a toolkit you can build up over time, as long as you take the time to learn new words.
One way to increase your vocabulary is by looking up words you don’t know when you’re reading.
Try reading more books and academic articles in the field you’re writing about and jotting down all the new words you find. You can use these words to bolster your own essays.
You can also consult a dictionary or a thesaurus. When you’re using a word you’re not confident about, researching its meaning and common synonyms can help you make sure it belongs in your essay.
Don't be afraid of using simpler words. Good essay writing boils down to choosing the best word to convey what you need to say, not the fanciest word possible.
Finally, you can use ProWritingAid’s synonym tool or essay checker to find more precise and sophisticated vocabulary. Click on weak words in your essay to find stronger alternatives.
![high level vocabulary for essays ProWritingAid offering synonyms for great](https://assets.prowritingaid.com/f/145420/1030x486/952b7347a1/blog-content-pwa-synonyms-for-great.png/m/)
There you have it: our compilation of the best words and phrases to use in your next essay . Good luck!
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ProWritingAid will help you improve the style, strength, and clarity of all your assignments.
Hannah Yang
Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.
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- Posted in in Writing
30 Advanced Essay Words to Improve Your Grades
- Posted by by Cameron Smith
- 11 months ago
- Updated 3 weeks ago
In this guide, you’ll find 30 advanced essay words to use in academic writing. Advanced English words are great for making academic writing more impressive and persuasive, which has the potential to wow teachers and professors, and even improve your grades.
30 Advanced Essay Words
- Definition: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
- Example: The smartphone has become ubiquitous in modern society.
- Replaces: Common, widespread, prevalent.
- Definition: Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.
- Example: Her eloquent speech captivated the audience.
- Replaces: Well-spoken, articulate.
- Definition: To make less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: Planting more trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Replaces: Alleviate, lessen, reduce.
- Definition: In contrast or opposite to what was previously mentioned.
- Example: Some believe in climate change; conversely, others deny its existence.
- Replaces: On the other hand, in opposition.
- Definition: Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.
- Example: His ostensible reason for the delay was a traffic jam.
- Replaces: Apparent, seeming, supposed.
- Definition: A countless or extremely great number.
- Example: The internet offers a myriad of resources for research.
- Replaces: Countless, numerous.
- Definition: Exceeding what is necessary or required.
- Example: His lengthy introduction was filled with superfluous details.
- Replaces: Excessive, redundant.
- Definition: To cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly.
- Example: The economic crisis precipitated widespread unemployment.
- Replaces: Trigger, prompt.
- Definition: Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.
- Example: The beauty of the sunset over the ocean was ineffable.
- Replaces: Indescribable, inexpressible.
- Definition: Having knowledge or awareness of something.
- Example: She was cognizant of the risks involved in the project.
- Replaces: Aware, conscious.
- Definition: Relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
- Example: Please provide only pertinent information in your report.
- Replaces: Relevant, related.
- Definition: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
- Example: The researcher conducted a meticulous analysis of the data.
- Replaces: Thorough, careful.
- Definition: Capable of producing the desired result or effect.
- Example: The medication has proved to be efficacious in treating the disease.
- Replaces: Effective, successful.
- Definition: Mentioned earlier in the text or conversation.
- Example: The aforementioned study provides valuable insights.
- Replaces: Previously mentioned, previously discussed.
- Definition: To make a problem, situation, or condition worse.
- Example: His criticism only served to exacerbate the conflict.
- Replaces: Worsen, intensify.
- Definition: The state or capacity of being everywhere, especially at the same time.
- Example: The ubiquity of social media has changed how we communicate.
- Replaces: Omnipresence, pervasiveness.
- Definition: In every case or on every occasion; always.
- Example: The professor’s lectures are invariably informative.
- Replaces: Always, consistently.
- Definition: To be a perfect example or representation of something.
- Example: The city’s skyline epitomizes modern architecture.
- Replaces: Symbolize, represent.
- Definition: A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
- Example: The cacophony of car horns during rush hour was deafening.
- Replaces: Discord, noise.
- Definition: A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
- Example: He surrounded himself with sycophants who praised his every move.
- Replaces: Flatterer, yes-man.
- Definition: To render unclear, obscure, or unintelligible.
- Example: The politician attempted to obfuscate the details of the scandal.
- Replaces: Confuse, obscure.
- Definition: Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment.
- Example: Her sagacious advice guided the team to success.
- Replaces: Wise, insightful.
- Definition: Not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous.
- Example: His repeated explanations were redundant and added no value.
- Replaces: Unnecessary, surplus.
- Definition: Unwilling or refusing to change one’s views or to agree about something.
- Example: The intransigent negotiators couldn’t reach a compromise.
- Replaces: Unyielding, stubborn.
- Definition: Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice.
- Example: The mansion’s ostentatious decorations were overwhelming.
- Replaces: Showy, extravagant.
- Definition: A tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition.
- Example: She had a proclivity for taking risks in her business ventures.
- Replaces: Tendency, inclination.
- Definition: Difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.
- Example: The artist’s enigmatic paintings left viewers puzzled.
- Replaces: Mysterious, cryptic.
- Definition: Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
- Example: The pernicious influence of gossip can damage reputations.
- Replaces: Harmful, destructive.
- Definition: Shining with great brightness.
- Example: The bride looked resplendent in her wedding gown.
- Replaces: Radiant, splendid.
- Definition: Optimistic, especially in a difficult or challenging situation.
- Example: Despite the setbacks, he remained sanguine.
- Replaces: Optimistic, hopeful.
Using these advanced words in your essays can elevate your writing, making it more precise, engaging, and impactful.
As you work on your essays, consider the nuanced meanings and applications of these advanced words, and use them judiciously to enhance the quality of your academic writing.
Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith is an English Communication Coach based in Vancouver, Canada. He's the founder of Learn English Every Day, and he's on a mission to help millions of people speak English with confidence. If you want longer video content, please follow me on YouTube for fun English lessons and helpful learning resources!
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100+ Useful Words and Phrases to Write a Great Essay
By: Author Sophia
Posted on Last updated: October 25, 2023
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How to Write a Great Essay in English! This lesson provides 100+ useful words, transition words and expressions used in writing an essay. Let’s take a look!
The secret to a successful essay doesn’t just lie in the clever things you talk about and the way you structure your points.
Useful Words and Phrases to Write a Great Essay
Overview of an essay.
![100+ Useful Words and Phrases to Write a Great Essay 1 100+ Useful Words and Phrases to Write a Great Essay](https://eslbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/parts-of-an-essay-3-728-1.jpg)
Useful Phrases for Proficiency Essays
Developing the argument
- The first aspect to point out is that…
- Let us start by considering the facts.
- The novel portrays, deals with, revolves around…
- Central to the novel is…
- The character of xxx embodies/ epitomizes…
The other side of the argument
- It would also be interesting to see…
- One should, nevertheless, consider the problem from another angle.
- Equally relevant to the issue are the questions of…
- The arguments we have presented… suggest that…/ prove that…/ would indicate that…
- From these arguments one must…/ could…/ might… conclude that…
- All of this points to the conclusion that…
- To conclude…
Ordering elements
- Firstly,…/ Secondly,…/ Finally,… (note the comma after all these introductory words.)
- As a final point…
- On the one hand, …. on the other hand…
- If on the one hand it can be said that… the same is not true for…
- The first argument suggests that… whilst the second suggests that…
- There are at least xxx points to highlight.
Adding elements
- Furthermore, one should not forget that…
- In addition to…
- Moreover…
- It is important to add that…
Accepting other points of view
- Nevertheless, one should accept that…
- However, we also agree that…
Personal opinion
- We/I personally believe that…
- Our/My own point of view is that…
- It is my contention that…
- I am convinced that…
- My own opinion is…
Others’ opinions
- According to some critics… Critics:
- believe that
- suggest that
- are convinced that
- point out that
- emphasize that
- contend that
- go as far as to say that
- argue for this
Introducing examples
- For example…
- For instance…
- To illustrate this point…
Introducing facts
- It is… true that…/ clear that…/ noticeable that…
- One should note here that…
Saying what you think is true
- This leads us to believe that…
- It is very possible that…
- In view of these facts, it is quite likely that…
- Doubtless,…
- One cannot deny that…
- It is (very) clear from these observations that…
- All the same, it is possible that…
- It is difficult to believe that…
Accepting other points to a certain degree
- One can agree up to a certain point with…
- Certainly,… However,…
- It cannot be denied that…
Emphasizing particular points
- The last example highlights the fact that…
- Not only… but also…
- We would even go so far as to say that…
Moderating, agreeing, disagreeing
- By and large…
- Perhaps we should also point out the fact that…
- It would be unfair not to mention the fact that…
- One must admit that…
- We cannot ignore the fact that…
- One cannot possibly accept the fact that…
Consequences
- From these facts, one may conclude that…
- That is why, in our opinion, …
- Which seems to confirm the idea that…
- Thus,…/ Therefore,…
- Some critics suggest…, whereas others…
- Compared to…
- On the one hand, there is the firm belief that… On the other hand, many people are convinced that…
How to Write a Great Essay | Image 1
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Phrases For Balanced Arguments
Introduction
- It is often said that…
- It is undeniable that…
- It is a well-known fact that…
- One of the most striking features of this text is…
- The first thing that needs to be said is…
- First of all, let us try to analyze…
- One argument in support of…
- We must distinguish carefully between…
- The second reason for…
- An important aspect of the text is…
- It is worth stating at this point that…
- On the other hand, we can observe that…
- The other side of the coin is, however, that…
- Another way of looking at this question is to…
- What conclusions can be drawn from all this?
- The most satisfactory conclusion that we can come to is…
- To sum up… we are convinced that…/ …we believe that…/ …we have to accept that…
How to Write a Great Essay | Image 3
![100+ Useful Words and Phrases to Write a Great Essay 4 100+ Useful Words and Phrases to Write a Great Essay 3](https://eslbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/075ddc768753ef6b261d1cace8489ef9.jpg)
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I want to make my college essays stand out by using impressive vocabulary. What are some good words to use in essays that will help them sound more sophisticated? How can I ensure the words I choose fit the tone and message I'm trying to convey?
While incorporating sophisticated vocabulary can enhance your essays, it's important to avoid using words just for the sake of sounding impressive. Using vocabulary in an authentic and sensible way is key in getting your message across effectively. Read widely from newspapers, academic articles, novels, and other sources to familiarize yourself with various writing styles and build a strong vocabulary organically. Some helpful words you might incorporate are 'empower', 'synthesize', 'nurture', or 'contextualize', depending on your essay's content.
When selecting words, ensure they're pertinent to the topic and meaning you wish to express. You can use a thesaurus selectively to find synonyms, but always double-check the meaning of a new word in a reliable dictionary. Practice using new words in context and get feedback from peers or mentors on your essay to make sure your choices enhance your writing without detracting from your message.
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500 Descriptive Words To Improve Your Writing
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These descriptive words will help improve your writing. All these describing words are from my own personal notes. I’m an avid, and active, reader, and over the last couple of years I’ve jotted down the descriptive words that I pop out to me.
This list of descriptive words for writing was born from a desire to become enhance my vocabulary and become a better storyteller, and writer. Three things I care a lot about – just a fun fact about me .
I’ve learned over time – and with many failures – that working with describing words on a page is akin to a potter at the molding wheel. And as writers, we use them to slowly shape our stories whether it’s writing about driving around the world or inspiring people to create their own list of bucket list ideas .
The list is separated by parts of speech ; You’ll find a list of adjectives, descriptive phrases, action verbs, and more.
At the end are some phrases I like, that I have read here or there over the years. Make sure to check out our list of descriptive adjectives as well.
I hope you use this list of descriptive words , and phrases and garner inspiration to enhance your tales.
500 Describing Words to Improve Your Writing
“This is one of the best resources I’ve come across in a long time…”
Get our Descriptive Word Cheat Sheet for FREE . You’ll get immediate access to our PDF cheat sheet of Descriptive Words. A resource you won’t find elsewhere. Perfect for papers, writing and resumes!
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1 – although.
“he was making headway, albeit rather slowly.”
1 – very typical of a certain kind of person or thing.
“the archetypal country doctor”
1 – without purpose or direction.
“Don’t live an aimless life.”
1 – To face or endure danger or pain; showing courage.
The brave healthcare workers are putting their life on the line.
1 – perplexed and confused; very puzzled.
“I had a bewildered look on my face”
1 – giving out or reflecting a lot of light; shining.
The sun was bright in his eyes.
2 – vivid and bold color.
The grass in Ireland is bright green.
1 – Bright or Radiant.
The brilliant light was blinding.
1 – Clever or Smart
He was a brilliant student. He always chose to use the right word.
1 – unlimited, infinite, or immense.
The boundless energy of the kid wore me out.
1 – socially unconventional in a way regarded as characteristic of creative
Running this travel blog has led me to live a boho life.
2 – woman’s fashion aesthetic is characterized by flowing print fabrics, layers of clothing, and costume jewelry such as long strings of beads, dangling earrings, and multiple bangles.
she went for the boho look in a floor-length green dress teamed with a fringed jacket and chandelier earrings.
1 – hurt by repeated blows or punishment.
he finished the day battered and bruised.
2 – damaged by age or used repeatedly.
I finished the day battered and bruised.
1 – a taste sensation that is peculiarly sharp or acrid.
The bitter fruit tasted terrible.
1 – lacking due thought or consideration
Zack Morris showed a blithe disregard for the rules.
2 – Happy or Lighthearted Character
Want to watch a blithe romantic comedy?
1 – having a blue tinge; somewhat blue.
The bluish tint of the water was stylish.
1 – Lost in deep sadness of thought.
The kid was brooding that his parents wouldn’t buy the toy.
1 – having the characteristic of a baby.
He acted babyish when he lost the game.
1 – not fake; or counterfeit
This is a bona fide masterpiece.
1 – lose or hanging.
My eyes are baggy after a red-eye flight.
1 – loved very dearly.
The teacher was beloved by his students.
1 – a low murmuring or humming sound.
The buzzing bee flew across the park.
1 – strong, or strongly built.
The burly bear was intimidating.
1 – having a lot of bounce.
The trampoline was extra bouncy.
2 – confident or having a jaunty rhythm.
The man was bouncy and full of life.
1 – very apt to stay afloat.
The pool floaty was extremely buoyant.
2 – cheerful.
The buoyant salesman was very charming.
1 – lacking plants or life.
The bleak desert was barren.
2 – Cold and Miserable Outlook.
After his divorce, he had a bleak outlook on life.
1 – expressing or marked by earnest entreaty or pleading.
The beseeching peasant feared for his life.
1 – having the taste of butter.
The buttery bread warmed the soul.
1 – having feelings or actions control or remaining calm.
Even though he was afraid he remained composed.
1 – caverns in either size, shape, or atmosphere.
The cavernous mansion stood empty.
2 – Giving the impression of dark and vast.
The cavernous eyes.
1 – a series of columns set at specific intervals, and supporting a roof.
The ancient marble colonnades are just one reason to explore the best islands in Greece .
1 – free from worry or anxiety.
he was a carefree soul.
1 – having a rough texture; large grains.
The treated wood was coarse.
1 – anxious to protect or avoid potential danger or mishaps.
he was careful not to get into trouble.
1 – making or liable to make a harsh, high-pitched sound when being moved or when pressure or weight is applied.
“I climbed the creaky stairs”
1 – dirt free, unmarked, or have been washed.
the room was clean.
1 – having a wavy outline
The crenelated coast when backpacking Thailand is breathtaking. ..
1 – covered by clouds.
It was too cloudy to go hiking.
1 – present from birth.
“a congenital defect of the heart.”
1 – a striking array of colors.
The colorful painting lit up the room.
1 – rude language.
They didn’t allow the colorful speech to get past the sensors.
1 – Happy / Sprightly
He was chipper after getting married in Sweden .
1 – rude shortness
The curt manager’s comments angered the waiter.
1 – confused
The chef was confounded by the dinner tickets.
1 – continuing occurrence
I suffer from chronic indigestion.
2 – present and encountered.
Chronic meddling always causes problems.
1 – relating to the community / Collective ownership.
The communal garden gives us great vegetables every year.
1 – huge in size, power, or stupendous.
The colossal rocks blocked the dusty path.
1 – pleasing
Chicago food has some of the most delectable meals I’ve ever had.
1 – delicate
The dainty glass broke from the fall.
2 – tasty
The dainty sandwich was filling.
1 – untidy in appearance
Boys often have a disheveled room.
1 – devoted to a cause or purpose
Star Wars has dedicated fans.
2 – given a purpose
He has a dedicated server to protect his data.
1 – awarded or received marks of honor.
He was decorated with a medal for winning the race.
2 – furnished with something ornamental
A hallmark of the parade are the decorated floats.
1 – chosen but not yet installed
the ambassador designates the future assignments.
He has a designated server to protect his data.
1 – bright, brilliant, or showy, colorful, and impressive.
The dazzling fireworks were the highlight of the festival.
1 – eating food quickly.
The Lion is a devouring beast.
2 – destructively consuming/absorbing
Don’t let devouring loneliness defeat you.
1 – below / far from the surface
His joy was buried deep below the surface of an ocean of swirling emotions.
Deep-Pocketed
1- Having a great deal of money; being wealthy.
The deep-pocketed businessman donated a large sum of money to the charity.
Disagreeable
1- Having a disposition that is not pleasant or agreeable; disagreeable behavior or remarks.
“I’m sorry I was so disagreeable earlier. I had a really bad day.”
DILAPIDATED
1 – fallen into decay or deteriorated
The dilapidated home needed an intense amount of love and care.
1 – serving for ornamental decoration.
The decorative replica was made to be displayed. And invoked a strong emotion.
1 – moving from the common direction.
Do follow the popular path. Instead, go into the unknown, and discover your divergent path.
Compassionate
1 – Showing concern and sympathy for others, especially those in distress.
When I saw the homeless man on the side of the road, I felt compassion for him and wished I could help him.
Entertaining
1 – A movie that is enjoyable and amusing.
The new comedy starring Melissa McCarthy was very entertaining.
1 – hard to pin down, identify, or isolate.
They knew the elusive thief lurked nearby.
1 – enthusiastic joy
They were exuberant about their upcoming trip to some of the most beautiful places in the world .
1 – vertical position
Few erect columns were peppered throughout the temple ruins.
1 – having the ability to expand.
The expansive landscape is seemingly never-ending.
1 – deriving style, ideas, and taste from a wide range of sources.
The eclectic mix of opinions caused an argument.
EXASPERATING
1 – cause a strong feeling of annoyance
The planes exasperating delay made everyone late.
1 – fully detailed or well planned.
The elaborate design of Bangkok’s royal palace is breathtaking.
1 – uttered, or emphasizing on.
The emphatic refusal helped them close the deal.
1 – productive / desired effects.
The efficient writer finished before the deadline.
2 – being involved or an immediate agent.
The efficient action helped make a change.
EVER-DEEPENING
1 – go deeper
He had an ever-deepening love for sports.
1 – thorough / all possibilities
The exhaustive to-do list was intimidating.
1 – seemingly without end
The endless forest instilled a mood of tranquility.
EXTRAVAGANT
1 – exceeding normal limits or excessively elaborate
The extravagant building is grand.
2 – extremely high in price
The extravagant purchase maxed out his credit card purchase.
1 – elegance
The elegant clothes belonged to the king.
1 – relating to or named after
The eponymous landscape outside Dingle is one of the best places to visit in Ireland .
1 – relating to a celebration, festival , or feast.
The festive dinner got a little out of hand.
1 – tinged with red in the face, from shame, heat, or physical exertion.
Caught in a lie, his face became flushed with embarrassment.
1 – very hot or passionate desire.
I have a fervent desire to explore the world.
FAST-MOVING
1 – moving quickly
The fast-moving current washed away our supplies.
FANTASTICAL
1 – based on fantasy
Game of Thrones takes place in a fantastical world, filled with dragons, and magic.
1 – unrestrained violence or brutality
The ferocious lion hunted his prey.
1 – having to do with the burial.
They found treasure in the Pharaoh’s funerary chamber.
1 – focused on something.
The dog was fixated on the squirrel.
1 – loving having fun.
The fun-loving locals love putting on their annual festival.
1 – covered with grass
The grassy knolls are stunning.
1 – a large number of
He had charm galore.
1 – repulsion, or inspiring horror.
The movie was too gruesome for me.
1 – possessing glory
When backpacking New Zealand you see glorious landscapes.
Good-Looking
1 – Very good-looking, or beautiful. Can be used to describe people, things, or places. For example, “She is a glorious sight in that dress.”
1 – painful or distressing
It was a harrowing adventure filled with an unexpected twists, turns, and sacrifices.
1 – an unrestrained expression
I was greeted with a hearty welcome.
2 – wholesome or substantial
I enjoyed the hearty meal.
1 – relating to an herb
Those herbaceous florae were savory.
1 – alone
He was isolated during the exam.
INTOLERABLE
1 – not tolerable or unbearable
The intolerable noise kept me up all night.
1 – picturesque or pleasing
The idyllic Irish landscapes are some of the best in Europe.
1 – great in size or degree
Our immense Universe is without limits.
1 – extreme degree
The intense amount of work was overbearing.
1 – irk or tedious
Sometimes we all have to do Irksome tasks.
1 – prone to act, acting momentarily
To lose weight sometimes we have to deny our impulses for bad food.
1 – tempting
The inviting meal made my mouth water.
1 – existing in, or belonging to
The innate behavior of a child was to cause trouble.
1 – memorable or cannot be washed away or erased.
The indelible landscape means there are hundreds of places to visit in the United States .
INFURIATING
1 – the feeling of extreme anger.
The infuriating delay at the airport made him miss his flight.
1 – spotless / extremely clean
Singapore is an immaculately clean country.
2 – having no flaw
The glass in Venice is immaculate.
1 – having many complex parts
Mona Lisa is an intricate painting. Making it the most famous in the world.
1 – belonging to the inside,
I great battles happen inside the interior of our minds.
1 – sprightly
he took a jaunty stroll through the park.
1 – having a disorienting effect
The jarring truth is that dreams without goals, remain dreams.
1 – ready, or in favor of
I am keen to go to the bar.
2 – sensitive perception
He had a keen nose.
1 – having lungs
The lunged fish swan in the pond.
1 – transparent or clear; Glasslike
The limpid waters in Thailand or famed around the world.
1 – expending or bestowing excess
The lavish palace of Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris .
1 – outlandish, or eccentric
Some ludicrous movies aren’t bad.
1 – filled with desire or lust
She was filled with lascivious thoughts.
1 – lack of interest, or energy
His listless attitude held him back in life.
1 – sad or lonely
Ah, the lonesome road, has many trails, but many rewards.
1 – highly significant, outstanding
The monumental task can be accomplished by taking little steps every day.
1 – expressing sadness
A melancholy nature will keep you stuck.
MERITORIOUS
1 – deserving reward or praise.
A meritorious life of service.
1 – intrusive or getting involved in
The meddlesome raccoon knocked over the trash can.
1 – Huge, exceedingly large
Many of the mammoth caves in the United States are worth visiting.
1 – existing today
Many modern-day advances give our lives ease.
1 – inferior in size or degree
The minor problems in life or nothing to sweat over – life is too short .
1 – covered by mist.
The heavy air of the misty morning endowed the park with an eerie coolness.
1 – covered by mystery
The monk has a mysterious nature.
OUT-OF-PLACE
1 – not where it should be
The restaurant felt out of place.
1 – elaborate or excessively decorated
The ornate .ruins draw in visitors.
OUTSTANDING
1 – standing out
His outstanding skills put him in line for a promotion.
2 – unpaid
Outstanding bills can be stressful.
1 – lack of sharpness
His obtuse answer made no sense.
1 – lacking remembrance, or memory
Don’t be oblivious to the opportunities that life presents you.
1 – wealth, abundance
The opulent hotel is worth the price tag.
1 – characteristic of a person
His hot temper was peculiar.
2 – different from the normal
The book had a particular plot twist in the book.
1 – not spoiled, or corrupted
The pristine beaches had soft sand.
2 – earliest state
The pristine state of the forest
1 – a sense of peace
The peaceful forest instilled a peace of tranquility.
1 – argumentative quarrelsome
He has a pugnacious nature.
1 – mental and emotional state of fear
Don’t panic. Breathe and slow down.
1 – able to be passed
The currents were passable during the low tide.
1 – turning, a pivot
Taking my first trip to Ireland was a pivotal moment in my life.
1 – critical
It was a pivotal piece of the puzzle.
1 – polishing, smooth, glossy
Polish your writing before publishing the piece.
1 – by or in itself
That’s not the facts per se, but valuable to know.
1 – notably luxurious or rich
His plush life made him soft.
1 – elevated or arrogant
The pompous rhetoric is hurtful.
2- exhibiting an air of self-importance.
The pompous politician lost sight of his vision.
1 – extreme or severe
After rigorous training, he was ready to test himself.
Sidesplitting
1 – When something is so funny that it causes one’s sides to split, it is side-splitting.
My mom’s joke was sidesplittingly funny.
1 – like thunder
The thunderous roar of the waves beating along the coast.
DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: ACTION and Strong VERBS
These are some of the best words. They are great when wanting to show a clear meaning of a sentence or improve a short story.
1- regard something as being caused by.
I attribute my grammar skill to how many questions I ask.
1 – provide clear evidence; declare that something exist.
I attest that life is good
1 – make minor changes.
I had to amend your application before sending it in.
1 – regard (an object, quality, or person) with respect or warm approval.
I admire your commitment to learning the English Language.
1 – praise enthusiastically
I acclaimed actor won the best actor for his deep performance.
1 – achieve or complete successfully.
I accomplish my goals.
1 – increase in sound
They amplify the sound at the concert.
2 – make copies of something
The notes amplify that new evidence. ..
1 – change, or make changes too
They altered the rules of the game.
1 – (of a problem, opportunity, or situation) emerge; become apparent.
“a string of new difficulties have arisen “
2 – get or stand up.
“he arose at 5:30 to work out.”
1 – to clear out or save (Usually water from a boat)
They bailed him out of trouble.
1 – talk enthusiastically for a long time
Just one of the many fun facts about me . Sometimes I like to babble about travel.
1 – to set upon
We were beset with locals trying to make a sale.
2 – to set with ornaments
The roses are beset with thrones.
1 – fail to give a true notion or impression of (something); disguise or contradict.
I newspaper story belied the facts.
2 – fail to fulfill or justify (a claim or expectation); betray.
The notebooks belie Darwin’s later recollection.
1 – hit repeatedly with blows.
He battered the broken car.
1 – become perplexed.
I was bewildered by the lack of work the team had done.
1 – bend the head or upper part of the body as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame.
It is common to bow in Asia.
2 – play (a stringed instrument or music) using a bow.
The techniques by which the pieces were bowed.
1 – think deeply about something that makes the person unhappy.
He brooded over his bad day.
1 – encourage or help
I need to boost my spirits.
2 – push from below
She needs to boost to master the English Language.
1 – cast a spell or enchant.
I was bewitched by the lush landscape.
1 – low murmuring or humming sound.
Flies buzz when they fly.
1 – lock with a bar that slides into a socket.
He bolted the door for protection.
2 – ran away quickly.
He bolted down the street.
1 – strike hard.
He bashed the wall in anger.
2 – criticize.
He bashed the smoking industry.
1 – break or burst
They bust the water balloon.
2 – lose something
He went bust at the poker table…
1 – squeeze together
Compress the laptop’s file to save space.
1 – to bring to an end.
The summit concluded with world peace.
2 – to reach a logical end or decision.
The magazine concludes that Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world .
He concluded his college application with a question.
1 – unmarked, free dirt
He cleaned the room every other week.
1 – fall or hang in copious or luxuriant quantities.
“the cool water cascading down the waterfall.”
1 – decrease in size, number, or range.
“glass contracts as it cools.”
2 – become shorter and tighter to affect the movement of part of the body.
“The heart is a muscle that contracts about seventy times a minute”
1 – wind into rings
The sailor coiled the rope.
1 – to cover something
Massive trees canopied the small island.
1 – to form short bends or ripples / Wrinkle
Don’t crinkle my shirt.
2 – a think crackling sound
The crinkling bag woke up the dog.
1 – chuckle or laugh
He chortled with amusement.
2 – sing or chant
She chortled in her happiness.
1 – broken into small parts.
The Greek Islands are filled with crumbling ruins.
1 – beg or sponge
He cadges for a free cup of coffee.
1 – sharp, quick, repeated noises
The crackling fire.
1 – to dig and bring to light.
Don’t dredge up those painful memories.
1 – travel somewhere in a hurry
I dashed through the forest.
2 – strike, or destroy
The ship was dashed upon the rocks.
She dashed his spirits.
1 – cause (someone) to feel consternation and distress.
A deep feeling of dismay overtook the room.
1 – greatly astonish or amaze
I’m often dumbfounded after watching the task force meetings.
1 – eat / destroy / adsorb quickly
I want to devour the big meal.
2 – read eagerly
Amy always devours a good book.
1 – make (someone’s) clothes or hair messy.
Boris Johnson disheveled his hair before being on camera.
1 – to lessen the courage of
A lesser man would be daunted by this challenge.
1 – to set apart for a purpose. to distinguish as a class
We designate this room as the class lab.
2 – to point out a location
A marker designating where the trial starts.
1 – to feel aversion to (Offend)
His distaste for the joke was apparent.
1 – to dig
Suspicion led him to delve into his wife’s bag.
1 – to search for information
He delved into the past to find the problem.
1 – to get carried along (by water, air, etc)
The windy drift pushed the hot air balloon to the west.
1 – a pile of something in heaps
Snow drifts covered the landscape.
1 – to stray or move from a principle, standard, or topic.
Don’t deviate from your goals. Stayed focused even when life is tough.
1 – to cause annoyance or irritation
I hope you’re not exasperated by this list of descriptive words.
1 – Set up / to fix/put together in an upright position
The father and son erected the tree house.
1 – to become known,
Jane emerged from her travels a most well-rounded person.
1 – To make it ornamental or make it more attractive.
Frank embellished his life story to impress his date.
1 – to furnish / to provide with
I’m endowed with a good sense of humor .
1 – allure or tempt
He was enticed by the smell of the chocolate.
1 – eliminate by wearing away surface
The rocks are effaced by wear and tear.
1 – rot slowly
Don’t let your anger fester about your tough English test.
1 – steal secretly
He filches the cookie from the jar.
1 – give a false appearance
The company feigned how bad his leg hurt.
1 – containing frescoes
The frescoed walls of the chapel inspired my love of art.
1 – to pass quickly or shift
The chortling birds flitted around the forest.
1 – to flow in an irregular current
The stream gurgling stream swept over the rocks.
2 – ta gurgling sound
The gurgling stream blocked the path.
1 – to gather,
Tim garnered his courage before presenting his essay to his teachers.
1 – move quickly
He hastened his journey home.
1 – lift or raise by tackle
Hoist the flag.
1 – lift or raise or pull
He heaved the trunk onto the oak table.
1 – a harmful or disquieting occurrence
The past mistakes haunted him.
2 – to visit often to seek the company of
I spend a lot of time haunting the bookstore.
1 – cross one with another.
The intertwined vines were impassable.
1 – place a body in a tomb or grave
The king was interred with all the honor due him.
1 – weave.
It’s dangerous to interweave lies and the truth.
1 – to make, irritated, or weary
He was irked trying to learn all the English grammar rules.
1 – endow or influence
He imbued the spirit of the old times.
INTERSPERSE
1 – spaced in intervals
The interspersed paintings covered the east wing.
1 – sharp uneven surface
The jagged mountains dotted the horizon.
1 – come into contact or pushing
The jostling crowd flooded to the door.
2 – vying for a position.
The workers began to jostle for the new job.
1 – expend or bestow
His lavish habits cost him a lot of money.
1 – slow parting
The effects lingered long after it was over.
1 – take a large shape or an impending occurrence
The teacher loomed over the student to make sure he wasn’t cheating.
1 – an area to stop
Lay-by the dock the ship tied up.
1 – utter barely audible sounds in a low voice.
He muttered to himself about his workload.
1 – hypnotizing
The mesmerizing beauty of the best islands in Croatia is not easily forgotten.
1 – settle snugly
A small town nestled among the mountains.
1 – grab or catch
He nabbed the best spot in the class for the English lesson .
1 – a slow trickle, to seep out of something
The oozing gunk stained the floor.
1 – exiled
He was ostracized after his betrayal was made public.
1 – to peer through / to look furtively.
Don’t peek around the corner.
1 – to go deep into, or thrust into something.
I plunged into the task of self-development.
1 – landscape with a level surface, and little change
He wandered the plateau looking for his lost wallet.
1 – search for information.
His friend probed him with questions about the girl.
1 – sprinkled throughout
The olive trees peppered the Greek countryside.
1 – work laboriously
The book plodded along slowly.
1 – soaked in
The city was steeped in charm.
1 – a loud sharp noise
He shirked when he thought he saw a ghost.
1 – to spread without restraint
The sprawling landscape of the desert is one of the best things to do in Tucson .
1 – fill with things or with satiety
He was stuffed after Thanksgiving dinner.
1 – feeling to do something (usually wrong)
He was tempted to eat the candy.
DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: LIST OF ADVERBS
1 – Suddenly or Unexpectedly.
The car stopped abruptly.
2 – In a rude manner.
His mom abruptly cut him off.
3 – Steep
The hill ascends abruptly.
Apathetically
1- Without enthusiasm or interest.
She played with the dog apathetically, barely looking at it.
ADDITIONALLY
1 – extra factor or circumstance.
brokers finance themselves additionally by short-term borrowing.
2 – used to introduce a new fact or argument.
Additionally, the regulations require a clean environment.
ALTERNATELY
1 – one after the other or next
Alternately, don’t give up when things get hard.
Begrudgingly
begrudgingly (adverb) – unwillingly; reluctantly
I begrudgingly gave him my number.
Deliberately
1- done or planned with care and intention
The mother deliberately left the child in the car while she went into the store.
Dramatically
1. in a dramatic manner
The actress dramatically read the lines from the script.
EFFECTIVELY
1 – being effective or in effect
John effectively finished his to-do list before stopping for the day.
1 – evident or provide evidence
He was evidently born in Ohio.
1 – expert in something
He expertly navigated his way through the maze of alleyways.
Extraordinary
1 – strikingly unusual or different; remarkable
This painting is extraordinary!
FURTHERMORE
1 – what precedes
Furthermore, people should travel more.
1 – a gloomy or somber
He grimly walked to see his boos.
1 – a sinister character
The dark figure had a grimly stance that shadows seemed to cling to.
Inquisitively
1- Inquisitively is defined as in a curious or questioning manner.
Looking inquisitively at someone means looking at them in a way that suggests you want to know more about them. For example, you may be staring intently at their face as if you are trying to read their thoughts.
Intelligently
1 – In an intelligent way
The mother cat was intelligently trying to get her kitten out from under the car.
1 – to a great degree
The immensely talented writer self-published his book.
INTENTIONALLY
1 – intentional manner or awareness
He intentionally arrived at the airport early.
1 – intense
He intensely focused on the problem at hand.
IMPULSIVELY
1 – from impulse
He impulsively got up early every morning.
He invitingly offered me a free drink.
INFURIATINGLY
1 – extreme anger
Moving to my wife in Sweden is an infuriatingly slow process.
1 – born or existing in.
He innately loved filling his head with quotes about adventure.
1 – lasting or unforgettable cannot be removed.
The indelibly hued landscape when backpacking Italy changed my life.
INTRICATELY
1 – complex with many parts
The intricately designed plot has levels of detail.
1 – eager or intense
They are keenly attuned to your bad behavior.
1 – clear; glassiness
The limpidly rushing water of the cascading waterfall.
LUDICROUSLY
1 – meriting laughter or exaggeration
He ludicrously lost his wallet.
Synonym for Richly or Grandly
1 – marked by excess
The lavishly decorated crown marked him as king.
Methodically
1 – In a precise and orderly way.
The scientist methodically recorded the data.
MONUMENTALLY
1 – large, or to an extreme degree
He monumentally failed in his task.
1 – without doubt
The claims were patently false.
1 – peace or tranquility
he peacefully listened to the sounds of birds singing outside his window.
1 – strict
He rigorously worked at his craft every day.
ROMANTICALLY
1 – romantic
He was romantically involved with her.
DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: NOUNS
1 – the process of absorbing.
The absorption of the spilled water.
2 – The whole occupation of the mind.
The absorption of my work overtakes every other desire.
1 – strong desire to do or to achieve something which takes hard work.
People trying to improve their skills with this list of descriptive words for writing have a lot of ambition.
2 – determination to achieve success.
life offers many opportunities for those with ambition.
1 – a large quantity of something.
I have an abundance of ambition.
2 – The condition of having a copious quantity of something; bountifulness.
The vineyard has an abundance of grapes.
1 – a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime.
“He’s a wine aficionado.”
1 – a dark volcanic rock that displays a columnar structure and is made of fine-grained.
The fertile soil was made of decomposed basalt.
1 – something of monstrous size
That’s a behemoth-sized lion.
1 – a person who is socially unconventional in a way regarded as characteristic of creative artists; a bohemian.
The town bohos opened an art gallery.
1 – an increase
A boost in the economy.
1 – a room or pantry used for storing wine or hard liquor.
Can you grab the wine out of the buttery?
1 – a beer that has a strong hop taste; or liquor with the sharp taste of plant extracts.
What bitters do you have on tap?
1 – a combination of qualities of color, such as shape, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.
“I was struck by her beauty .”
Synonym for Rock or Stone
1 – a large rock, mostly worn smooth by years of erosion.
The boulder blocked the path.
1 – move quickly.
He buzzed through these descriptive words.
1 – Irish name for a beehive hut.
The ruins of a clochán sat on the other side of the field.
1 – a written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.
“both parties must sign employment contracts “
1 – a mass of something that falls or hangs in copious or luxuriant quantities.
“A cascade of pink bougainvillea.”
2 – a large number or amount of something occurring or arriving in rapid succession.
“a cascade of antiwar literature”
1 – an ornamental decoration at the ridge of a roof or top of a wall or screen.
High on the roof was a cresting decoration.
1 – Someone who chips
The chipper was hard at working cutting down the tree.
1 – one delegated by a superior to execute a duty or an office
The commissary was tasked with finding a cure.
1 – a series of loops
The coil of pumps was confusing.
2 – everyday troubles
Sometimes we all need to shrug off the coils of the workday.
1 – any of an order (Coniferales) of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs having usually needle-shaped or scalelike leaves like pine, cones, and arillate fruit.
The group of conifer trees took over the forest.
1 – to create
Christians believe in the creation story.
1 – an agreement or promise / attached to someone or something
I have a commitment to my wife.
1 – a cover carried above by a person of rank / or a cloth suspended
The canopy covered the diners on the patio.
1 – a heap of stones in a heap. Usually a landmark or memorial. Typically on a hilltop or skyline.
The stony cairn marked the way back.
Characteristics
1- Colorful Having many different colors. The sunset was so colorful.
Loyalty is one of his best characteristics
1 – something to eat considered rare and luxurious
What is your favorite delicacy in Italy?
2 – the quality or state of being dainty of someone or something
Spiderwebs have a delicacy.
1 – to flow along
To drift through life is sad.
2 – an underlying meaning or design.
The spy understood the drift of his orders.
1 – dislike food or drink
Many have a distaste for mushrooms.
1 – representation in images or describing words depicting something or someone.
The depiction of the movie wasn’t congruent with the book.
1 – a deep place or state of being
The depths of our abilities remain unknown until we push for greatness.
1 – an arrangement, or state of being engaged
Social engagement took most of my day.
1 – a massive structure
The social edifice holds together certain rules.
plural noun
1 – city districts / or surroundings in your space or vicinity
The crystal environs of the waterfalls.
1 – a public showcase
The art exhibition was a success.
1 – a high position of superiority, Commanding or in a profession.
His eminence in the film made him a legend.
1 – refined taste, dignified gracefulness
The novel had an air of elegance and wit.
EXASPERATION
1 – a state of exasperated or exasperating someone/feeling irritation
He was exasperated after working all day.
1 – the act of representing a medium
I don’t understand the expression that artists are trying to achieve.
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FOCAL POINT
1 – point of attention.
The focal point of this blog post is describing words that help others master descriptive writing .
1 – an embarrassing mistake or error.
Interpreting someone is considered a social faux pas.
1 – the front of the building
The store’s facade was highly decorated.
1 – a false, or fake appearance
His friends saw through his thinly veiled facade.
A love this descriptive word.
1 – a boisterous and loud burst of laughter.
The joke caused a guffaw in the room.
1 – enthusiastic and filled with joy.
1 – a gloomy or somber outlook
He had a grim disposition on life.
The grim tale left me afraid.
1 – the quality or current state
The grandeur of ancient Rome inspired our world.
1 – grand
Many of the best places to visit in Europe are grand in design, scope, and scale.
1 – strong wind
The gust of wind caused the bike to tip over.
1 – an outburst of feeling
He had a gust of energy that came with the good news.
1 – either side of an arch.
The dog loves to have his back haunches scratched.
1 – a great number
A host of ants took over the picnic.
1 – something to indicate
He gave the indication that he was going to travel this summer.
1 – a stage or exception
In this instance, we all need to be quiet.
2 – example
For instance, pasta tastes better in Italy.
1 – inside limits or inner constitution
Travelers loved the lavish interior of the modern-day art gallery.
1 – limestone land or limestone plateau
The karst lands were filled with sinkholes and caverns.
1 – a plant organism made up of alge
Working the lichen spotted lake held a natural charm rarely found.
1 – machine for interlacing
Working the loom is hard and painful.
1 – soil made of silt, sand, and clay.
The loam ground was hard to walk.
LAUNDERETTE
1 – a self-service laundry
The launderette was packed with others.
1 – causing wonder and astonishment
Abu Simbel, in Egypt, is a marvel to behold.
1 – a great number of
This myriad list of descriptive words is very helpful – like our list of descriptive words for personality -.
1 – middle of the day
The midday meal made him want a nap.
1 – a single massive stone in a column or obelisk
Monoliths pepper the old landscape.
1 – a single massive stone in a column or obelisk from prehistoric origin.
The Menhir’s of Stonehenge tower over all who stand before it.
METROPOLITAN
1 – one who lives in a metropolis
The metropolitan knew the city backward and forwards.
1 – wealth and Abundance
The opulence of the Blue Mosque makes it one of the best things to do in Turkey .
1 – of an unusual size
The outsize bed wouldn’t fit.
1 – a dirty slovenly place
Clean up this pigpen of a room.
1 – the quality of excitement or attractive
He was charming and had a large amount of pizzazz.
1 – an earnest entreaty
They plead for another helping of mashed potatoes.
1 – a bar something is hung on
The bird sat on the perch.
1 – a medical instrument for exploring
The doctor used a probe to discover what was wrong.
1 – a person despised or rejected
The thief was treated as a pariah.
1 – chasing after
Our pursuits define our lives.
1 – contradictory phases or conclusions.
Life is full of many a paradox.
1 – state of fear
Don’t panic about your writing . Just learn more descriptive words that will improve your writing.
1 – a close inspection; under a microscope
His paper was under a lot of scrutiny.
1 – riot or commotion
Tumult uprisings are a big part of history.
2 – loud noise
a tumult of noise kept me from sleeping.
1 – tiles
The tiling walls were stunning.
DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: LIST OF PREPOSITIONS WITH DEFINITION
preposition
1 – surrounded by; in the middle of
He walked amid the rolling hills and lush landscape.
2 – in an atmosphere or against a background of.
Mid accusations of cheating the student were suspended.
DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR WRITING: DESCRIPTIVE PHRASES
Here are a lot of describing words that I’ve picked up from various books, and blog posts. I fell in love with this word list. And are great for adding detail.
Pro tip: The describing words are all around you. Listen to how people use descriptive language in your favorite movies, tv shows, and podcast. Try to find describing words in the things you read. The lesson you are looking for and the right words are all around you! You just have to look for the lesson to find the best describing word.
ARID STEPPE
1 – one of the vast treeless tracts in Europe and Asia.
The arid steppe of Mongolia is famous around the world.
ATLANTIC SWELLS
1- Waves crashing on the coast.
The Atlantic swells crashed against the crenelated coast.
BROODING SUMMITS
1 – sad terrain, a phrase to describe mountain ranges.
The brooding summits, covered in clouds, look like a storm is coming.
BEHIND THE TIMES
1 – not aware of or using the latest ideas or techniques; out of date.
When it came to tech, he was behind the times.
CRYSTALLINE LAKES
1 – a good description to describe a still lake. Or a phrase lake on a nice day.
The crystalline lake boasted the perfect space to camp.
CRUMBLING CASTLES
1 – a castle falling apart.
Ireland’s peppered with crumbling castles.
CRESTING MOUNTAINS
1 – descriptive of a scenic mountain range.
The cresting mountains of New Zealand are unforgettable.
EVER- DEEPENING
1 – getting deeper
The ever-deepening snow made the terrain impassable.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The historical significance of Rome echoes even until today.
INFINITE HILLS
The infinite hills of New Zealand lure thousands of visitors a year. This is one of my favorite descriptive phrases.
ICY ROLLERS
1 – cold waves
The icy rollers of the Atlantic Ocean beat along the coast.
INDELIBLY WILD
The indelibly wild forest of Peru.
LUNAR-SCAPED
1 – landscape similar to that on the moon
The Lunar-scaped beaches on Milos, put it high on many travelers’ lists of Greek Islands to visit.
LONG-FORGOTTEN
The long-forgotten castle has centuries of neglect.
A great descriptive word for the forest!
1 – covered by moss
The moss-clad rocks sat along the stream.
MODERN HIGH-RISE SKYSCRAPERS
The hundreds of workers wasted their lives in modern high-rise skyscrapers.
Descriptive Words for Food
1 – having a pleasing smell
1 – having a brittle texture and a dry, brittle sound when broken
Crunchy
1 – having a brittle texture and a crisp, crackling sound when broken
1 – having a strong, satisfying flavor
1 – having a pleasing, sugary flavor
1 -having a sour, acidic taste
Salty
1 – having a salty, savory flavor
1 – not having a strong or distinctive flavor
1 – having a hot, pungent flavor
1 – having a lot of flavors
1 – something that tastes extremely good
1- providing the body with essential nutrients
1 – making someone want to eat something
Scrumptious
1 – extremely delicious and appetizing
1 – a sweet liquid produced by flowers and used as a drink or in cooking
1 – producing an excessive flow of saliva
1 – of or relating to the sense of taste
1 – arousing or tempting the appetite
1 – having an extremely pleasing taste
1 – delightfully beautiful or elegant
1 – extremely luxurious and expensive
Scintillating
1 – brilliantly sparkling
1 – strikingly unusual or different
1 – restoring or invigorating
1 – promoting good health
1 – energetically alive and vigorous
1 – pleasantly firm and fresh
1 -full of juice
1 – having a strong, distinctive taste
Mouth-watering
1- so delicious as to make the mouth water
1 – easily broken or chewed and having a delicate, pleasing texture
Descriptive Words for Trees
Words to describe trees is one of the most requested updates for this post. So I have updated the list with a bunch of tree descriptive words. I hope you enjoy it!
- massive
- towering
- gigantic
- enormous
Descriptive Words in Spanish
- ágil – agile
- bello – beautiful
- brillante – brilliant
- cálido – warm
- claro – clear
- colorido – colorful
- cortés – courteous
- curioso – curious
- dulce – sweet
- enérgico – energetic
- fresco – fresh
- gentil – gentle
- inteligente – intelligent
- joven – young
- ligero – light
- lindo – pretty
- maduro – mature
- maravilloso – marvelous
- nervioso – nervous
- optimista – optimistic
- pacífico – peaceful
- perezoso – lazy
- romántico – romantic
- sensible – sensible
- serio – serious
- simpático – likable
- triste – sad
- vibrante – vibrant
LIST OF DESCRIPTIVE ADJECTIVES
Here are some words to describe the positive qualities of people’s personalities. And using words like this to showcase a personality can connect those feeling with your readers.
affectionate – readily feeling or showing fondness or tenderness.
Agile – able to move quickly and easily.
Altruistic – showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish.
amiable – having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.
bright – giving out or reflecting much light; shining. – A very common descriptive phrase.
Bonza – excellent; first-rate.
charming – very pleasant or attractive.
Conscientious – wishing to do one’s work or duty well and thoroughly
imaginative – having or showing creativity or inventiveness.
List of Common Adjectives
These are great for common adjectives that can be used for anything from a descriptive phrase, descriptive writing, or a cover letter.
compassionate
distinguished
enthusiastic
fashionable
fascinating
independent
influential
intelligent
mesmerizing
WORD LIST OF ATTRIBUTIVE ADJECTIVES
What are attributive adjectives?
These are words to can be placed inside a sentence that can modify a person or a thing. These different adjective are only used before nouns.
Example Sentence: The tender steak made my mouth water.
Heart-stopping
Too-yummy-to-be-believed
Face-to-face vicious
adjective for thick vines
- coiling, twisting, writhing
- constricting
- claustrophobic
WORD LIST OF MULTIPLE ADJECTIVES
What are multiple adjectives?
Sometimes called paired adjectives. This is using more than one word to describe a noun.
Almost an adjective can be multiple adjectives if it can be paired together with other describing words to describe a noun. The key is to put them in the right order.
But here are some common ones.
Example Sentence: The thick, dense college application seemed daunting.
Smart, energetic
Small, round
Short, Fast
Pretty Little
WHAT ARE COORDINATE ADJECTIVES
Similar to paired adjectives, Coordinate adjectives
are two – or maybe even more – adjectives that describe the same noun. They are separated by a common.
LIST OF POSITIVE ADJECTIVES
Positive words are a great way to make your readers feel something about a character, place, or object. Positive words of descriptive are powerful.
Example: He was brave enough to use a new word to showcase his skill in front of the class.
Adventurous
Affectionate
Broadminded
Knowledgeable
Self-confident
Warmhearted
descriptive words starting with m
Magnificent.
impressively beautiful, elaborate or striking
Example: The view from the top of the mountain was simply magnificent.
given to unpredictable changes in mood or feelings
Example: He was in a moody state after his fight with his girlfriend.
Melancholic
feeling or expressing a deep sadness or gloominess
Example: The melancholic music helped me release my emotions.
Mischievous
Playful or causing trouble in a playful way Example: The mischievous child kept on playing pranks on his siblings.
difficult or impossible to understand or explain
Example: The disappearance of the man is still a mysterious case to this day.
having or showing impressive beauty or dignity
Example: The Taj Mahal is a majestic work of art.
having a smooth, rich, or full flavor or personality
Example: The mellow sound of the saxophone helped me relax.
relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past
Example: The modern technology we have today has made life easier.
Magnanimous
generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or less powerful person
Example: Despite losing the game, he still remained magnanimous and congratulated the winning team.
unassuming or moderate in size, quantity, or importance
Example: She is a modest person who never seeks attention.
Descriptive Words Starting With N
feeling or showing anxiety or worry.
Example: I’m nervous about my upcoming job interview.
having or showing high moral principles or ideals.
Example: He was a noble man who always put others before himself.
making a lot of sound, often in an unpleasant or disruptive way.
Example: The party next door was very noisy and kept us up all night.
existing or occurring as part of nature; not artificial or man-made.
Example: The park was a beautiful natural oasis in the middle of the city.
clean, orderly, and well-organized.
Example: His desk was always so neat and tidy.
pleasingly stylish or clever; neat or attractive.
Example: The nifty new gadget made my life easier.
quick and light in movement or action.
Example: The nimble cat easily caught the mouse.
feeling a sentimental longing for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
Example: Looking at old family photos made her feel nostalgic for her childhood.
providing nourishment or food that is essential for health and growth.
Example: The salad was full of nutritious vegetables and healthy fats.
worthy of attention or notice; remarkable.
Example: His notable achievements in the field of science made him a household name.
descriptive words of a leader and Leadership Skills
Here are some great descriptive words that are great for describing effective leaders, passionate leaders, and other leadership qualities.
Charismatic
Having a compelling charm or appeal that inspires devotion in others.
Example: His charismatic personality made him a great public speaker. And a successful leaders.
having or showing a powerful imagination and the ability to think about or plan the future with wisdom or foresight.
Example: Steve Jobs was a visionary who revolutionized the technology industry. And held many leadership roles throughout his life.
Feeling or showing self-assurance; having faith in oneself and one’s abilities.
Example: A confident leader can inspire confidence in others. Which makes him a true leader.
Settling an issue; producing a definite result.
Example: A decisive leader is able to make tough decisions when necessary.
Having the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
Example: An empathetic leader is able to connect with and inspire their team. Which makes them effective leaders.
Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.
Example: A strategic leader is able to plan and execute successful business strategies.
Inspirational
providing inspiration or motivation to others; uplifting and motivating.
Example: An inspirational leader can inspire their team to achieve great things. And allows him to be a true leader.
Trustworthy
deserving of trust or confidence; reliable.
Example: A trustworthy leader is one who can be relied upon to keep their promises.
able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Example: A resilient leader is able to bounce back from setbacks and continue to lead effectively.
having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance.
Example: A humble leader is able to put the needs of others ahead of their own and lead with integrity. And a true leader is humble, and it’s a sign of effective leadership.
MORE ENGLISH GRAMMAR QUESTIONS WERE ANSWERED!
What are the different kinds of adjectives.
There are several kinds of adjectives, including descriptive adjectives, limiting adjectives, proper adjectives, demonstrative adjectives, interrogative adjectives, and distributive adjectives.
Descriptive adjectives describe the qualities of a noun or pronoun, such as “blue,” “soft,” or “happy.”
Limiting adjectives limit the noun or pronoun by indicating a specific quantity or amount, such as “two,” “many,” or “few.”
Proper adjectives are formed from proper nouns and describe a particular noun or pronoun, such as “American,” “Italian,” or “Shakespearean.”
Demonstrative adjectives point out or indicate which noun or pronoun is being referred to, such as “this,” “that,” “these,” or “those.”
Interrogative adjectives are used to ask questions and include “which,” “what,” and “whose.”
Distributive adjectives refer to individual members of a group, such as “each,” “every,” “either,” or “neither.”
What are Negative Adjectives?
Negative adjectives are adjectives that describe something negatively, or with a negative connotation. And indicating that it lacks or has the opposite of a positive quality. They can be used talk about a personality trait, character trait, and change your writing style.
Examples of negative adjectives include “bad,” “ugly,” “harmful,” “horrible,” “unpleasant,” “unfortunate,” “unfriendly,” “unhappy,” “displeasing,” “unfair,” and “unsatisfactory.”
These adjectives can be used to express criticism, disapproval, or disappointment towards someone or something. Negative adjectives can also be used to contrast one thing with another, such as in phrases like “less beautiful,” “not as smart,” or “less effective.”
positive personality adjectives
- Affable – friendly, easy-going and pleasant to talk to
- Ambitious – determined to succeed and reach goals
- Assertive – confident and self-assured; able to stand up for oneself and one’s beliefs
- Authentic – genuine and true to oneself; not fake or artificial
- Benevolent – kind, caring and generous, with a desire to do good for others
- Brave – courageous, not afraid to face challenges or danger
- Charismatic – possessing a compelling charm or appeal that inspires devotion in others
- Compassionate – empathetic, caring and understanding towards others who are suffering
- Confident – having faith in oneself and one’s abilities; self-assured
- Creative – imaginative, original and innovative
- Diplomatic – able to handle delicate or difficult situations with tact and sensitivity
- Empathetic – having the ability to understand and share the feelings of others
- Enthusiastic – passionate, energetic and eager to do things
- Gracious – courteous, kind and polite
- Honest – truthful and sincere; not deceptive or deceitful
- Humorous – having a sense of humor and able to make others laugh
- Independent – self-sufficient and able to take care of oneself
- Intuitive – able to understand or know something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning
- Optimistic – hopeful and positive, expecting good outcomes and opportunities
- Passionate – having strong emotions and intense feelings towards something or someone.
WHAT IS A PRESENT PARTICIPLE?
A word formed from a verb that ends in ing.
Sentence: He couldn’t stop laughing.
What is a Pronoun?
Pronouns are words that replace a noun.
A word formed from a verb that ends in ing.
Sentence: He couldn’t stop laughing.
What is a Collective Noun?
A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of things or animals as a single unit. Some common collective nouns are flock, herd, pack, and swarm.
What is a Prepositional Phrase?
A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or a pronoun. The preposition shows the relationship between the noun or pronoun and the verb.
What are Some Popular Synonyms?
Some popular synonyms are beautiful, pretty, handsome, and stunning.
What are Transition Words
Transition words are used to connect ideas, show relationships between ideas, and indicate the logic of thought or argument. They are used to signal the start and end of paragraphs, introduce new paragraphs, and connect related thoughts within a paragraph.
There we go! Over 500 descriptive words that will help you improve your writing! This list is always being updated as I find new describing words I like through reading and writing. Becoming a good writer and increasing your skill , and learning a new word is an endless quest. These are great words that can improve your follow-up comments or inline feedback on your writing.
And I hope that you found the list of adjectives, nouns, descriptive phrases, and verbs useful. And helps you get a little better and expand your vocabulary.
Check back for new descriptive words monthly!
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The 108 Most Persuasive Words In The English Language
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THE 108 MOST PERSUASIVE WORDS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
It’s a long known fact that the secret to persuasive writing isn’t in the adjectives, it’s in the verbs.
Copywriters know power verbs sell and convince.
Internally, we have a list of 108 verbs that we’ve been using for a good decade, and we recently thought we should share it with proper credit to the original author.
We found that although the list is being recirculated (and in many cases claimed as original by several different authors!), the original author is, in fact, nowhere to be found.
So, if anyone knows who wrote this, we’d love to know!
With or without the original author, it’s still a great list…here it is!
![high level vocabulary for essays](https://www.thewritersforhire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/verbs1-1024x297.jpg)
According to legendary advertising man, Leo Burnet, “Dull and exaggerated ad copy is due to the excess use of adjectives.”
To prove it, he asked his staff to compare the number of adjectives in 62 ads that failed to the number of adjectives in Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and other age-old classics.
Here’s what he discovered:
Of the 12,758 words in the 62 failed ads, 24.1% were adjectives.
By direct comparison, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address contains only 35 adjectives out of 268 immortal words – only 13.1% adjective-to-total-word ratio.
Winston Churchill’s famous “Blood, Sweat and Tears” speech rates even lower and has a 12.1% adjective ratio (81 adjectives from 667 words).
Burnett found that similar ratios applied to great works such as The Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. Conclusion: Use more verbs, not adjectives.
Verbs increase the pulling-power and believability of ad copy.
That’s why it makes sense to keep this 108-VERB “CHEAT-SHEET” close-by whenever you begin to draft your next space ad, sales letter, Website, or email campaign.
![high level vocabulary for essays](https://www.thewritersforhire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/verb-cheat-sheet-1.png)
Still unsure how to incorporate these verbs into your marketing campaign? Or, perhaps, you just don’t have the time?
Then consider hiring a team of professional copywriters to do it for you! Talented advertising and marketing writers can take mediocre content and use power verbs to turn it into engaging copy that meets goals and produces results.
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3 thoughts on “ The 108 Most Persuasive Words In The English Language ”
It is remarkable, very amusing piece
Hi there, love your website. I am a teacher and my kids love using your amazing verbs you have provided us with in their writing. Email me and I could send you some drafts of their writing – you’ll be blown away!
Catch up soon 🙂
Thanks, Hope Brown
Hi Hope! We are so happy to hear that our blog has helped you and your students. We would love to see some of their writing!
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The 50 Best Vocab Words for the ACT Essay
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When taking the ACT essay section, students have 45 minutes to write a well-reasoned argumentative essay about a given prompt. The new ACT Essay prompts tend to be about “debate” topics — two sides of an issue are presented, with no obviously “right” side. Oftentimes, these subjects carry implications for broader issues such as freedom or morality. Test-takers are expected to convey some stance on the issue and support their argument with relevant facts and analysis.
In addition to some of the more obvious categories, like grammar and structure, students’ essays are also evaluated on their mastery of the English language. One way to demonstrate such mastery is through the correct usage of advanced vocabulary words. Below are 50 above-average vocabulary words sorted by the contexts in which they could most easily be worked into an ACT essay.
(Key: N = Noun, V= Verb, Adj. = Adjective)
Context 1: Factual Support For ACT Essay
These words can easily be used when stating facts and describing examples to support one’s argument. On ACT essays, common examples are trends or patterns of human behavior, current or past events, and large-scale laws or regulations.
1. Antecedent – a precursor, or preceding event for something – N
2. Bastion – an institution/place/person that strongly maintains particular principles, attitudes, or activities – N
3. Bellwether – something that indicates a trend – N
4. Burgeon – to begin to grow or increase rapidly – V
5. Catalyst – an agent that provokes or triggers change – N
6. Defunct – no longer in existence or functioning – Adj.
7. Entrenched – characterized by something that is firmly established and difficult to change – Adj.
8. Foster – to encourage the development of something – V
9. Galvanize – to shock or excite someone into taking action – V
10. Impetus – something that makes a process or activity happen or happen faster – N
11. Inadvertent – accidental or unintentional – Adj.
12. Incessant – never ending; continuing without pause – Adj.
13. Inflame – to provoke or intensify strong feelings in someone – V
14. Instill – to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude into a person’s mind – V
15. Lucrative – having a large reward, monetary or otherwise – Adj.
16. Myriad – countless or extremely large in number – Adj.
17. Precipitate – to cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly – V
18. Proponent – a person who advocates for something – N
19. Resurgence – an increase or revival after a period of limited activity – N
20. Revitalize – to give something new life and vitality – V
21. Ubiquitous – characterized by being everywhere; widespread – Adj.
22. Watershed – an event or period that marks a turning point – N
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Context 2: Analysis
These words can often be used when describing common patterns between examples or casting some form of opinion or judgement.
23. Anomaly – deviation from the norm – N
24. Automaton – a mindless follower; someone who acts in a mechanical fashion – N
25. Belie – to fail to give a true impression of something – V
26. Cupidity – excessive greed – Adj.
27. Debacle – a powerful failure; a fiasco – N
28. Demagogue – a political leader or person who looks for support by appealing to prejudices instead of using rational arguments – N
29. Deter – to discourage someone from doing something by making them doubt or fear the consequences – V
30. Discredit – to harm the reputation or respect for someone – V
31. Draconian – characterized by strict laws, rules and punishments – Adj.
32. Duplicitous – deliberately deceitful in speech/behavior – Adj.
33. Egregious – conspicuously bad; extremely evil; monstrous and outrageous – Adj.
34. Exacerbate – to make a situation worse – V
35. Ignominious – deserving or causing public disgrace or shame – Adj.
36. Insidious – proceeding in a subtle way but with harmful effects – Adj.
37. Myopic – short-sighted; not considering the long run – Adj.
38. Pernicious – dangerous and harmful – Adj.
39. Renegade – a person who betrays an organization, country, or set of principles – N
40. Stigmatize – to describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or disapproval – V
41. Superfluous – unnecessary – Adj.
42. Venal – corrupt; susceptible to bribery – Adj.
43. Virulent – extremely severe or harmful in its effects – Adj.
44. Zealot – a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals – N
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C ontext 3: Thesis and Argument
These words are appropriate for taking a stance on controversial topics, placing greater weight on one or the other end of the spectrum, usually touching on abstract concepts, and/or related to human nature or societal issues.
45. Autonomy – independence or self governance; the right to make decisions for oneself – N
46. Conundrum – a difficult problem with no easy solution – N
47. Dichotomy – a division or contrast between two things that are presented as opposites or entirely different – N
48. Disparity – a great difference between things – N
49. Divisive – causing disagreement or hostility between people – Adj.
50. Egalitarian – favoring social equality and equal rights – Adj.
Although it’s true that vocabulary is one of the lesser criteria by which students’ ACT essays are graded, the small boost it may give to a student’s score could be the difference between a good score and a great score. For those who are already confident in their ability to create and support a well-reasoned argument but still want to go the extra mile, having a few general-purpose, impressive-sounding vocabulary words up one’s sleeve is a great way to tack on even more points.
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When Should I Take the SAT or ACT?
13 Tips for ACT Test Day
Which Section of the SAT and ACT Is Most Important?
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50 Verbs of Analysis for English Academic Essays
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Note: this list is for advanced English learners (CEFR level B2 or above). All definitions are from the Cambridge Dictionary online .
Definition: to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause a change in someone or something.
Example: Experts agree that coffee affects the body in ways we have not yet studied.
Definition: to increase the size or effect of something.
Example: It has been shown that this drug amplifies the side effects that were experienced by patients in previous trials.
Definition: to say that something is certainly true .
Example: Smith asserts that his findings are valid, despite criticism by colleagues.
Characterizes
Definition: Something that characterizes another thing is typical of it.
Example: His early paintings are characterized by a distinctive pattern of blue and yellow.
Definition: to say that something is true or is a fact , although you cannot prove it and other people might not believe it.
Example: Smith claims that the study is the first of its kind, and very different from the 2015 study he conducted.
Definition: to make something clear or easier to understand by giving more details or a simpler explanation .
Example: The professor clarified her statement with a later, more detailed, statement.
Definition: t o collect information from different places and arrange it in a book , report , or list .
Example: After compiling the data, the scientists authored a ten-page paper on their study and its findings.
Definition: to judge or decide something after thinking carefully about it.
Example: Doctor Jensen concluded that the drug wasn’t working, so he switched his patient to a new medicine.
Definition: to prove that a belief or an opinion that was previously not completely certain is true .
Example: This new data confirms the hypothesis many researchers had.
Definition: to join or be joined with something else .
Example: By including the criticisms of two researchers, Smith connects two seemingly different theories and illustrates a trend with writers of the Romanticism period.
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Differentiates
Definition: to show or find the difference between things that are compared .
Example: Smith differentiates between the two theories in paragraph 4 of the second part of the study.
Definition: to reduce or be reduced in s i ze or importance .
Example: The new findings do not diminish the findings of previous research; rather, it builds on it to present a more complicated theory about the effects of global warming.
Definition: to cause people to stop respecting someone or believing in an idea or person .
Example: The details about the improper research done by the institution discredits the institution’s newest research.
Definition: to show.
Example: Smith’s findings display the effects of global warming that have not yet been considered by other scientists.
Definition: to prove that something is not true .
Example: Scientists hope that this new research will disprove the myth that vaccines are harmful to children.
Distinguishes
Definition: to notice or understand the difference between two things, or to make one person or thing seem different from another.
Example: Our study seems similar to another one by Duke University: how can we distinguish ourselves and our research from this study?
Definition: to add more information to or explain something that you have said.
Example: In this new paper, Smith elaborates on theories she discussed in her 2012 book.
Definition: to represent a quality or an idea exactly .
Example: Shakespeare embodies English theater, but few can understand the antiquated (old) form of English that is used in the plays.
Definition: to copy something achieved by someone else and try to do it as well as they have.
Example: Although the study emulates some of the scientific methods used in previous research, it also offers some inventive new research methods.
Definition: to improve the quality , amount , or strength of something.
Example: The pharmaceutical company is looking for ways to enhance the effectiveness of its current drug for depression.
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Definition: to make something necessary , or to involve something.
Example: The scientist’s study entails several different stages, which are detailed in the report.
Definition: to consider one thing to be the same as or equal to another thing.
Example: Findings from both studies equate; therefore, we can conclude that they are both accurate.
Establishes
Definition: to discover or get proof of something.
Example: The award establishes the main causes of global warming.
Definition: to make someone remember something or feel an emotion .
Example: The artist’s painting evokes the work of some of the painters from the early 1800s.
Definition: to show something.
Example: Some of the research study participants exhibit similar symptoms while taking the medicine.
Facilitates
Definition: to make something possible or easier .
Example: The equipment that facilitates the study is expensive and of high-quality.
Definition: the main or central point of something, especially of attention or interest .
Example: The author focuses on World War II, which is an era she hasn’t written about before.
Foreshadows
Definition: to act as a warning or sign of a future event .
Example: The sick bird at the beginning of the novel foreshadows the illness the main character develops later in the book.
Definition: to develop all the details of a plan for doing something.
Example: Two teams of scientists formulated the research methods for the study.
Definition: to cause something to exist .
Example: The study’s findings have generated many questions about this new species of frog in South America.
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Definition: to attract attention to or emphasize something important .
Example: The author, Dr. Smith, highlights the need for further studies on the possible causes of cancer among farm workers.
Definition: to recognize a problem , need, fact , etc. and to show that it exists .
Example: Through this study, scientists were able to identify three of the main factors causing global warming.
Illustrates
Definition: to show the meaning or truth of something more clearly , especially by giving examples .
Example: Dr. Robin’s study illustrates the need for more research on the effects of this experimental drug.
Definition: to communicate an idea or feeling without saying it directly .
Example: The study implies that there are many outside factors (other than diet and exercise) which determine a person’s tendency to gain weight.
Incorporates
Definition: to include something as part of something larger .
Example: Dr. Smith incorporates research findings from 15 other studies in her well-researched paper.
Definition: to show, point , or make clear in another way.
Example: Overall, the study indicates that there is no real danger (other than a lack of sleep) to drinking three cups of coffee per day.
Definition: to form an opinion or guess that something is true because of the information that you have.
Example: From this study about a new medicine, we can infer that it will work similarly to other drugs that are currently being sold.
Definition: to tell someone about parti c ular facts .
Example: Dr. Smith informs the reader that there are some issues with this study: the oddly rainy weather in 2017 made it difficult for them to record the movements of the birds they were studying.
Definition: to suggest , without being direct , that something unpleasant is true .
Example: In addition to the reported conclusions, the study insinuates that there are many hidden dangers to driving while texting.
Definition: to combine two or more things in order to become more effective .
Example: The study about the popularity of social media integrates Facebook and Instagram hashtag use.
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Definition: to not have or not have enough of something that is needed or wanted .
Example: What the study lacks, I believe, is a clear outline of the future research that is needed.
Legitimizes
Definition: to make something legal or acceptable .
Example: Although the study legitimizes the existence of global warming, some will continue to think it is a hoax.
Definition: to make a problem bigger or more important .
Example: In conclusion, the scientists determined that the new pharmaceutical actually magnifies some of the symptoms of anxiety.
Definition: something that a copy can be based on because it is an extremely good example of its type .
Example: The study models a similar one from 1973, which needed to be redone with modern equipment.
Definition: to cause something to have no effect .
Example: This negates previous findings that say that sulphur in wine gives people headaches.
Definition: to not give enough c a re or attention to people or things that are your responsibility .
Example: The study neglects to mention another study in 2015 that had very different findings.
Definition: to make something difficult to discover and understand .
Example: The problems with the equipment obscures the study.
Definition: a description of the main facts about something.
Example: Before describing the research methods, the researchers outline the need for a study on the effects of anti-anxiety medication on children.
Definition: to fail to notice or consider something or someone.
Example: I personally feel that the study overlooks something very important: the participants might have answered some of the questions incorrectly.
Definition: to happen at the same time as something else , or be similar or equal to something else .
Example: Although the study parallels the procedures of a 2010 study, it has very different findings.
Converse International School of Languages offers an English for Academic Purposes course for students interested in improving their academic English skills. Students may take this course, which is offered in the afternoon for 12 weeks, at both CISL San Diego and CISL San Francisco . EAP course graduates can go on to CISL’s Aca demic Year Abroad program, where students attend one semester at a California Community College. Through CISL’s University Pathway program, EAP graduates may also attend college or university at one of CISL’s Pathway Partners. See the list of 25+ partners on the CISL website . Contact CISL for more information.
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The Most Common Vocabulary Used in High-Scoring Task 2 Essays
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Hey there, it’s Chris from IELTS Advantage, and I’m excited to share with you some valuable insights that can help you achieve a high score on your IELTS writing test. This article will discuss the most common words used in Band 7, 8, and 9 essays.
At IELTS Advantage, we’ve helped many students achieve their desired scores on the IELTS writing test. We asked our team to provide us with 100 essays that we had corrected and given feedback on, and these essays had helped students achieve a Band 7, 8, or 9. We analyzed all the words in these essays to determine the most common ones.
The Most Common Words in IELTS Essays
We found that the top 9 words in these essays were:
Surprisingly, just these 9 words accounted for more than 1/3 of the total words in these essays. The most popular word was “the,” followed by “to.” This data teaches us that most words used in essays are simple, everyday words. Therefore, it’s essential to focus on using simple words accurately rather than trying to improve your vocabulary range.
Focus on Accuracy
At IELTS Advantage, we teach our students to use their existing vocabulary to improve their scores. We don’t focus on teaching students a range of complex words. Instead, we emphasize accuracy and help students be as accurate as possible with their words. We also focus on topic-specific words rather than complex words.
The Top 10 Topic-Specific Words
We analyzed the top 10 keywords in the 100 essays:
These words are straightforward and topic-specific regarding people, education, and health. So, it’s better to use accurate synonyms to vary your vocabulary rather than complex words that are not topic-specific.
Linking Words
We also analyzed the most common linking words used in these essays, which included words such as:
- In conclusion
- For instance
- As a result
The examiners don’t award extra marks for using complex, fancy linking words. Instead, they give marks for using them appropriately and accurately. Learning a few simple linking words and using them accurately is much better than learning many complex ones.
The Role of High-Level Vocabulary
Finally, we analyzed the percentage of high-level words in these essays using software from Cambridge English. We found that most words were simple, everyday words that students have within their existing vocabulary. The Band 7, 8, and 9 students use their existing vocabulary to communicate their answers to the examiners. They only used complex vocabulary when they couldn’t use one of the simpler words.
In conclusion, to achieve a high IELTS writing test score, you should use simple, everyday words to accurately and clearly communicate your answers to the examiners. Remember, learning a range of complex words or fancy linking words is unnecessary. Instead, focus on using your existing vocabulary accurately and efficiently. I hope this article helps you improve your IELTS writing score. You can also try our Essay Builder Course for free.
Words for Essay Writing
More useful words to use for essay writing to impress your teachers.
Learn words with Flashcards and other activities
Other learning activities, teaching tools, full list of words from this list:.
- scrupulous characterized by extreme care and great effort
- assent agree or express agreement
- conciliatory making or willing to make concessions
- manifold many and varied; having many features or forms
- cessation a stopping
- supercilious having or showing arrogant superiority
- contrive make or work out a plan for; devise
- surmise infer from incomplete evidence
- analogy drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity
- reproach express criticism towards
- actuate put in motion
- incongruity the quality of disagreeing
- incite provoke or stir up
- antecedent a preceding occurrence or cause or event
- remonstrate argue in protest or opposition
- unabashed not embarrassed
- acquiescence agreement with a statement or proposal to do something
- predisposition an inclination to interpret statements in a particular way
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How do I improve my English vocabulary? Top tips for all levels
Whether you're just starting your journey in English or looking to polish your proficiency, expanding your vocabulary is a crucial step. It can open new doors in your career, education, and personal life, making interactions richer and more engaging. Here’s a friendly guide on how to enhance your English vocabulary effectively, featuring tips that cater to learners at all levels.
Start with a solid foundation
Building a strong vocabulary foundation involves more than memorizing lists of words—it's about understanding their use in context and integrating them into your daily life. Setting clear, achievable goals based on your learning needs can guide your vocabulary enhancement and provide a roadmap for success.
Set clear goals
Before diving into new words, define what you want to achieve. Are you preparing for an English exam, aiming to communicate better at work, or planning to travel? Your goals will guide your vocabulary learning path and help you prioritize which words to focus on.
Read regularly
Reading is a powerhouse when it comes to vocabulary building. Dive into books, newspapers, magazines, or blogs. Start with topics that intrigue you to keep up your motivation. As you encounter new words, jot them down, look them up, and try to use them in your conversations.
Embrace technology
Technology offers innovative tools that can significantly enhance the process of learning new words. From apps that provide interactive learning experiences to platforms that offer extensive resources for study, technology makes vocabulary building accessible, fun, and efficient.
Use learning apps like Elevate
Incorporate a learning app like Elevate into your daily routine. Elevate offers games to help learners practice their English . The app adapts to your skill level and tracks your progress, providing a personalized learning experience that fits your needs.
Engage with interactive content
Interactive content such as podcasts, movies, and YouTube videos can expose you to colloquial language and diverse vocabulary. Listen to English in different accents and contexts, which can help you understand how various words are used naturally.
Practice actively
Active practice involves using new vocabulary in real-world settings. This approach helps reinforce learning and ensures that new words become a part of your active vocabulary, making you more confident and fluent in your use of English.
Speak and write regularly
Using new words in speech and writing helps solidify your learning. Engage in conversations with friends or join online forums and social media groups where English is used. Keeping a journal in English is another great way to practice your vocabulary actively.
Play word games
Word puzzles, crosswords, and other word games challenge you to think about words differently, improving your recall and helping you learn in a playful context.
Learn systematically
Systematic learning involves organizing your study habits to optimize retention and make learning as effective as possible. By breaking down the learning process into manageable parts, you can focus on mastering one segment of your vocabulary at a time.
Break it down
Learning in chunks can be more effective than trying to absorb a long list of words. Focus on learning a small set of new words each day—five to ten is manageable for most people.
Understand word roots and patterns
Many English words share common roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Understanding these can help you guess the meanings of new words and expand your vocabulary more quickly. For example, knowing that "bio-" relates to life can help you understand words like "biology," "biography," and "biodegradable" without needing to look them up.
Stay motivated and consistent
Staying motivated and maintaining consistency are key to successful language learning. Setting small, achievable goals and incorporating English practice into your daily routine can help sustain your enthusiasm and ensure continuous progress.
Set small, achievable milestones
Celebrating small wins can keep you motivated. Set milestones like learning 50 new words, and reward yourself when you achieve these goals.
Keep a vocabulary journal
Maintain a journal dedicated to your vocabulary learning. Write down new words, their meanings, and example sentences. Review this journal regularly to reinforce what you’ve learned.
Your path to a richer vocabulary
Improving your English vocabulary is a journey that requires patience, practice, and persistence. By setting realistic goals, utilizing tools like Elevate , and engaging with the language daily, you can significantly enhance your command of English. Ready to expand your English vocabulary and unlock new opportunities? Start today by downloading the Elevate app and take the first step towards a more articulate and confident you !
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IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Vocabulary: Sample Answers & PDF
- Last Updated On August 21, 2024
- Published In General
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Maps have been humanity’s silent guides, charting courses from uncharted lands to bustling cities. Now, they’ve become a challenge in the path to IELTS success .
Table of Content
With the average IELTS writing score hovering around 7.0 in 2024 , mastering the art of map description is essential. To transform geographical data into compelling prose, you need more than just direction — you need the language of a map expert.
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In this blog, you’ll explore essential IELTS writing task 1 map vocabulary words that can help you improve your descriptions and boost your overall writing score. Using the right terms and phrases ensures that your map descriptions are detailed, accurate, and aligned with the standards needed to achieve a score of 7.0 or higher.
Want to ace IELTS writing task 1 map vocabulary? Dive in!
Key Highlights
Here is a table detailing this blog’s key points that will help you ace the IELTS writing task 1 map vocabulary.
Before and After, Proposed Changes, Comparative Maps | |
North, South, Adjacent to for precise location descriptions | |
Words like: ‘expanded,’ ‘reduced,’ and ‘transformed’ | |
Incorrect tense usage, Repetition of words |
What is IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Vocabulary?
In IELTS writing task 1, map vocabulary plays a crucial role as it helps you accurately describe the changes and features shown in different maps. Your ability to use precise terms like “ constructed ,” “ demolished ,” and directional phrases like “ north of ” or “ adjacent to ” is essential for achieving a high score.
This vocabulary is assessed under the Lexical Resource criterion, one of four areas, along with Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each contributes 25% to your overall Task 1 score.
Here is a table that outlines the key types of vocabulary used in IELTS Writing Task 1 map descriptions:
North, south, adjacent to | |
Constructed, demolished, expanded | |
Converted into, replaced by |
These terms help you convey the map’s details clearly and concisely, which is crucial for achieving a high score.
Types of Map Charts in IELTS Writing Task 1
Familiarising yourself with the common map chart types will enhance your ability to effectively apply IELTS writing task 1 map vocabulary in your response.
Here are some of the most frequently encountered map types in this task.
- Before and After Maps : These maps highlight how a specific area has changed, showing developments or transformations.
- Proposed Changes Maps : These maps depict plans for an area, such as new infrastructure or urban development projects.
- Comparative Maps : These maps compare locations or areas, highlighting their similarities and differences.
- Single Time Point Maps : These maps present the layout of a place at one specific moment, offering a snapshot of that location.
- Tourist or Transport Maps : These maps focus on key tourist attractions, transportation routes, or other thematic elements related to travel and navigation.
Also Read: Personality Vocabulary IELTS: About People & Personalities
IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Vocabulary: Key Terms
The overall average IELTS score for 2024 is reported to be 7.5 , emphasising the need for precise language skills, particularly in specific tasks like map descriptions. Mastering IELTS writing task 1 map vocabulary is crucial for accurately conveying changes, locations, and features in map-based tasks.
This section outlines essential terms and phrases to enhance your ability to describe maps effectively, helping you align with the high standards reflected in the current average IELTS scores.
Below are tables of key terms, each with an explanation of the key terms and their usage.
1. Regions and Directions
Regions and directions are essential for accurately locating features on a map. These terms help describe the geographical placement of different elements.
Here is a table outlining key vocabulary for regions and directions.
North, South, East, West | Basic cardinal directions on the map. |
To the north/south/east/west | Specifies a feature’s position relative to others. |
Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest | Provides precise intercardinal directions. |
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2. adverbs and prepositions.
Adverbs and prepositions are crucial for describing the relative positions and movements of features on the map.
Here is a table of important adverbs and prepositions used in map descriptions:
To the left of, To the right of | Indicates position relative to another feature. |
Upstairs, Downstairs | Specifies vertical position for multi-floor maps. |
Clockwise, Anticlockwise | Describes movement or orientation around a central point. |
In the middle of, In the centre of | Highlights central placement within the map. |
Inside, Outside | Specifies whether a feature is within or outside a boundary. |
Nouns identify various features and areas on a map, helping to categorise and describe different elements clearly.
Here is a table of key nouns used in IELTS map descriptions:
Housing area, Residential area, Sleeping area | Refers to zones designated for living spaces. |
Entrance, Doorway | Entry points to buildings or areas. |
Edge, Boundary, End, Fringe | Describes the outer limits of an area. |
Crossroad, Intersection, Junction | Points where roads or paths meet or cross. |
Site, Place, Location | General terms for specific spots on the map. |
Area, Field, Zone | Broad terms for larger sections of the map. |
4. Verbs to Describe Changes
Verbs describe actions, movements, or changes in features on the map. They are key to detailing developments over time.
Here is a table listing important verbs for describing changes on maps.
Build, Construct | Indicates the creation of new structures. |
Extend, Expand | Describes the enlargement of existing features. |
Remove | Refers to the elimination of structures. |
Is located, Is situated, Lies, There is | Describes the static position of a feature. |
Go up, Go down | Indicates vertical movement or position change. |
Start by | Refers to the initiation point of a feature or process. |
Cross, Pass over, Cut across | Describes movement from one side to another. |
5. Paraphrases for Maps
Paraphrases offer alternative expressions to add variety and avoid repetition in your map descriptions .
Here is a table of common paraphrases used in IELTS Writing Task 1 maps.
Town centre | City centre, Center of the town |
Road | Street |
Housing area | Residential area |
Is located | Is situated, Lies, Is |
Most Commonly Used IELTS Map Vocabulary in 2024
Writing Task 1 of the IELTS Academic test often includes a map description, a task you may find challenging. In this task, you need to describe the given map in a clear, well-organised essay of at least 150 words.
To maximise your score, it’s important to avoid repetition and demonstrate a broad range of vocabulary.
To help you prepare, here’s a list of commonly used IELTS map vocabulary that can help you aim for a Band 9 in Writing Task 1.
Changed from one use or purpose to another. | |
To separate from a route or path and go in a different direction. | |
Raised or situated above the ground level. | |
Made larger or expanded in size. | |
Lengthened in space or time. | |
Made level or even, removing elevation. | |
To cross or pass through, typically referring to roads or paths. | |
Separated from others, placed apart. | |
A road or path that curves back on itself, forming a loop. | |
Combined or joined together. | |
Changed or altered slightly to improve or adapt. | |
A body of water that can be travelled by ships or boats. | |
Positioned at a distance from something else, not aligned. | |
A bridge or road that crosses over another road or railway. | |
A route or track between two places, typically narrower than a road. | |
The outer boundary or edge of an area. | |
Rearranged or changed the layout or structure. | |
Moved to a different place. | |
Taken away or eliminated. | |
Substituted with something else. | |
Reduced in size or amount. | |
Extended across a distance or space. | |
Beneath the surface of the ground. | |
Made wider, increased in width. |
Example Sentences for IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Descriptions
When describing maps in IELTS writing task 1, using varied and precise vocabulary is key to conveying changes and locations effectively.
Below are some example sentences that illustrate how to use map vocabulary correctly. These examples will help you understand how to describe various features and developments on a map with clarity and detail.
- The hospital is located on the southeast side of the road.
- In that year, there was a significant decrease in rainfall.
- Over time, the village had steadily developed.
- The trees underwent rapid growth.
- During these years, the buildings were expanded.
- There was a shop positioned in the middle of the street.
- A roundabout was developed at the junction of the road.
- The depth of the pond was over 20 metres.
Structure for IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Questions
A clear and organised structure is crucial for effectively communicating your analysis when tackling IELTS writing task 1 map questions. Using precise IELTS writing task 1 map vocabulary is essential for accurately describing changes, locations, and developments over time.
Below is a detailed structure that will help you approach these questions systematically.
- Introduction : Start by paraphrasing the prompt. Mention the key features on the maps, such as the periods, the areas involved, and any significant changes that stand out.
- Overview : Provide a broad summary of the main features or trends. Highlight general changes, like urbanisation or expansion, without delving into specifics. This sets the stage for a more detailed analysis.
- Main Body Paragraphs : Break down 6-8 significant changes in detail. Use a variety of tenses to describe past, present, and future developments. Specify locations and directions, utilising precise IELTS writing task 1 map vocabulary words such as “north of,” “adjacent to,” and “demolished.”
Read more about IELTS Academic or General: Which is the Easiest Test?
Common Features of Map Charts in IELTS Writing Task 1
In IELTS writing task 1, various symbols and icons represent different map features and changes. Understanding these symbols is key to accurately describing the map’s details.
Here is a table detailing the various icons and how to translate them into your essay seamlessly:
Square/Rectangle | Buildings such as houses, schools, or commercial structures | |
Circle | Towers, roundabouts, or public facilities | |
Solid Line | Main roads or streets | |
Dashed Line | Footpaths, secondary roads, or proposed roads | |
Tree Icon | Parks, forests, or green spaces | |
Wave Lines | Rivers, lakes, or coastal lines | |
Mountain/Hill Icon | Elevated land or mountainous areas | |
Bus/Train Icon | Bus stops, train stations, or transport hubs | |
Airplane Icon | Airports or airstrips | |
Playground/Sports Icon | Playgrounds, sports fields, or recreational areas | |
Swimming Pool Icon | Swimming pools or water parks | |
Bridge Icon | Bridges over rivers or obstacles | |
Tunnel Icon | Tunnels through mountains or other areas |
Also Read: IELTS Connectors and Linking Words for 2024
IELTS Writing Task 1 Map – Band Score 8.5 Sample
Achieving a Band 8.5 in IELTS writing task 1 requires exceptional precision and clarity, especially when describing maps. Mastery of IELTS writing task 1 map vocabulary is crucial for effectively communicating changes, locations, and developments.
This Band 8.5 sample showcases how to expertly use map vocabulary to create a detailed and accurate description for IELTS Writing Task 1.
The maps below show the town of Stokeford in 1930 and 2010. Write a report of at least 150 words, summarising the main features and making comparisons where relevant.
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Sample Answer
Here is a sample answer to the above question.
The two maps illustrate how Stokeford changed between 1930 and 2010. The main point of the city was its transformation from rural to urban areas, along with the increased infrastructure and the disappearance of farmland.
In the year 1930, the town was a farmland area with a large number of livestock located both in the southwest and the northeast. There were two shops and a post office in the west, with a primary school just on the east of the road and an individual big house with gardens between the north and south of the area. During the next 80 years, the town saw several significant changes. The most noticeable is that all of the farmland areas were transformed into a housing area, where the two shops were demolished, and several houses were built along with two connecting roads in the northwest and northeast.
Moreover, the large house and the gardens were knocked down, and several retirement houses were built in 2010. In contrast, only the bridge, the post office, and the River Stoke remained in the exact same condition for 80 years, although the primary school was added with two retirement houses in 2010.
Our blog post on IELTS Writing Task 1 Map provides further details on how to structure your answer for writing task 1.
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IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Vocabulary: Grammar Tips
Precision in vocabulary and grammar is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 1, particularly when describing maps.
Choosing the correct tense is key to accurately describing the changes and features shown in maps. Here’s how to effectively use language in your map descriptions.
- Present simple tense is ideal for describing the current layout of a map.
Example: “A library stands in the centre of the town.”
- Past simple tense is used to describe past states or changes.
Example: “The area was a vast forest in 1980.”
- The present perfect tense is useful for describing developments that have occurred up to the present.
Example: “The village has expanded considerably in the past decade.”
- Future simple tense should be used for proposed or planned changes.
Example: “A new highway will be built along the city’s northern edge.”
- The past perfect tense is applied when describing changes that happened before another event in the past.
Example: “By 2005, the old market had been replaced by a shopping mall.”
Strategies for Tackling Map Charts in Task 1
You should begin by closely examining the map provided. Identify significant changes or differences between the maps and consider periods, symbols, and icons.
Read below on how you can expertly proceed from here to craft a high-score-worthy essay answer.
1. Planning Your Response
Carefully plan your response by grouping related information based on similar locations or directions. This will help you create a logical and coherent description.
2. Writing Your Response
Structure your writing into the following three clear sections:
- Introduction : Paraphrase the task statement and briefly overview the maps.
- First Body Paragraph : Describe the features of the initial map, focusing on key elements.
- Second Body Paragraph : Compare the maps, highlighting major changes such as new constructions, removals, or modifications.
To Conclude
Mastering IELTS writing task 1 map vocabulary is essential for achieving a high score, especially with the overall average IELTS score for 2024 being 7.5.
By using precise directional language, descriptive terms, and correct verb tenses, you can effectively convey the changes, locations, and developments shown on maps, making your descriptions clear and accurate.
Elevate your IELTS preparation with LeapScholar! Get top-tier training from the best instructors, with live classes, tailored module-specific lessons, and personalised support. Whether it’s practice tests or doubt-solving sessions, we’ve got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. what is ielts writing task 1 map vocabulary and why is it important.
A. IELTS Writing Task 1 Map vocabulary refers to the specific words and phrases used to describe maps in the IELTS exam. This vocabulary is crucial because it helps you accurately convey changes, locations, and developments in map-based tasks, which can significantly impact your score. Mastery of this vocabulary allows for clearer, more precise descriptions.
Q. How can directional language improve your IELTS maps vocabulary?
A. Directional language, such as “north,” “south,” “adjacent to,” and “between,” is an essential part of IELTS maps vocabulary. It helps you describe the exact locations and movements of features on a map, making your descriptions more precise and easier for the examiner to understand. Using these terms correctly can enhance the clarity and accuracy of your response.
Q. What are some common verbs in map task 1 vocabulary that describe changes?
A. In map task 1 vocabulary, verbs like “constructed,” “demolished,” “expanded,” and “replaced” are frequently used to describe changes over time. These verbs effectively convey the development or removal of structures and features on a map. Correct verbs are key to providing clear and accurate descriptions of changes.
Q. How do prepositions play a role in map vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 1?
A. Prepositions such as “along,” “beside,” and “near” are important in map vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 1 because they help describe the spatial relationships between different features. These words allow you to precisely indicate where one feature is located about another, which is crucial for creating an accurate map description.
Q. Why is it important to use descriptive language in your IELTS maps vocabulary?
A. Descriptive language in IELTS maps vocabulary, like “expanded,” “reduced,” or “transformed,” helps to detail the size, scale, and changes of features on a map. This language adds depth to your descriptions, making visualising the map’s content easier for the examiner. Detailed descriptions can increase scores as they demonstrate your ability to convey information.
Q. How should tenses be used in map task 1 vocabulary when describing maps?
A. Tenses play a critical role in map task 1 vocabulary, as they reflect the time frame of the changes described. For example, use the past simple tense for past changes, such as “The park was expanded in 1990,” and the future simple for planned changes, like “A new road will be constructed next year.” Correct use of tenses ensures that your descriptions are accurate and contextually appropriate.
Q. What types of areas should you be familiar with in map vocabulary IELTS Writing Task 1?
A. In map vocabulary IELTS Writing Task 1, it’s important to know terms for different areas such as “residential area,” “commercial zone,” and “industrial area.” These terms help you categorise and describe various sections of the map, providing a clear and organised explanation of the map’s layout and features.
Q. Can you explain the importance of relative locations in IELTS Writing Task 1 map vocabulary?
A. Relative locations, such as “adjacent to,” “next to,” and “between,” are vital in IELTS Writing Task 1 map vocabulary because they help describe where features are positioned about one another. Using these terms correctly can significantly improve the clarity and detail of your map descriptions, making it easier for the examiner to understand the relationships between different elements.
Q. What are some key phrases in IELTS maps vocabulary for describing natural features?
A. Key phrases in IELTS maps vocabulary for natural features include terms like “green space,” “water body,” and “forest area.” These phrases help you accurately describe natural elements on a map, which is essential for providing a complete and detailed response. Accurately describing natural features can enhance your overall map description and contribute to a higher score.
Q. How can map vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 1 enhance your score?
A. Map vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 1 enhances your score by enabling you to describe map features and changes with precision and clarity. A strong command of this vocabulary allows you to convey complex ideas succinctly, making your descriptions more effective and easier to follow. This can result in better task achievement and overall higher marks.
Q. What strategies can help improve your IELTS maps vocabulary?
A. To improve your IELTS maps vocabulary, regularly practise describing different types of maps using a variety of terms and phrases. Focus on learning directional language, descriptive adjectives, and verbs related to changes and developments. Consistent practice with these terms will help you become more comfortable and proficient in using them during the actual exam.
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COMMENTS
Peruse (verb) a) read (something), typically thoroughly or carefully. b) examine carefully or at length. Example: He carefully perused the dusty bookshelves of the forgotten library. 3. Condone (verb) a) accept (behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive). b) approve or sanction (something), especially with reluctance.
4. That is to say. Usage: "That is" and "that is to say" can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: "Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.". 5. To that end. Usage: Use "to that end" or "to this end" in a similar way to "in order to" or "so".
If you're struggling to choose the right words for your essay, don't worry—you've come to the right place! In this article, we've compiled a list of over 300 words and phrases to use in the introduction, body, and conclusion of your essay. Contents: Words to Use in the Essay Introduction. Words to Use in the Body of the Essay.
30 Advanced Essay Words. Definition: Present, appearing, or found everywhere. Example: The smartphone has become ubiquitous in modern society. Replaces: Common, widespread, prevalent. Definition: Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing. Example: Her eloquent speech captivated the audience.
Whether you're writing an essay or speaking in front of a group, there are certain big words you can use to impress your audience. ... Thankfully, you have a million words to boost your everyday vocabulary. Word. Pronunciation. Synonyms. Definition. disillusioned. dis-ill-loo-zhund. disenchanted, disappointed. having lost one's ideals ...
in a specific or general way. Attributing claims with more or less support or certainty. Words that link ideas, helping to create a 'flow' in the writing. Many conjunctions can be used at the start of a sentence and/or. to link two short sentences into one long one. See WriteSIte for examples, exceptions and exercises.
Incorporating high-level vocabulary in your college essays is a great way to showcase your writing skills and stand out. Here are some suggestions on how to expand your lexicon and effectively use a sophisticated vocabulary in your essays: 1. Read widely: To expand your vocabulary, read a variety of materials including novels, newspapers, and even academic papers.
Use Transitions. Transitions are words or phrases that connect ideas in your essay. They help the reader follow your train of thought and understand the connection between different ideas. Some examples of transitions include "however," "moreover," and "therefore." Using these words will make your writing flow more smoothly and make it easier ...
Sharing is caring! How to Write a Great Essay in English! This lesson provides 100+ useful words, transition words and expressions used in writing an essay. Let's take a look! The secret to a successful essay doesn't just lie in the clever things you talk about and the way you structure your points.
While incorporating sophisticated vocabulary can enhance your essays, it's important to avoid using words just for the sake of sounding impressive. Using vocabulary in an authentic and sensible way is key in getting your message across effectively. Read widely from newspapers, academic articles, novels, and other sources to familiarize yourself with various writing styles and build a strong ...
Example: Their donation was quite small. Nonetheless, it was for a worthy cause. 3. Thus. Short, but elegant. This means "as a result of," or "due to this.". Thus is a great word that can be used to begin your concluding sentence. Example: I crossed the finish line first, thus becoming the winner. 4.
AMBITION. 1 - strong desire to do or to achieve something which takes hard work. People trying to improve their skills with this list of descriptive words for writing have a lot of ambition. 2 - determination to achieve success. life offers many opportunities for those with ambition.
dignified and somber in manner or character. intrinsic. belonging to a thing by its very nature. tacit. implied by or inferred from actions or statements. distinguished. standing above others in character or attainment. potent. having or wielding force or authority.
Practice Answer a few questions about each word. Use this to prep for your next quiz! Vocabulary Jam Compete with other teams in real time to see who answers the most questions correctly! Spelling Bee Test your spelling acumen. Read the definition, listen to the word and try spelling it!
Contact Sales Learn More. One of the easiest ways to bolster your existing writing skills is to add new words to your written vocabulary. The English language is among the most voluminous of all languages, and this means that you'll never run out of vocabulary words to learn and use. All forms of the written word—from fiction to journalism ...
Of the 12,758 words in the 62 failed ads, 24.1% were adjectives. By direct comparison, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address contains only 35 adjectives out of 268 immortal words - only 13.1% adjective-to-total-word ratio. Winston Churchill's famous "Blood, Sweat and Tears" speech rates even lower and has a 12.1% adjective ratio (81 adjectives ...
29. Deter - to discourage someone from doing something by making them doubt or fear the consequences - V. 30. Discredit - to harm the reputation or respect for someone - V. 31. Draconian - characterized by strict laws, rules and punishments - Adj. 32. Duplicitous - deliberately deceitful in speech/behavior - Adj. 33.
the quality of being honest and straightforward. chide. scold or reprimand severely or angrily. circumspect. careful to consider potential consequences and avoid risk. coerce. cause to do through pressure or necessity. coherent. marked by an orderly and consistent relation of parts.
Definition: to happen at the same time as something else, or be similar or equal to something else. Example: Although the study parallels the procedures of a 2010 study, it has very different findings. Converse International School of Languages offers an English for Academic Purposes course for students interested in improving their academic ...
These words describe features like shape, texture, color, and size. They help differentiate between items in a group by calling out distinguishing features. In English grammar, you can use the following to describe nouns and pronouns: Abandoned. Abrupt. Academic. Acute. Admirable. Adorable.
The Role of High-Level Vocabulary. Finally, we analyzed the percentage of high-level words in these essays using software from Cambridge English. We found that most words were simple, everyday words that students have within their existing vocabulary. The Band 7, 8, and 9 students use their existing vocabulary to communicate their answers to ...
a preceding occurrence or cause or event. remonstrate. argue in protest or opposition. unabashed. not embarrassed. acquiescence. agreement with a statement or proposal to do something. predisposition. an inclination to interpret statements in a particular way.
Active practice involves using new vocabulary in real-world settings. This approach helps reinforce learning and ensures that new words become a part of your active vocabulary, making you more confident and fluent in your use of English. Speak and write regularly. Using new words in speech and writing helps solidify your learning.
Key takeaways. Former President Donald Trump's use of violent vocabulary in speeches has increased over time, and is now at a higher level than any other U.S. major party presidential candidate analyzed in a study that compares his speeches to past and present politicians and foreign dictators.
Mastering IELTS writing task 1 map vocabulary is essential for achieving a high score, especially with the overall average IELTS score for 2024 being 7.5. By using precise directional language, descriptive terms, and correct verb tenses, you can effectively convey the changes, locations, and developments shown on maps, making your descriptions ...