200 Adjectives to Describe a Person

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Explain someone's personality and character with these helpful adjectives
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If you’re looking for words you can use to describe someone’s personality, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll provide a variety of negative, neutral, and positive words you could use to describe your best friend, hype up a good teammate, flesh out a villain, finish your essay, or just describe an acquaintance. We'll also share what some of these character traits mean. Keep reading for the best words to paint the perfect picture of any person!

Adjectives to Describe a Person

  • Cheerful
  • Honest
  • Generous
  • Eccentric
  • Ambitious
  • Mischievous
  • Outspoken
Section 1 of 3:

Positive Personality Adjectives

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  1. Step 1 Pleasant
    If someone is pleasant, they’re easygoing and nice to be around. A pleasant person gets along with most people, and they’re unlikely to bother anyone or stir up any trouble.[1]
    • “James is really pleasant to be around. He’s friendly and kind, and he never argues or causes a fuss.”
  2. 2
    Cheerful If someone is a generally happy and positive person, they might be called cheerful. Cheerful people have an upbeat attitude most of the time, and they smile often.
    • “How can Melissa be so cheerful at 8 o’clock in the morning? She’s already chatting and smiling, and I’m still sleepy and grumpy.”
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  3. Step 3 Cordial
    Cordial people are well-mannered, warm, and approachable. If a person is cordial, they likely come off as relaxed, friendly, and polite, which makes them likable to others.
    • “I really like the way he held the door open for me and made polite conversation. He’s such a cordial boy.”
  4. 4
    Empathetic An empathetic person is able to imagine what it’s like to stand in someone else’s shoes. If someone is empathetic, they can sense other people’s emotions and imagine what they might be thinking or feeling, and this drives them to be caring and kind toward others.[2]
    • “Mindy is such an empathetic person. She could tell I was sad, so she came over to comfort me and help me work through my feelings.”
  5. Step 5 Virtuous
    If someone is virtuous, they have high moral standards, and they care about doing the right thing. They tend to follow laws and rules, and they always use their moral compass as a guide.
    • “Derek is a really virtuous guy. He’s got strong moral convictions, and he really sticks by them.”
  6. 6
    Sociable A sociable person is outgoing and loves to spend time with others.[3] If someone is sociable, they’re likely friendly, extroverted, and quick to say “yes” when they’re invited to a party or social gathering.
    • “You’ve got to invite Sabrina to the party! She’s the most sociable person we know, so she’ll mingle with everyone.”
  7. Step 7 Insightful
    If someone knows how to make sense of confusing situations, solve puzzles, or use clues to figure out how people feel, they’re insightful.[4] They tend to have a lot of wisdom and emotional awareness.
    • “Tehilah is so insightful; she knew Tim and I broke up before I even told her just based on how I was acting.”
  8. 8
    Imaginative Someone is imaginative if they have the ability to be creative and come up with interesting new ideas. Imaginative people tend to be talented in artistic fields, such as writing, visual art, or music.[5]
    • “We had to write a short story for class, and Jimmy is so imaginative that he came up with this great tale about a pirate who joins up with a dinosaur to fight crime.”
  9. Step 9 Collaborative
    A collaborative person is really good at working with other people. They know when to follow instructions and when to grab the wheel, they can take criticism well, and they’re good at encouraging and including others.[6] A good teammate on a sports team is likely to be collaborative, for example.
    • “Jasmine is the first person I’d ask to do a project with me because she’s so collaborative. She’s really good at working with others.”
  10. 10
    Confident When someone is self-assured and believes in their abilities, they’re confident.[7] A confident person might volunteer to take the lead, or have no problem approaching a cute person at a bar and asking them out.
    • “Jamie is a confident guy, so his job interview went really well. He knows his worth, and he carries himself in a self-assured way.”
  11. Step 11 Generous
    A generous person is willing to help others more than the average person would. They’re quick to share their resources, so you’ll often find them donating to charity, or lending friends things they might need. This can also refer to someone who is generous with their time, meaning they volunteer for charitable organizations or offer to help friends out often.[8]
    • “Javier is a really generous person. When he moved, he let me have a ton of his furniture for free, and he even helped set it up at my apartment.”
  12. 12
    Charismatic If someone is charismatic, they have no problem getting people to like them, or convincing others to do something. They’re charming, engaging, and magnetic, and they have the ability to attract and influence others.[9] A president or motivational speaker would likely be described as charismatic, for example.
    • “You should totally try out for team captain. You’re super charismatic and everyone likes you, so you’ll definitely get the votes.”
    Robert Greene
    Robert Greene, Bestselling Author

    In the world of power, people's real personalities are often hidden behind different masks — cunning, charm, boldness, caution. To navigate this space, you've got to understand the words that describe human nature — "assertive" for those who take control, "shrewd" for the calculating types, "magnanimous" for generous leaders, and "ruthless" for those who'll do anything to win. These descriptions help make sense of motivations and predict what someone might do. They're key tools for anyone trying to gain power or push back against it.

  13. Step 13 Easy-going
    If someone is easy-going, they’re able to go with the flow. They have a laid-back and relaxed attitude, and they can adjust their plans to accommodate others’ needs.[10]
    • “Rashid is the most easy-going guy I know. He’s always up for whatever plan the group wants to do, and he has a calm, chill attitude.”
  14. 14
    Funny A funny person is great at making others laugh. Whether they’re telling hilarious jokes, making witty comments, or telling wild stories about things that have happened to them, they’re always cracking people up.
    • “Katie has the best comedic timing. She was telling us about a disastrous first date she had, and we were all dying with laughter. She’s so funny!”
  15. Step 15 Adaptable
    If someone is adaptable, they’re able to adjust to whatever situation they’re in. They’re flexible and resilient, so they can easily change their plans to fit different circumstances. They’re also good at dealing with any challenges that come up.[11]
    • “I was worried that it would be hard for her to switch schools in the middle of the year, but she’s so adaptable. She made new friends immediately and is thriving in her classes.”
  16. 16
    Polite If someone is polite, they’re considerate and respectful of others. They pick up on social cues easily, and they follow the agreed-upon rules for being “socially correct.” In other words, they have great manners.[12]
    • “Cassandra has always been very polite every time I’ve interacted with her. She has very good manners and she’s very respectful.”
  17. Step 17 Affectionate
    An affectionate person is open about how much they care about you. They show kindness and compassion to others, and they’re not shy about letting people know how much they like them.[13]
    • “Kacey is so affectionate. She’s always letting me know how much she cares about me, and she gives the best hugs ever.”
  18. 18
    Calm A calm person is level-headed and cool even in intense situations. They’re able to assess things rationally, without reacting in an emotional or impulsive way, and they have an even-keeled energy about them.
    • “Joshua is a really calm and collected person. When there are emergencies at work, he handles them quickly and he never freaks out.”
  19. Step 19 Honest
    If someone is an honest person, they’re truthful about things. They don’t like to lie or be deceptive, and you can always count on them to give you a genuine opinion about something.[14]
    • “Kai is a naturally honest person, so I always go to him when I want truthful advice.”
  20. 20
    Intelligent An intelligent person is clever, quick-witted, and knowledgeable. In other words, they’re very smart, and they have impressive intellectual abilities.[15]
    • “I’m always impressed by how intelligent Maya is. She’s so knowledgeable, and when I talk to her, I always learn so many new things.”
  21. Step 21 Ambitious
    If someone’s ambitious, they’re a go-getter who is determined to achieve their dreams. They want to be successful, and they’ll work hard until they achieve their goals. Ambitious people may become CEOs, politicians, doctors, lawyers, Olympic athletes, successful artists, you name it![16]
    • “Nora has always been ambitious. She wants to be a professional ballet dancer, and she trains for hours every day to make that dream a reality.”
  22. 22
    Optimistic If someone is an optimistic person, they have a positive outlook on life. They see the glass as half full, rather than half empty, and they have faith that good things will happen.[17]
    • “Eduardo is a very optimistic person. He’s always able to keep a positive attitude even when he’s going through tough things.”
  23. Step 23 Kind
    A kind person is caring, compassionate, and considerate of others. They’re quick to offer a helping hand to someone in need, and they enjoy doing nice things for the people in their life.[18]
    • “I really admire how kind Nellie is. She is nice to everyone, and she never has a mean word to say.”
  24. 24
    Neat A neat person is very tidy and organized. They dislike clutter, so they keep their living space and possessions as clean and orderly as possible. The adjective neat can also refer to their appearance, meaning that they always look polished and put-together, rather than messy.
    • “My roommate is very neat, so I’ve had to change my cleaning habits. She likes everything to be tidy and in its right place.”
  25. Step 25 Brave
    A brave person is able to face their fears. Brave people may be thrill-seekers who do things like ride big roller coasters, or they might seek out dangerous careers, like firefighting. However, bravery can also be as simple as standing up to a bully at school, or giving a presentation at work when you don’t like public speaking.[19]
    • “Ella is a really brave person. She hates public speaking, but she was determined to get up in front of her class and give a great presentation, and she aced it.”
  26. 26
    There are lots of positive words you can use to describe someone. Here are a more options:
    • Humorous
    • Gifted
    • Productive
    • Reliable
    • Brilliant
    • Thoughtful
    • Enthusiastic
    • Bubbly
    • Wise
    • Intuitive
    • Diligent
    • Curious
    • Open-minded
    • Witty
    • Elegant
    • Artistic
    • Sincere
    • Trustworthy
    • Knowledgeable
    • Resourceful
    • Hardworking
    • Accomplished
    • Friendly
    • Devoted
    • Upbeat
    • Fashionable
    • Hilarious
    • Bighearted
    • Loving
    • Joyful
    • Gentle
    • Compassionate
    • Honorable
    • Energetic
    • Altruistic
    • Personable
    • Humble
    • Likable
    • Dependable
    • Fearless
    • Tenacious
    • Gracious
    • Popular
    • Bright
    • Mature
    • Resilient
    • Courageous
    • Smart
    • Understanding
    • Sensitive
    • Inspiring
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Section 2 of 3:

Negative Personality Adjectives

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  1. Step 1 Dreary
    A dreary person is not very fun to be around. They may always be in a bad mood, or they might have a habit of bringing up dark subjects. In other words, they’re very gloomy.[20]
    • “I don’t like how Tim always makes dark jokes. He’s such a dreary guy.”
  2. Step 2 Aggressive
    Aggressive people are hot-headed and have bad tempers. If a person always yells at people or criticizes them unfairly, they might be called aggressive.
    • “You shouldn’t disagree with Mr. Wayne. He’s super aggressive and he’ll start yelling at you.”
  3. Step 3 Judgmental
    A judgmental person is very critical of others. They always point out others’ flaws, and they’re always telling people what they’re doing wrong.
    • “My dad is always telling me hates my outfits, my grades are too low, and I’m not doing enough activities outside of school. He’s too judgmental.”
  4. Step 4 Ruthless
    Someone with a ruthless personality will refuse to give people the benefit of the doubt or behave cruelly when it benefits them. They’re usually pretty ambitious, and they’ll throw others under the bus in order to achieve their goals.
    • “My boss is ruthless. He’d step over anyone to get ahead.”
  5. Step 5 Mischievous
    If a person is mischievous, they find it fun to cause trouble and create chaos. They might be a prankster who loves pulling tricks on their friends, and they usually ignore the rules.
    • “Louis has a mischievous quality about him. He’s always playing practical jokes.”
  6. Step 6 Stuffy
    A stuffy person will not be very open to new ideas, and they’ll have a hard time accepting people who are different. They’ll likely make you feel like you can’t share how you truly feel.
    • “Maisie is kind of stuffy. She’s always making rude comments about people who are different from her.”
  7. Step 7 Tedious
    If a person is tedious, it means they tire people out by taking too long. A tedious person may talk in a monotonous, boring way, and they can’t tell when people aren’t interested in hearing about something.
    • “The dean at my school is such a tedious guy. He just goes on and on about the rules, and he can’t tell that we’re zoning out.”
  8. Step 8 Irksome
    If a person just rubs you the wrong way, you might describe them as irksome. They may be annoying because they won’t leave you alone, or irritating because they always say the wrong thing.
    • “Johnny has this irksome quality where he never knows when you just want to be left alone.”
  9. Step 9 Stingy
    A stingy individual will refuse to give you anything. They’re the complete opposite of generous, and they hate to spend money or share their possessions. “Stingy” can also describe someone who refuses to show love, appreciation, or attention to others.
    • “Bosco is such a stingy coach. These uniforms have holes in them and all of our equipment is too old, but he won’t replace them because it’s expensive.”
  10. Step 10 Naïve
    If someone doesn’t understand how the world works, they might be described as naïve. A naïve person is usually innocent and unsuspecting, and they often lack wisdom, experience, or judgment.
    • “I used to be such a naïve guy. I’d walk through rough neighborhoods at night without really thinking about the danger I was putting myself in.”
  11. Step 11 Obtuse
    An obtuse person is unlikely to pick up on things, and they miss “hints” when people drop them. Obtuse can also be used to describe someone who intentionally doesn’t understand or respect someone’s feelings.
    • “I made a joke the other day and everyone laughed except Trevor. He’s so obtuse, I think he just didn’t get it.”
  12. Step 12 Narcissistic
    A narcissistic person only thinks about themselves. They only care about what happens to them, and they may obsess over how they look, how popular they are, or how many people like them.
    • “Melissa is always checking her makeup and talking about how many people follow her on social media. She’s so narcissistic.”
  13. 13
    There are tons of negative adjectives out there. If none of the above options fit for the person you’re trying to describe, here are other options:
    • Self-centered
    • Bossy
    • Vain
    • Absentminded
    • Selfish
    • Inconsiderate
    • Brainless
    • Moody
    • Crass
    • Petulant
    • Thoughtless
    • Dense
    • Awkward
    • Cold
    • Volatile
    • Scatterbrained
    • Obnoxious
    • Pigheaded
    • Fickle
    • Conceited
    • Stubborn
    • Gullible
    • Cowardly
    • Cynical
    • Petty
    • Lazy
    • Careless
    • Harsh
    • Unsophisticated
    • Combative
    • Nosy
    • Insincere
    • Crude
    • Foolish
    • Manipulative
    • Immature
    • Meddlesome
    • Disobedient
    • Grouchy
    • Bizarre
    • Short-tempered
    • Melodramatic
    • Impolite
    • Mean
    • Arrogant
    • Cruel
    • Flaky
    • Rude
    • Hostile
    • Bitter
    • Incompetent
    • Gloomy
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Section 3 of 3:

Neutral Personality Adjectives

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  1. Step 1 Eccentric
    If a person is eccentric, it means they’re strange or unconventional, but in a way that makes them interesting. An eccentric person may have an uncommon hobby, or dress differently from other people.[21]
    • “My mother is an eccentric woman. She only dresses in extremely bright colors, and her house is filled with artwork of cats.”
  2. Step 2 Wary
    If a person is wary, it means that they’re cautious and careful. A wary person may overthink sometimes, but this also helps them to make the right decisions.
    • “Linus is always wary of strangers. That’s why he didn’t accept a ride from that guy after the party.”
  3. Step 3 Practical
    A practical person is reasonable and responsible. They do what needs to be done, and they usually don’t like to take risks.
    • “I’m a practical woman. I always make sure my rent and bills are paid before buying anything else for myself.”
  4. Step 4 Complex
    If an individual is complex, it means they’re a little mysterious and hard to understand. They may surprise people with unique knowledge and skills, and they tend to have a deep emotional life.
    • “I tend to be suspicious of Nathan. He’s too complex; I can never really tell what he’s thinking.”
  5. Step 5 Judicious
    If a person has a judicious personality, it means that they’re fair and weigh all of their options. They care deeply about morals, as well.
    • “Ally is judicious, so she’ll give you a break for missing your date since you’ve had such a tough week. Don’t worry about it.”
  6. Step 6 Introverted
    An introverted individual tends to keep things to themselves. They’re quiet and they usually prefer to spend time alone, rather than hanging out with others all the time. The opposite of introverted is extroverted.
    • “I’m pretty introverted. I’d much rather spend Saturday nights relaxing at home than going out to a bar or club.”
  7. Step 7 Steadfast
    If someone is steadfast, they are firm in their beliefs and worldview. This may be a good thing if someone is trying to push them into making a bad decision, but it may be a bad thing if they refuse to change their mind when they’re wrong.
    • “As a steadfast person, I don’t get along with people who push me to do things I don’t want to do.”
  8. Step 8 Meticulous
    A meticulous person takes a lot of time to do things, and they’re very cautious and detail-oriented. For example, this might mean they take a very long time to do their taxes, but they never make any mistakes.
    • “Avery is a meticulous worker. She doesn’t make as many sales as other employees, but I’ve never seen her make a mistake on her paperwork.”
  9. Step 9 Esoteric
    If someone is described as esoteric, it means that they’re a complex, private person who is difficult to understand. That may sound like a negative thing, but esoteric people tend to be very fascinating, as well.
    • “I’ve always seen Timmy as esoteric. I never really know what he’s thinking or feeling, but I’m sure it makes sense to him.”
  10. Step 10 Apprehensive
    An apprehensive person is usually a bit anxious or nervous, but this can also help them make the right decisions. They may overthink a situation, but this helps them avoid danger.
    • “I’m apprehensive about moving to New York City because it’s so expensive, but I’m sure we can make it work if I find a higher-paying job there.”
  11. Step 11 Whimsical
    A whimsical person follows their impulses and acts in a playful, fanciful way. They may seem a little random or up-in-the-air, but they’re also fun and interesting. A whimsical person can be unpredictable, but not in a dangerous or negative way.
    • “I can’t believe you dropped everything and went on a road trip up the coast to connect with nature. You have such a whimsical spirit!”
  12. Step 12 Pensive
    If someone is pensive, they spend a lot of time thinking about things. This may be a good thing if it helps them make a wise choice, or a bad thing if they spend too much time weighing options.
    • “Winston tends to become quite pensive when he’s faced with a serious choice.”
  13. 13
    There’s a wide range of neutral adjectives you can use. Here are some additional options to try out:
    • Reserved
    • Nonchalant
    • Discerning
    • Steady
    • Rational
    • Serious
    • Collected
    • Unaffected
    • Prudent
    • Demure
    • Realistic
    • Introspective
    • Composed
    • Educated
    • Sensible
    • Unobtrusive
    • Aloof
    • Stoic
    • Even-keeled
    • Impartial
    • Shy
    • Frugal
    • Pragmatic
    • Mellow
    • Tolerant
    • Detached
    • Skeptical
    • Idiosyncratic
    • Thorough
    • Unassuming
    • Firm
    • Compliant
    • Observant
    • Mercurial
    • Autonomous
    • Orderly
    • Reasonable
    • Balanced
    • Methodical
    • Deliberate
    • Analytical
    • Shrewd
    • Cautious
    • Efficient
    • Precise
    • Moderate
    • Discreet
    • Unbiased
    • Inquisitive
    • Quirky
    • Extroverted
    • Mysterious
    • Civil
    • Outspoken
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References

  1. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/what-are-your-strengths/
  2. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/empathy/definition
  3. ↑ https://dictionary.apa.org/sociability
  4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/open-gently/202405/are-you-more-insightful-than-other-people
  5. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/ten_habits_of_highly_creative_people
  6. ↑ https://iconnect.isenberg.umass.edu/blog/2022/10/07/what-are-collaboration-skills-definition-and-examples/
  7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/confidence
  8. ↑ https://generosityresearch.nd.edu/more-about-the-initiative/what-is-generosity/
  9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/charisma
  1. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/can-a-person-learn-to-be-laid-back#1
  2. ↑ https://your.yale.edu/learn-and-grow-what-adaptability-workplace
  3. ↑ https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/polite
  4. ↑ https://dictionary.apa.org/affection
  5. ↑ https://dictionary.apa.org/honesty
  6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/intelligence
  7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201411/is-ambition-good-or-bad
  8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/optimism
  9. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_kindness_fits_into_a_happy_life
  10. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/darwins-subterranean-world/202309/what-exactly-is-courage
  11. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2885844/
  12. ↑ https://openpress.usask.ca/introductiontopsychology/chapter/personality-traits/

About This Article

Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
Co-authored by:
Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
Psychotherapist
This article was co-authored by Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. She is the author of “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues” which details the top 15 relationship issues and 3 quick solutions to each. She is also the award-winning and best-selling author of “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and was a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida. This article has been viewed 89,723 times.
3 votes - 93%
Co-authors: 9
Updated: September 4, 2024
Views: 89,723
Categories: Featured Articles | Personality Traits

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