KNOWLEDGE

Useful vocabulary for human feelings, qualities and personality traits

We write about humans a lot, both in creative writing but also in essays. Have clear, precise vocabulary to describe human feelings, qualities and personality traits is thus extremely useful if you want to write well.

Other human qualities

prudence

justice

temperance

courage

humility

mercy

vigilance

reliability

resilience

compassion

kindness

consideration

courtesy

truculence

stubbornness

passion

fervour

admiration

curiosity

scepticism

stoicism

tenderness

generosity

benevolence

spite

misanthropy

magnanimity

malice

hostility

animosity

modesty

honour

dignity

narcissism

renown

valour

timidity

sass

resolve

fortitude

audacity

contempt

grace

tolerance

ruthlessness

Words for personality traits - positive and negative

This excellent resource comes from the following blog: https://lackingravity.wordpress.com/2014/06/03/i-made-a-thing/ (though I added ‘cantankerous’ – a word close to my own heart).

Positive personality traits

affectionate

calm

compassionate

curious

easy-going

faithful

generous

humorous

intelligent

loving

personable

resilient

thoughtful

ambitious

careful

competent

decisive

efficient

fearless

graceful

humble

inventive

lovable

polite

resolute

tolerant

analytical

carefree

compliant

dependable

eloquent

focused

gracious

idealistic

kindly

loyal

proud

resourceful

trusting

active

articulate

charming

confident

devoted

energetic

fun-loving

honest

imaginative

level-headed

optimistic

realistic

sensitive

witty

accepting

approachable

caring

conscientious

determined

encouraging

funny

helpful

innocent

leader

observant

rational

responsible

wise

adventurous

bold

clever

courageous

dynamic

expressive

gentle

happy

industrious

lively

patient

reliable

sincere

adaptable

attentive

cheerful

considerate

dutiful

enthusiastic

friendly

hardworking

independent

likeable

passionate

reflective

sensible

Negative personality traits

apologetic

cold

devious

demure

greedy

impulsive

judgemental

miserable

overbearing

pretentious

self-pitying

stingy

unemotional

untidy

arrogant

conceited

dishonest

escapist

harsh

incompetent

lazy

moody

oversensitive

rebellious

selfish

strict

unimaginative

vengeful

cantankerous

cowardly

disrespectful

exaggerative

helpless

inconsiderate

jealous

cryptic

passive

reckless

serious

stubborn

unfriendly

ambiguous

cautious

cruel

distrusting

fearful

hostile

indifferent

materialistic

nervous

petulant

restless

shy

superficial

unobservant

aggressive

careless

critical

distracted

foolish

hesitant

indecisive

manipulative

naive

pessimistic

reserved

short-tempered

submissive

unkindly

anxious

clumsy

demanding

dull

frivolous

impolite

nosy

melodramatic

opinionated

possessive

secretive

solitary

timid

unstable

angry

clingy

defeatist

domineering

fussy

impatient

inhibited

melancholic

obsessive

pompous

sarcastic

sly

suspicious

unreasonable

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Useful vocabulary and phrasing for essays

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Word Set 1 - negative states and feelings