B220 words · Upper-intermediate

Describing Things vocabulary — B2

Vocabulary for describing people and places in more depth — outgoing, humble, spacious and derelict — contrasting a candid, diplomatic character with a stubborn one, and a vibrant street with a monotonous one.

20 questions

Words in this set

stubborn
/ˈstʌbərn/
The opposite of flexible — refusing to change your mind, even when you're wrong.
Example: My grandfather is too stubborn to ask anyone for directions.
outgoing
/ˈaʊtˌɡoʊɪŋ/
The opposite of reserved — someone who loves meeting new people and chatting away.
Example: She's very outgoing and makes friends wherever she goes.
conceited
/kənˈsitəd/
The opposite of humble — far too pleased with your own achievements.
Example: He got so conceited after winning the award that nobody could stand him.
resourceful
/riˈsɔrsfəl/
Another word for clever — good at solving problems with whatever's at hand.
Example: Living off-grid taught her to be resourceful, fixing things with whatever was on hand.
tactless
/ˈtæktləs/
The opposite of sensitive — saying hurtful things without meaning to be unkind.
Example: That was a tactless thing to say about her weight, even if it was true.
eccentric
/ɪkˈsɛntrɪk/
Another word for strange — harmless but unusual in your habits and style.
Example: Their eccentric uncle collects vintage typewriters and never answers the phone.
candid
/ˈkændəd/
The formal word for honest, used about giving your true opinion even when it's unwelcome.
Example: I appreciated how candid she was about the mistakes in my proposal.
humble
/ˈhʌmbəl/
The opposite of conceited — not believing you are more important than other people.
Example: Despite her success, she remained remarkably humble.
diplomatic
/ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/
The opposite of tactless — careful not to upset people when saying something difficult.
Example: She gave a diplomatic answer that offended no one.
introverted
/ˈɪntroʊˌvɜrtɪd/
The opposite of outgoing — preferring quiet time alone rather than socialising with people.
Example: He's fairly introverted and needs time alone to recharge.
spacious
/ˈspeɪʃəs/
The opposite of small — a room or flat with plenty of extra space.
Example: Their new kitchen is bright and spacious, with room for a big table.
cramped
/kræmpt/
The opposite of spacious — barely enough room to move around in.
Example: Five of us shared one cramped office with no windows.
desolate
/ˈdɛsələt/
The opposite of lively — empty, abandoned and a little bleak.
Example: After the factory closed, the whole town felt desolate.
vibrant
/ˈvaɪbrənt/
Another word for colourful — full of energy and life, especially in a busy place.
Example: The market's vibrant stalls were piled high with spices and fruit.
monotonous
/məˈnɑtənəs/
The opposite of varied — repeating so much that it starts to feel boring.
Example: The factory job involved monotonous, repetitive tasks all day long.
derelict
/ˈdɛrəˌlɪkt/
Another word for run-down — used about a building that's been left abandoned and falling apart.
Example: An old derelict factory stood at the edge of town.
bland
/blænd/
The opposite of vibrant — dull and lacking colour or character.
Example: The hotel room was clean but completely bland.
roomy
/ˈrumi/
Another word for big — used informally about a room, car or home with plenty of space.
Example: Their new apartment feels really roomy.
scenic
/ˈsinɪk/
Another word for beautiful — used about views or countryside worth looking at.
Example: We took the scenic route along the coast.
populated
/ˈpɑpjəˌleɪtɪd/
Another word for busy — used about an area with a lot of people living there.
Example: The city is one of the most densely populated places in Europe.