Fluency In Speaking About People: Kev Nair

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Kev Nair

Fluency in Speaking about People Prof. Kev Nair was born in Kerala, South India, in 1949. He’s an eminent scholar of international repute. He’s a first class LL.B. and a first class LL.M. And he was ranked first in university in both the LL. B. and LL. M. exams. • “Nair was the first person in the world to give shape to the area of study now known as ‘English fluency development’ and to systematize it into a distinct teachable subject... So he is better known as the father of fluency development.” – General Knowledge Today. • “He had been researching since 1971, and the results... led him to new discoveries... ” – THE HINDU. • “Prof. Kev Nair is regarded the world over as the father of fluency lexicography... Fluency lexicography came into existence as a separate branch of dictionary writing with the publication of Prof. Nair’s Dictionary of Active Fluency Combinations in 1986.” – Competition Success Review. • “A renowned English language lexicographer” – The New Sunday Express. • “One of the world’s most respected English language scholars...Perhaps more innovative in method than Roget and more modern in approach than Fowler, Prof. Kev Nair is... one of the foremost Indian scholars who wield great influence on the thinking of the English-educated people around the world.” – General Knowledge Today. • “A towering English language expert” – Competition Success Review. • “Prof. Kev Nair... has... reached out to thousands – judicial

2 officers, professionals, top executives, scholars – who need that comfort and ease in speech with his specialised fluency techniques.” – The New Indian Express. Prof. Nair is a lawyer by profession. He lives with his wife and children in Kochi, Kerala, an enchanting place on the earth.

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Fluent English Dictionaries1 by Kev Nair • A Dictionary of Active Fluency Combinations. • A Dictionary of Fluency Word Clusters. • The Complete Fluency Words. • A Dictionary of Essential Fluency Phrases. • Core Fluency Thesaurus. • Comprehensive Adjectival Fluency Dictionary. • Narrative Fluency Dictionary. • Thesaurus of Phrasal Verbs.

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Note: The Fluent English Dictionaries do not form part of Fluentzy: The English Fluency Encyclopedia. They’re separate publications – meant for those who want to specialize in fluency-oriented vocabulary. For details, visit www. fluencybookz.com.

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Books by Kev Nair making up Fluentzy: The English Fluency Encyclopedia • B1: Idea units & Fluency. • B2: Speech Generation & Flow Production. • B3: Teaching your Tongue & Speech Rhythm. • B4: Key Speech-initiators & Speech-unit Patterns. • S1/B13 & S2/B14: Fluency in Functional English (Vols. 1 & 2). • S3/B15: Fluency in Telephone English & Sectoral English. • B5: How to Deal with Hesitation. • B6: Oral Training in Fluency Vocabulary (Vol.1). • B7: Packing of Information. • B8: Impromptu Speech-flow Techniques. • S4/B16: Fluency Building & Mouth Gymnastics. • S5/B17: Fluency in speaking about people. • B9: Fluency in Asking Questions. • B10: Oral Training in Fluency Vocabulary (Vol.2). • B11: Fluency & Moment-to-Moment Speech-production. • B12: Oral Training in Fluency Vocabulary (Vol.3). • S6/B18 & S7/B19: Fluency in Topicwise English (Vols. 1 & 2). • S8/B20: Fluency & Pronunciation.

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Fluency in Speaking about People “Helps you master the semantic and syntactic resources needed to achieve fluency in speaking about people...” – The New Sunday Express. Fourth Edition

Prof. Kev Nair

TM

Adult Faculties Council

TM

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For Uma

fluency in speaking about people. Copyright © Prof. K. E. V. Nair @ KevNair 1982, 1997, 2001, 2007. First published 1982. 3rd edition 2001 (11 impressions). 4th edition 2008. Prof. K. E. V. Nair @ KevNair has asserted his right to be identified as the author of this book in accordance with the Copyright Act, 1957. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this book shall be copied or reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or manner whatever, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission, in writing, of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations or as expressly permitted by law. All quotations from this book shall credit the author, Prof. KevNair. This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published, and without a similar condition, including this condition, being imposed on any acquirer or the subsequent purchaser. Any violation of these terms and conditions will invite civil and criminal proceedings and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Published in India by Mrs. Uma V. Nair, Adult Faculties Council, DP Lane, Elamakkara PO, Kochi-682 026, Kerala. Printed in India by Ayodhya Printers Ltd., Elamakkara PO, Kochi-682 026, Kerala. Adult Faculties Council’s websites: www.fluentzy.com; www.fluencybookz.com. Phone: (91)(0484) 2538449, 2408361. Fax: (91)(0484) 2408361. E-mail: [email protected]. Price: Rs.175.00

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Contents Chapter 1: A person’s “make-up”, 11 Chapter 2: Behaviour, 15 Group 1, 15 Group 2, 17 Group 3, 20 Group 4, 22 Group 5, 26 Group 6, 28

Chapter 3: Personality & personality traits, 32 Group 1, 32 Group 2, 35 Group 3, 37

Chapter 4: Words to describe someone’s personality & behaviour, 41 Chapter 5: Words to describe a person, 56 Chapter 6: Attitude, 63 Group 1, 63 Group 2, 65

Words to speak about someone’s attitude, 67

Chapter 7: Intelligence, 74 Group 1, 74 Group 2, 75

Words to speak about intelligence, 77

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Chapter 8: Feelings & emotions, 81 Group 1, 81 Group 2, 84

Chapter 9: Words to speak about feelings & emotions – Part 1, 89 Chapter 9: Words to speak about feelings & emotions – Part 2, 99

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Preface to the 4th edition Here’s the latest edition of this book. I have now added comprehensive lists of vocabulary items that would help you speak fluently about people and about their behaviour, their personality, attitudes, intelligence and feelings and emotions. You’ll find these collections of vocabulary items extremely useful – especially, if you’re a person who has to speak eloquently, movingly and at length in a formal or semiformal setting very often and has to have a high degree of fluency in narrative English. If you have any comments and suggestions, please do write to me care of the publishers. KEV Nair Kochi, 2008.

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Abbreviations

fml

formal

infml

informal

sb

somebody

sth

something



sw

somewhere

11 A person’ s “make-up”

chapter 1

A person’s “make-up” A person’s “make-up” is his/her nature or a combination of the various qualities that form their character. I have chosen this topic for you because this is an area in which most people aren’t fluent. If you monitor day-to-day conversations for a long time, you’ll be convinced of one thing: There are four subjects that very often come up during all conversations. They are: 1). A person’s behaviour. 2). A person’s personality and personality traits. 3). A person’s attitude. 4). A person’s intelligence. These are the main elements in a person’s make-up, and during conversations, most people fail miserably in expressing ideas that have to do with these four subjects. Why does this happen? Why do you often find it difficult to speak about someone’s behaviour, attitude, intelligence, personality or personality traits? These are the chief reasons: Firstly, though you know the core words in English, you may not have much experience in using them to speak about these topics (a person’s behaviour, attitude, etc.). Secondly, to speak about a person’s behaviour, attitude etc., you should be good at using English in the “descriptive style” — and this style is quite different from the style of ordinary functional English dialogues. The second reason needs some explanation. In very general terms, we can classify the English language as “descriptive English” and “non-descriptive English”. Descriptive English is the type of English that you use when you want to

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explain or describe what someone or something is like or what they look like. And when you use descriptive English, what you actually do is to try and give a picture of someone or something to your listeners. For example, take the following word-groups: • He’s a man of powerful build with a severe face. • She’s a tall, business-like, woman of 35. • He’s a short man in the early fifties, with a bald head. • She had a blue dress on. • His house has an entrance hall, two bedrooms, a kitchen and a bath. • The floor is of white tiles. • A hovercraft is a sort of vehicle, and it travels above the surface of land or water, and it can float above the land or water on a cushion of air. These are examples of descriptive English. On the other hand, take the following examples: • Don’t repeat the same mistakes. • You’d better explain everything to her. • Perhaps you may have a point there. • Sorry, I’m not ready yet. • That’s all right. • I’m happy about the whole idea. • Have a look at this photo. • I’m not satisfied with this mixer. Here you’re not trying to describe or explain what someone or something is like or what they look like, and so these are not examples of descriptive English, but of non-descriptive English. (Just a casual look at the two sets of examples would give you an idea of the difference between the two styles). In general, when you speak about a person’s behaviour, attitude, etc., the style of English you use is the descriptive English

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style, and not the non-descriptive English style. Now, there’s a complicating factor: When you describe or explain the physical appearance of a person or a thing, things are not very difficult, because you’re then speaking about concrete things — things you can see or touch or things whose pictures you can easily form in your mind. But when you describe or explain the qualities of a person or thing, the position is different. You’re then speaking about abstract things (and not concrete things) — things you cannot see or touch or things whose pictures you can’t readily form in your mind (because they don’t exist as material objects). So when you try to speak about the behaviour, attitude etc. of a person, what you are trying to do is to describe or explain abstract concepts. And this is not easy. Now remember this: I’m not trying to tell you that descriptive English is always more difficult than non-descriptive English. Actually, there would be occasions when you may find descriptive English easier than non-descriptive English, and there would be occasions when you may find descriptive English more difficult than non-descriptive English. But, in general, descriptive English becomes difficult to produce when you try to describe or explain abstract concepts like the behaviour, attitude, etc. of people. That’s why we’re concentrating on these areas in this Book. Under each of the four topics in this Book, you’re going to get plenty of word-groups. Each word-group has been hand-picked to give you maximum training in using the core words that are relevant to that particular topic. Go through all the word-groups carefully. They’ll give you plenty of experience in using the core words to speak about these topics. And they’ll give you plenty of experience in handling descriptive English to deal with abstract subjects. Now remember this: Core words are words of the greatest general service, and when you practise using them under a particular topic, you become good not only at using those words

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to handle that particular topic, but also at handling all topics in general. Let’s now take up the word-groups.

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Chapter 2

Behaviour Group 1 • What I like about her is, she isn’t shy or embarrassed in the company of other people. • He’s very harsh/cruel, and will do anything to get what he wants. • He’s friendly, and enjoys talking to other people. • He behaves differently from other people. • He avoids too much of eating/drinking. • I found him willing and eager to be helpful. • He’s lively and enthusiastic. • He’s very concerned about unimportant details and is very difficult to please. • She frequently changes her mood without warning. • He was angry and upset. • His behaviour was stupid and insensitive. • She never does what she’s told to do. • She was in a bad situation, and she was willing to do anything to get out of it. • He’s stubborn and determined to have his own way. • She behaved as though she felt at ease. • He has the courage to do what he believes is right. • He allows things other people disapprove of. • He’s very aggressive and eager to argue. • I found him humble and unassuming. • Even when he knows what he has done is wrong, he doesn’t feel guilty or sorry about it. • That was a difficult situation, but she was calm and unemotional. • Stop behaving like a woman, can’t you, Ashok? • He’s very unwilling to spend money. • He’s very reliable and respectable. • I found him very confident and assured. • She was very upset and was behaving in an uncontrolled way. • Those children are noisy and not easily controlled. • He’s not careful in obeying rules. • She often complains about things. • She’s very sensitive and sympathetic towards other people. • She’s rather reserved and behaves very correctly. • He keeps trying to make people like him. • She feels embarrassed and nervous when someone is looking at her. • He’s not afraid of

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doing things even if they involve risk/danger. • I think he’s too confident and aggressive. • He’s very mean and hates spending money. • He gave the impression of being dishonest. • He was lively and entertaining. • Sometimes he behaves in a silly way, rather than being serious and sensible. • He only helps people if he thinks they’re important. • She’s always at ease in social situations. • He’s full of wit/humour. • He’s respectable, wellbred and refined. • She’s polite and has good manners. • He behaves as though he has no emotional interest in the things he does. • They were too eager to obey their boss and to do things for them. • They were cowardly, or they wouldn’t have attacked that old lady. • He felt so happy and excited, he found it hard to think and act normally. • He looked slightly embarrassed — as though he felt he had done something silly. • She was very helpful and polite. • It was a frightening situation, but he was brave. • He’s weak and cowardly. • It was a frightening experience, but she was very calm and self-controlled. • She’s very kind and sympathetic towards other people, and she tries to do them as little harm as possible. • She was very friendly and relaxed. • I found him quiet and not aggressive. • He likes to have fun embarrassing people. • He behaves/speaks as though he’s superior to other people. • He behaves in a gentle and helpful way towards other people. • He was nervous and excited and seemed likely to lose control of himself. • He does a lot of dishonest/illegal things every day. • That child is very spirited and playful. • He often gets involved in arguments. • She’s very quiet and rather shy. • He doesn’t take enough care over how his words will affect other people. • The children were noisy, lively and full of energy. • He behaves in a way that’s too lively. • He doesn’t talk much about his abilities and qualities. • He is very dishonest and secretive. • He never understands how complicated things can be at times, and he interprets them in a way that’s too simple. • He doesn’t show any feelings or emotions. • He strongly supports people he likes, without thinking carefully about the matter. • He always says unkind things. • He appeared

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to be relaxed and was not trying to hide anything. • Our nextdoor neighbours are very friendly and helpful.

Group 2 • He’s very religious and moral. • He was angry, irritated and bored. • He was worried and unhappy about something. • She’s cheeky, but lively and full of energy. • She’s easily upset by unpleasant sights and situations. • He won’t hesitate to take risks to achieve what he wants. • It was a dangerous situation, but she showed courage. • He’s too self-confident and rather cheeky. • He gets angry quickly and easily. • He recognizes and accepts the true nature of situations, and tries to deal with them in a practical way. • He never gives any importance to other people’s opinions or beliefs. • He’s always careless about doing things. • He was so upset and worried that he couldn’t think clearly. • He’s very cheeky and always speaks rudely/disrespectfully. • I found his behaviour/accent very artificial. • He always behaves in a formal and unfriendly way. • He’s lively and full of enthusiasm and excitement. • He only agrees with people if he considers them to be important. • He has no hesitation in doing things even if they’re morally wrong. • He has an enthusiastic nature and is interested in everything he does. • He’s playful and unpredictable rather than serious and practical. • Why do you hesitate to show affection openly and freely? • He has a strong belief in democracy. • He becomes angry and upset very quickly about small, unimportant things. • He’s rather shy and doesn’t enjoy talking about himself. • He’s very careful and detailed in his work. • He’s willing to try out new and unusual ways of doing things. • He’s prepared to be cruel to other people and feels no pity for them. • He was angry and said a lot of bitter things. • He’s very gentle, and he doesn’t get angry very easily. • He’s very naïve and believes that everybody is honest. • He’s a noble person. • Our new boss is bad-tempered and is easily irritated. • He’s quiet and shy. • Her son is disobedient

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and behaves very badly. • Your behaviour was so bad that you ought to be ashamed. • Our new boss is very strict and serious — I don’t like him. • She must have been very courageous to go into the burning building. • She always talks/behaves in a rude and offensive way. • She’s very lively and easily excited. • He’s a mild person, and he never shouts at other people. • He behaved as though he didn’t like/respect them. • He’s full of confidence and energy. • She seemed cold and aloof. • He does things suddenly without thinking about them first. • She’s always ready to quarrel. • He always behaves in a proud and unpleasant way towards other people. • She deals with situations without anxiety or emotional tension. • His behaviour was silly and immature. • At parties and other social occasions, you can always expect correct and proper behaviour from him. • He has a lot of enthusiasm for photography. • What I don’t like about him is, he tries to get things done in a forceful way. • He was very excited and happy. • Most of us found his behaviour unacceptable. • I found him cold and emotionally detached. • He’s very stern, and he expresses it in his tone of voice. • Both his children are wellbehaved. • He behaves in a strange/peculiar way. • He behaved disgracefully towards them. • He didn’t agree with it, and he said he won’t allow it to happen. • He takes delight in causing distress to people. • His behaviour is always logical and detached and does not involve any emotion. • I have never seen him show fear in difficult/dangerous situations. • He’s very secretive and deceitful. • He’s always determined to do what he wants and refuses to change his mind. • She’s a bit shy, but she enjoys being noticed by other people. • He’s very sincere, and he really means the things he says. • He was very excited about his new job, and he didn’t hesitate to show how much he liked it by the way he behaved and talked. • My grandfather is past 80, but is still physically active. • He frequently changes his mind without warning. • He seems very calm and not to worry or care about things.

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• He does nasty things to people he dislikes. • He behaves in a rude and unsophisticated way. • He’s not careful in maintaining high standards. • He’s not the type of person who’s easily upset. • He’s not very intelligent, and he’s easily fooled. • She was courteous, but firm. • He behaved in a stupid and annoying way. • She wants to control everything, rather than let people decide things for themselves. • He shows no feelings of pity. • He often says tactless things and upsets people. • He’s always uncertain and embarrassed and doesn’t do anything quickly. • He’s clever and cunning, and he often deceives people. • Her approach has always been helpful, rather than negative or unhelpful. • He keeps doing things that he has no right to do. • He acted as though he had too much of the same thing and was bored. • She’s too proud of her intelligence/taste. • She’s always ready to disagree with other people — that’s what I dislike about her. • He doesn’t consider situations carefully enough, and only does the most obvious or least difficult things. • He deals with problems carefully and tactfully, and avoids upsetting/offending people. • The problem is, most of those boys lack discipline and control. • He says those people have low standards of morality. • She was unwilling to do it, and hesitated before doing it. • The trouble is, you do things without having enough information. • He isn’t afraid of doing things that are dangerous. • He doesn’t always show enough respect for the position of the person he’s talking to. • He’s cruel, violent and uncivilized. • He’s very tactful and can do things without offending people. • She was bitter and angry. • She sounded envious. • He’s not as strict as expected. • He thinks about himself a lot and admires himself too much. • He’s decided to resign and is determined not to change his mind about it. • He always thinks in an unusual/ original way. • He’s very thorough, exact and careful about details. • He’s very cruel and deliberately causes pain to people. • He doesn’t want to make any effort to do anything. • I think he has strong feelings about this issue. • She was very polite and respectful, but firm. • He believes people should be free to do as

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they like. • Her grandfather always behaves in a way that’s socially correct. • He’s a very enthusiastic reader. • He deliberately does things even if they result in harm for himself. • He handles things in a careless and awkward way. • He always speaks loudly and is cheerful and energetic. • He doesn’t show any concern for the effect of his actions on other people. • She always pays attention to the feelings/needs/wishes of other people. • Her behaviour pleases everybody and makes them feel friendly towards her. • He’s an easy person to deal with. • He always deals with things in a practical way. • You’re being silly and childish. • She’s always ready to start quarrelling with other people.

Group 3 • He has strong views on everything, and this makes him difficult to deal with. • She behaves too correctly and is too easily shocked by anything rude/improper. • He does things carefully and deliberately. • He’s pessimistic and cynical. • He doesn’t care at all about morals. • He always behaves in a serious way, as though he thinks he’s more important than he really is. • Don’t follow what your lawyer says without thinking about it. • He’s very bold and doesn’t care what other people think about his behaviour. • He speaks very confidently and frankly. • If she makes a decision, she refuses to be persuaded to change it. • He’s always unfriendly and unhelpful. • He’s always serious and thoughtful. • He’s fair with people even in difficult circumstances. • He can be really nasty at times. • Young people like them seem to forget they’re no longer children. • He was nice to me, but I found him very tense and anxious. • He behaves in a calm way and is not easily made angry or upset. • She’s impatient and easily irritated. • He’s clumsy and awkward. • He’s very impolite and doesn’t show any interest in what other people are saying. • He’s a polite and courteous person. • He deliberately tries to cause harm. • He doesn’t easily become excited/upset. • One thing I like

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about him is, he’s very enthusiastic about everything he does. • She was polite, but not particularly friendly. • He’s cruel and unkind and has no sympathy for anyone. • From what he said, I think he’s willing to end his disagreement with them. • He always causes annoying problems and difficulties. • He doesn’t give anything the attention or consideration it should be given. • He has extremely strong feelings about everything he’s interested in. • He shows no respect in the way he behaves towards people. • He’s easily annoyed. • Most of those people were simple and unsophisticated. • He shows a lot of aggression/independence. • He won’t hesitate to put people in danger. • He’s sincere in what he’s doing. • He’s gentle and quiet and does what other people say. • He isn’t rash at all — he’s sensible and careful. • She found him rather dull and unexciting. • He did it without enthusiasm. • She’s very sharp and insensitive and says things that hurt other people’s feelings. • He doesn’t always show enough respect for the feelings of the person he’s talking to. • She deals with people with a charming smile. • He can understand and judge a situation quickly. • He believes that everyone should have the same rights and opportunities as each other. • She behaves as though she doesn’t want to be friendly with other people. • He’s very pleasant and friendly, and you can easily approach him. • He always thinks in a rebellious way. • When he wants to achieve something, he has no hesitation in deceiving people. • He isn’t tolerant of different opinions. • He tries to appear virtuous and morally better than other people. • His manner was very polite. • His behaviour seemed false and artificial. • He flatters people too much and is too polite. • He shows no feelings of mercy. • He seems to be very eager to become rich. • He often does things that are unreasonable. • One thing about him is, he’s very unselfish. • She’s determined to do what she wants. • He’s too concerned with unimportant details. • She’s very excitable and easily frightened. • He’s calm and can control his feelings. • He’s annoying and troublesome. • He and his wife are always

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arguing and disagreeing about things. • He shows disrespect for all religions and religious things. • Whenever you ask him to do something, he does it promptly/enthusiastically. • He behaves as though he’s better or more important than others. • He doesn’t show respect for people and things that are generally respected. • He’s very loving and shows a lot of affection in his behaviour. • He behaves as though he isn’t willing to obey anyone. • He believes his actions and beliefs are important, and he’s very sincere and serious in whatever he says or does. • He always makes plans on a large scale. • She accepted it quickly and eagerly. • Whatever he says is very brief and unfriendly. • He’s eager to tell people what to do when he should not. • He behaved atrociously. • He agreed to do it, but acted as though he’s superior to us and he doesn’t have to do it. • She doesn’t enjoy being noticed by other people. • He’s very thoughtful, and he never tries to upset other people. • That was a dangerous situation, but he behaved bravely. • He has no courage to take drastic measures. • He always behaves as though he’s important. • He says and does things quickly and abruptly, and doesn’t show much consideration for other people. • He’s stingy and doesn’t spend much money. • She behaves as if she doesn’t want to be closely involved with other people. • His new secretary is very competent, and she has the ability to make people less angry/ hostile. • He’s always correct and serious rather than relaxed and friendly. • His behaviour is amusing and often a little shocking. • He was behaving in a very unnatural way and was trying to impress people. • He’s willing to do things that might shock other people. • He always does things in an orderly fashion.

Group 4 • She always shows a strong desire to get things that belong to other people. • His behaviour was horrible and disgusting. • He treats everybody the same as each other, regardless of their differences. • I found him unreasonable and difficult to deal with.

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• He never treats anything as important or serious. • There was a coldness in him that frightened me. • He did it without any real effort, interest or enthusiasm. • He has dignity and self-respect. • She accepts what other people do without complaining. • She’s rather rude and doesn’t have good manners. • He’s very quicktempered and becomes angry easily. • He loses his temper and gets upset quickly. • I don’t think his decision was based on any principle — it seems quite unfair. • He’s calm and reasonable, and he’s not affected by emotions. • He’s lively and energetic and never seems to be depressed. • He refuses to obey his elders and shows aggression. • He’s always ready to start a fight. • She sounded as though she expected something enjoyable/interesting to happen. • He takes care to do what’s fair, honest and morally right. • Don’t expect a dictator like him to be kind and tolerant. • He’s an unpleasant person, and is cruel and violent. • He expresses his opinions in a strong and confident way. • She’s always cheerful and happy. • She wanted to impress us with her wealth/importance. • He speaks easily and persuasively, but isn’t sincere. • He’s very rude and has no consideration for the feelings of other people. • He deliberately avoids giving clear, direct answers to questions. • She always keeps her feelings hidden. • If you really love your wife, why don’t you show it in the way you behave towards her? • He doesn’t think/behave in the way that people in his society usually think/behave. • He’s very bold and is willing to do things that are dangerous. • He often does things that are extremely risky. • He feels that everyone is looking at him and judging him, and he’s easily embarrassed. • She’s easily frightened, and she avoids doing dangerous and difficult things. • He always tries to make other people think that he works hard. • Don’t behave like a baby. • She was behaving in a childish and immature way. • I found him badtempered and miserable/unhappy. • Her father is very loving and affectionate. • She changes her attitude quickly and frequently. • It was a serious situation, but she behaved as though she doesn’t need to worry or do anything about it. • He always behaves in

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a rather impolite and disrespectful way. • His behaviour seemed strange and eccentric. • He’s too proud of his social status. • He’s very lazy and is not interested in doing anything at all. • He’s dishonest and can’t be trusted. • He’s always behaving in a noisy and violent way in public. • He’s not afraid of being unpopular. • He’s very polite and respectful towards other people. • He’s always careful to behave correctly. • She was eager to show the photos to me. • He was just trying to seem important when he said all those things. • He’s very hostile and aggressive. • He’s very determined and has the ability to cope with difficult situations. • He deliberately plans to get what he wants, even by harming other people. • He was trying to make everybody think that he was ill. • He always tries to avoid embarrassing/offending people, and he’s polite and careful in what he says. • She was so happy, her happiness showed on her face. • Whenever he judges other people, he’s completely fair. • What he did was not sensible and showed a lack of good judgment. • What I don’t like about him is, he always tries to please others. • He isn’t taking his work as seriously as he should. • He behaved as though he was expecting something unpleasant/ horrible to happen. • One thing about him is, he’s not afraid at all, and I admire him for this. • She was modest without being shy. • Our new boss demands hard work and a great deal of care. • She accepts unpleasant situations without complaining. • She’s a backward child and has a lot of difficulty in learning. • Don’t be so casual — you should take account of the seriousness of the situation. • He’s very bad-tempered and complains a lot. • He spends a lot of money carelessly and he doesn’t think about what’ll happen when he has none left. • He behaves as though he’s too pleased with himself. • He refuses to change his attitude to things. • He deliberately doesn’t do what his boss tells him to do. • He acts towards people in a detached way, and he doesn’t care particularly who they are. • He’s very anxious to get that contract. • He often makes mistakes and behaves foolishly. • He behaved as though he felt unsure or threatened.

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• She’s too concerned with traditional customs and beliefs. • His behaviour is very respectable, calm and polite. • He’s very difficult to influence. • He has a rather severe and unfriendly manner. • She holds back her emotions and doesn’t express them. • He was too smart and confident, and I found him rather unpleasant. • She was very mean and spiteful. • Don’t forget you’re doing something you have no authority or right to do. • His behaviour was not genuine/natural, but was intended to impress other people. • He always behaves like a gentleman. • She keeps adjusting her hair all the time. • He always speaks in a confused way. • He always talks very excitedly and says a lot of unnecessary things. • He often takes decisions quickly and suddenly without thinking. • He was acting like someone who had lost their memory. • He’s awkward and uncomfortable in the company of other people. • He speaks honestly and openly about things. • He always behaves as though he’s in a position of power. • He’s a calm person and doesn’t show any worry. • She behaves in a gentle and caring way towards other people. • What’s the good of bringing about social/political change by hurting people? • He thinks that other people are inferior/ unimportant. • He’s not as severe as expected. • He behaves in a rather nervous way and becomes excited very easily. • I don’t think he has any clear purpose or plan. • He’s not very serious, and he keeps changing from one activity to another. • He doesn’t care about danger. • He behaved as though he had no hesitation in harming us. • His views are often extreme/fanatical. • He shows strong feelings about things he’s interested in, and is very sincere and enthusiastic about them. • I found him irritating. • I have seen him flattering his boss very often. • He’s secretive and clever at deceiving people. • His attitudes and ideas are based on old-fashioned opinions. • He tolerates things that other people disapprove of. • He’s a very cautious man, and he does everything very carefully. • His behaviour was deliberately deceitful. • He always shows respect for his elders. • She always shows pity, sympathy and understanding for people who are suffering. • He

26 Behavio ur

never supports his friends — he even does things that could harm them. • He’s noisy and rough and always causes trouble. • She’s very anxious that they shouldn’t misunderstand her. • He’s eager to tell her the news, and he doesn’t want to wait. • He’s very difficult to control.

Group 5 • He keeps misleading us and encouraging us to believe what’s not true. • He always does things secretly rather than openly. • His opinions are clear and definite. • He was determined and courageous. • He was happy and pleased, and he had a big smile on his face. • He never shows any anger or excitement. • I’ve never found him eager to be involved in any activity. • He’s always interested in things that don’t concern him. • Whenever things don’t happen the way he wants them to happen, he’s cross and dissatisfied. • You behaved badly yesterday. • He was so happy that he couldn’t relax. • She talks a lot. • She behaves as though she’s right in her attitudes and beliefs, and other people are wrong. • He’s always very lively, and he enjoys everything that he does. • He acted as though he wanted to finish the work as soon as possible. • He’s brave and is not easily frightened. • He’s not very reliable, and he keeps changing from one idea to another. • He behaves as though he has rejected the values of society/his parents. • He’s bad-tempered and unpleasant to people. • Her opinions are too extreme. • He has good manners and is not rude to other people. • He’s a bad person — he always behaves in a way that’s harmful to people. • He behaved as though he was not very concerned about what was happening. • He’s quiet and serious in his behaviour. • He’s shy and avoids meeting other people. • He lacks taste, education and good manners. • He always criticizes people nastily and in a sarcastic way. • He acted as though he was not going to benefit from what was going on. • He was impatient, bored and dissatisfied. • She was very nervous and worried about something.

27 Behavio ur

• He’s easily irritated by things. • He’s very honest and upright. • His behaviour was very shocking. • He’s rude to people he ought to be respectable to. • He keeps behaving in a dishonest way. • She’s very reserved and doesn’t tell people about things. • He shows a lot of love for his kids. • He often acts without thinking carefully first. • He doesn’t care that he’s been behaving wrongly. • I’ve always found him eager to gain something out of other people’s weakness/suffering. • He’s always finding things to complain about. • He enjoys playing harmless tricks on people. • He doesn’t care about the effect his behaviour will have on other people. • He’s dishonest and insincere in everything he says. • He’s wellmannered and has good taste. • He was angry and worried, and he couldn’t relax. • He can change easily and adopt to different conditions and circumstances. • He doesn’t like to socialize, and he isn’t very friendly towards other people. • He keeps changing his mind about what he wants. • She’s brave and is not easily discouraged. • He kept on refusing to change his mind about resigning and I felt he was being stubborn. • He achieves what he wants in a clever way, even by deceiving people. • I think his behaviour was too extreme. • He’s stubborn and unco-operative and is unwilling to do what he’s told. • I find his attitudes morally unacceptable. • He’s quick to react to difficult situations. • He’s very casual and unconcerned about everything. • His behaviour was impolite and unrefined. • He’s unsympathetic to other people’s feelings. • His behaviour showed lack of good manners. • He gets annoyed when he has to wait too long for anything. • He acted as though he wasn’t interested in what was going on. • Our old boss was very fussy and difficult to please. • He’s a very anxious person. • He spends time in a lazy way, doing nothing in particular. • Even when things became difficult, she was determined to continue with her research studies. • He’s always trying to make us believe what’s not true. • He shows his dislike

28 Behavio ur

and anger in a quiet, controlled way. • He tries to control other people, without any consideration for their feelings or opinions. • If he’s determined to do something, he refuses to give up, even if what he’s doing is unpleasant/cruel. • He behaved in a cruel way. • He’s always finding things to argue about. • He’s a mischievous child. • He keeps trying to do things he wants to do, even though other people are against them. • Generally, he acts in a fair and unselfish way. • The way he talks makes you feel very happy and enthusiastic. • He was bored, and he kept moving his hands and feet. • He’s very friendly and pleasant to be with, but a bit reserved. • She tries to make other people do what she wants, without any consideration for their feelings or opinions. • She’s full of energy and cheerfulness. • He’s been hiding his real feelings. • I found his behaviour very strange. • He refused to pay attention to our pleas and arguments. • He was behaving in a violent and uncivilized way. • He doesn’t get upset even when disappointing/disturbing things happen. • He’s very impulsive and changes his mind unexpectedly. • He remained firm in his support for them even in difficult situations. • She’s very chatty and friendly. • She rarely shows her feelings. • He has a lot of fixed principles, and he tries to impose them on other people. • He often pretends to be kind and considerate. • She seemed very lively and cheerful. • He was nervous, and he kept moving from one position to another. • He often gets angry without having a good reason. • His behaviour seemed funny/silly.

Group 6 • He behaves as though he’s unaware of people’s feelings. • She looked very graceful and dignified. • I found him very confident and charming. • He doesn’t make people welcome when they visit. • Why do you keep behaving in such a rough and uncivilized way? • The children behaved well/admirably throughout the party. • He’s very amusing and witty. • His manner was very quiet and controlled. • His behaviour is intolerable. •

29 Behavio ur

He speaks very aggressively. • He was happy and relieved that everything went well. • He’s very aggressive and eager to start a fight. • He’s an unprincipled person and is prepared to do dishonest and immoral things to get what he wants. • He won’t tolerate disobedient behaviour. • He behaves as though he’s very pleased with his own behaviour. • He’s very quiet and doesn’t want to talk to other people. • She was very impatient, and she expressed it in her tone of voice. • He often does things that are unfair and difficult to justify. • He’s not experienced, and he’s often deceived. • He’s very energetic and full of life. • He doesn’t say very much and often seems unfriendly. • He easily becomes impatient. • She’s simple in character and never tries to get noticed or to draw attention to herself. • He’s very solemn and conventional in his behaviour and doesn’t show much emotion. • He can’t be trusted — he won’t hesitate to betray you. • He thinks he’s superior to us and behaves in a scornful way. • He’s bad-tempered and aggressive, and it’s very difficult to deal with him. • When he does something, he doesn’t care whether he hurts or embarrasses other people. • He’s very friendly and shows a lot of enthusiasm in his behaviour. • He’s determined to do what he wants and is unwilling to change his mind. • His behaviour at last night’s party was improper and was not suitable for that occasion. • Their boss is quite understanding, and he doesn’t mind even if they’re a bit late for work now and then. • He doesn’t have any gentle or caring feelings. • She takes delight in teasing people. • He does things with too much caution. • Whenever he does anything, you get the feeling he’s doing it because he really wants to do it, rather than because he’s forced to do it. • He accepts difficulties and suffering without complaining or getting upset. • He’s very sensitive and is easily upset. • He’s not cautious and is often deceived. • He always does what his boss wants him to do. • He’s always natural and genuine in his behaviour — he’s never snobbish or pretentious.

30 Behavio ur

• Those children behave badly and are difficult to control. • She’s well-mannered and relaxed, and appears comfortable in social situations. • His father is very formal and old-fashioned. • Their old boss used to be very kind and forgiving. • He regards other people’s interests/wishes as more important than his own. • He isn’t as innocent and naive as you think. • He’s very gentle towards everybody. • He’s very determined and doesn’t give up easily. • He’s willing to take risks and try out new things. • She behaves as she wants to, without worrying about what other people think. • He doesn’t have the qualities that a man is traditionally expected to have. • He always speaks in a selfconscious and unnatural way. • He has strong feelings/opinions and expresses them forcefully. • He’s very shy and nervous, and has no courage or selfconfidence. • She doesn’t think carefully about the effects of her behaviour. • All those children behaved in a quiet and obedient way. • He has a modest/quiet character. • He’s always calm and never panics. • He’s often selfish and stubborn, and is difficult to control. • He was reluctant to do it, and he did it without enthusiasm. • He won’t put up with impolite behaviour. • She’s very conceited and has too much pride in her own intelligence/ beauty. • He’s not at all afraid about dealing with situations that frighten most people. • He was worried, and he couldn’t concentrate on anything. • He changes his attitude quickly and frequently. • I can’t approve of your behaviour — I find it unacceptable. • He’s very self-controlled and doesn’t lose his temper easily. • Her manner was very quiet and restrained. • He expresses his opinions and feelings openly, without worrying what other people think. • His behaviour was rather formal and not very friendly or relaxed. • Whenever he gets into a difficult situation, he doesn’t panic, but gives careful attention to it. • He forgets/ignores other people’s needs and wants. • He has strong and fixed ideas about things and is not likely to change his mind.

31 Behavio ur

• He was sad and worried about something and was very quiet. • He has very strict beliefs and attitudes, and he’s unwilling to change them. • I don’t know why, but he always behaves towards me in a hostile/rather unkind way. • He always shows a great desire for revenge. • He never does things that are against his beliefs. • The trouble is, he isn’t experienced about the practical aspects of life. • His behaviour is bad, and nobody can make him behave more sensibly. • She doesn’t like talking to other people, and tries to avoid meeting them. • She’s always kind towards people who’re suffering and shows that she understands their feelings. • He’s always careful not to say anything that would offend or upset other people. • He never shows thanks to anyone who does something for him. • He doesn’t have a wide range of experience and has simple tastes. • He likes to do things quietly and secretively. • He was thinking about something and was quiet and serious. • He’s charming and polite, but insincere. • He behaved in a wild and uncontrolled way — as though he didn’t care about how he should behave. • He stays calm, even when upsetting/exciting things happen. • Her father is rarely warm or affectionate. • He was angry/offended, and he started shouting at them.

***

32 P ersonal it y & personal it y traits

Chapter 3

Personality & personality traits Essentially, your personality is all the aspects of your character considered together. In a sense, it’s your basic nature. And it is this whole character or nature that decides how you react to a situation and how you behave towards others. And what makes you different from other individuals is this personality. Here’s a collection of spoken sentences that show how speakers tend to describe someone’s personality:

Group 1 • Whenever anybody laughs at him, he feels angry, and shows it. • He’s a balanced person, and he makes sensible decisions. • He’s a man of good character. • He’s very harsh and rude, and most people here dislike him. • He can get on with almost anyone. • When somebody criticizes his work, he gets anxious and defensive. • He’s a person who makes life fun. • He likes going out a lot. • He often loses his temper, but calms down quickly. • He’s quiet and reserved. • He never turns to friends when he has a problem. • He’s very friendly and likes meeting people and talking to people. • He often does things without thinking, and gets into trouble. • When he feels angry, he expresses it directly. • She worries too long over humiliating experiences. • He’s very cruel, and shows no concern for other people or their feelings. • People here have a poor image of him. • He always watches the clock when he’s working. • He’s a nervous person. • If his friends say anything insulting, he’d break off the friendship. • He behaves well and generously towards other people. • He’s always willing to consider new ideas and suggestions. • He finds it difficult to break out of a familiar routine. • When he’s ill in

33 P ersonal it y & personal it y traits

bed, he likes to be fussed over. • She feels ill at ease with strangers. • He’s a very toughminded person. • He’s very daring, and he’s willing to take risks and try new methods. • She has a strong desire to better herself. • He doesn’t enjoy conversation. • He always plans things well ahead of time. • He has a lot of leadership qualities. • He has intelligence/determination. • He has strong opinions and refuses to accept that he may be wrong. • She has a kind of instinct for knowing when her friends are having problems. • He’s very active and always on the go. • He’s a carefree person. • He’s a rather restrained type of personality. • He finds it difficult to forget the things he’s done wrong. • He often worries about his work. • He often finds it difficult to get into conversation with strangers. • She’s pleasant and easy to like. • He’s good-looking, but he doesn’t have much personality. • He likes to live alone, and deliberately avoids other people. • He’s an aggressive, pushy person and he’s determined to get things done quickly. • She often judges people by the way they look. • He’s troubled with feelings of inferiority. • He’s an aggressive person and is always ready to attack other people. • He’s an even-tempered person. • He isn’t happy in his job. • He doesn’t enjoy entertaining people. • He’s more energetic and determined than most people. • He’s a sensible person. • She’s pleasant/lively company. • In general, he’s very/ reasonably competent. • He’s often off work through sickness. • She has an artistic personality. • Do you feel sure of your own abilities? • He tends to let things slide. • He can express himself well in writing. • People sometimes take advantage of me. • He has a strong and assertive personality. • He worries a lot over things that might happen. • He does things without properly considering their consequences. • He’s quiet and rather dignified, but a bit dull. • He always stands up for his rights. • She isn’t happy in her neighbourhood. • He often feels miserable. • He cuts off contact with friends when they try to take advantage

34 P ersonal it y & personal it y traits

of him. • He’s very light-hearted and casual about things that most people take seriously. • He likes work that involves thought and study. • He finds himself ill at ease when he’s drawn into conversation. • He prefers to work in close contact with lots of people. • He can handle difficult situations with tact. • Once he decides to do something, he won’t let anything stop you. • He’s highly productive. • He dislikes the idea of a holiday. • He has a very forceful personality. • He likes taking a day off from work now and then just to have fun. • He’s as happy as the next person. • He’s too proud of his abilities/achievements. • She never misses a chance to talk to a friend. • He’s very career-minded. • Life seems to him to be too much effort. • He’s never had a nervous breakdown. • He has a weakness for alcohol. • He doesn’t accept opinions that are different from his own. • He has lots of personality. • He deliberately avoids the company of others. • He’s often poor company. • He’s a quiet, withdrawn type. • I sometimes feel confident, sometimes nervous. • She lacks self-confidence. • He has an assertive personality. • He’s selfless, and shows concern for the happiness and welfare of other people, rather than for himself. • He’s a very determined type of person. • He takes part in all activities with great energy and enthusiasm. • Generally, he honours his commitments. • He always thinks individually and in a different way from other people. • He’s very strongly opposed to change and new ideas. • He’s a lovable person. • He often finds it difficult to behave naturally and to show his true feelings. • He’s easily embarrassed in social situations. • She’s rarely bored with her work. • He prefers action to planning for action. • He’s a peaceful person, and he avoids quarrelling/fighting with other people. • I found him interesting and amusing, but I found his brother dull and uninteresting/boring. • I like him very much — he’s quite a personality. • She often exaggerates. • He often stops to analyze his own thoughts and feelings. •

35 P ersonal it y & personal it y traits

I don’t always decide things on logical grounds. • He has his shortcomings/faults — but I like him. • He often refuses invitations to parties outright. • He has a strong/attractive character. • She has a weak character. • Whenever she buys things, she chooses them carefully. • People usually seem to feel comfortable with him. • I don’t think he’s a religious believer. • She gets nervous in high places. • He’s very balanced in his personality and behaviour. • He isn’t aloof, but approachable. • He isn’t confident about your ability. • He won’t hesitate to hurt other people to get what he wants. • He can communicate very easily with people. • I found him very interesting. • She’s highly/mildly superstitious. • I often do things on the spur of the moment. • He’s a strong supporter of the new economic policies. • He has a kind, friendly personality. • He has little knowledge or experience of how these things are done. • He’s too active and somewhat pushy. • He worries a great deal over money matters. • She feels panicky and incapable most of the time. • He doesn’t show much affection and would seem unfriendly and unsympathetic.

Group 2 • He enjoys making social contacts. • He’s pretty careful about saying negative things. • I sometimes lose my confidence under stress. • He doesn’t like people playing practical jokes on him. • He never gives up or admits that he’s been defeated. • He’s a nice person. • He cares only about himself and not about other people. • She’s scared of open spaces/high places/heights. • He keeps changing his mind about what to do. • He’s always troubled by aches and pains. • He’s very clever and skilful at achieving what he wants, especially by deceiving other people. • He often tells jokes and stories. • He’s an upright man and can be trusted. • He usually takes the initiative and rings up his friends. • He has a likeable personality. • He was very difficult and unreasonable. • He has a good speaking voice. • He often blames other people when something goes wrong.

36 P ersonal it y & personal it y traits

• He often acts quickly and suddenly without being careful. • He often suffers from loneliness. • She likes and respects her colleagues. • He’s very business-minded. • He’s very impatient. • He’s a very lively individual. • He never keeps himself clean. • He’s very active and outgoing. • She has a wonderful voice. • His family life is a very troubled and uncertain one. • He likes to live each day as it comes along. • He has strong moral principles. • He never tries to imitate other people. • He’s a practical sort of person. • He’s so satisfied about his achievements that he doesn’t feel he needs to do anything more. • He often argues for the sake of argument. • He doesn’t talk about work with his family. • Almost always, he’s in good humour. • She feels selfconscious in the presence of strangers. • He isn’t submissive, but assertive. • He tends to interrupt people when they’re talking — that’s his only failing. • She often has dreams that she’s being chased. • He generally has a serious and responsible attitude towards everything. • I sometimes buy things on impulse. • He’s the artistic type. • I don’t think he has the right qualities to be a leader. • He’s a very dignified and charming person. • He has a great sense of humour. • He remains calm and untroubled even in situations that are disturbing. • He isn’t easily persuaded by the arguments of other people. • It upsets her when other people lose their temper. • I’ve always found him sure in his actions. • She always keeps her room clean. • He’s good company. • Sentimental films always move her to tears. • He enjoys a good argument and keeps his cool. • He often philosophizes. • He has a weak character and lacks courage. • She has a warm personality and is very friendly. • She seems very pleased with how clever she is. • He’s a warm and sympathetic person. • He’s the sort of person who wants to know the logical reason for everything. • She often feels disgruntled. • He isn’t easily impressed by things. • He’s lazy and, for him, most work is hard work. • His ideas and plans are never firm or clear. • He fights to get what he wants done. • He knows his own strengths and weaknesses. • He isn’t respectable/trustworthy. •

37 P ersonal it y & personal it y traits

He’s an impulsive person. • He’s tough and realistic, and he takes decisions on practical grounds, and not on emotional ones. • He doesn’t flatter or criticize anybody. • He sometimes feels in good humour and sometimes feels depressed. • She never takes the initiative in making new friends. • He’s very quick at learning things. • He gets through a tremendous amount of work every day. • Have you ever seen the cruel side of his character? • He doesn’t get on well with women. • He plans almost everything in his life. • She always tries to please angry people. • His anger is always quick and short. • He enjoys being with other people. • He worries a great deal about his health. • He’s calm and reasonable, and he doesn’t have frequent changes of mood. • When anybody plays a practical joke on her, she joins the laughter. • He’s very touchy on various subjects. • He’s carefree and cheerful. • He hates physical violence. • He’s always forthright in argument. • He smokes cigarettes. • He drinks alcohol. • He finds ill at ease on the telephone. • Most people tend to respect/like him. • I sometimes suffer from feelings of guilt and remorse. • He’s rather reserved and distant. • He’s full of new and exciting ideas. • He’s a man of great personality. • He enjoys life and doesn’t worry about the future. • She has no difficulty getting off to sleep. • He’s an academically-minded person. • He can express himself easily in speech. • He’s often indifferent to his friends. • He’s happiest when he’s working. • I don’t think he would risk his reputation for anything/anybody. • He often changes his interests. • He has a clean reputation. • He tends to get touchy if he’s beaten in a sport/game — that’s one of his failings. • Her voice is smooth and gentle and very pleasant to listen to. • She’s a bit self-indulgent of her own problems.

Group 3 • He prefers to spend an evening reading a good book. • He’s very modern and follows all the latest fashions in clothes/ ideas. • He’s practical and doesn’t allow emotions to affect his

38 P ersonal it y & personal it y traits

decisions. • When his feelings are hurt, he goes quiet. • He’s normal/conventional in his opinions and in the way he lives. • It worries him quite a lot if anybody teases him. • She isn’t shy — she’s outgoing. • His mind often wanders badly. • He’s fully aware of his own shortcomings. • He states his needs and opinions clearly. • She never praises her friends. • He would work hard for success, rather than daydream about it. • She finds it difficult to get on with men. • He makes friends easily. • He feels he has a lot to offer in his work. • He never plays pranks on other people. • He isn’t easily annoyed/worried/upset. • He likes lots of excitement in his life. • He’s easily influenced and controlled by other people. • He’s capable of a high level of steady work. • He rarely talks about himself. • He’s often bubbling over with energy/enthusiasm. • He doesn’t use his talents well. • He’s always on time for appointments. • He’s very difficult to please and will only buy something if it’s of very high quality. • He hates the idea of fighting physically with another person. • He’s always busy and active. • He generally feels in good spirits. • She shows self-control and patience when other people would be upset and angry. • He’s reliable and responsible. • He always puts his family before his social life. • Generally, he tries to avoid a confrontation. • He worries a lot about his health. • I saw their President once when he came to visit India. • He was dignified and impressive. • If someone does a bad turn, he won’t let it pass. • He’s a good conversationalist. • He’s always relaxed in the company of other people. • The most important thing in his life is his work. • He’s irresponsible and careless. • She thinks only of herself and her wants, and doesn’t consider other people. • He has a strong and lively character. • She has a pleasant character. • He frequently gets involved in arguments. • She isn’t very hopeful about her future. • He laughs louder than most people. • He’s no longer powerful/important. • She’s 20, but is still scared of the dark. • When he’s in conversation with someone, he’s frequently lost in thought. • She tends to end up buying things she doesn’t really need.

39 P ersonal it y & personal it y traits

• Basically, he’s quite a happy person. • She suffers from inferiority feelings. • He’s a good-natured person. • He’s not too active or busy, but simply a normal person. • He’s reliable and can be trusted completely. • Fast cars appeal to him a lot. • He often talks/walks in his sleep. • He often has nightmares. • Actually, his weaknesses make him more likeable. • She’s shy and is easily embarrassed. • She prefers to spend time alone rather than with friends. • He usually comes to quick decisions. • He’s a tactful person. • He always tries to get his own way. • He thinks he’s very important and valuable. • He never says things without stopping to think. • He pays too much attention to small and unimportant details. • He leads an active social life. • When he makes up his mind, he’s firm about it. • His mind often wanders while he’s trying to concentrate. • She always looks very sad. • He’s too ready to believe what people tell him and is easily deceived. • He never makes negative comments to anybody. • He’s very/mildly ambitious. • He often needs somebody to cheer him up. • Normally, he doesn’t feel defensive when anybody criticizes him. • He lacks determination and is unable to do anything properly. • He thinks of himself as a failure. • He seems very pleased with how fortunate he is. • She daydreams a lot. • He doesn’t like to engage in rough physical activity. • He’s pretty optimistic about things most of the time. • She worries a lot over misfortunes. • He has a keen sense of humour. • He’s not easily excited/worried by things. • He finds it difficult to make friends. • He enjoys spending long periods of time by himself. • He often has dreams about finding money/falling. • He wants to keep clear of all responsibilities. • He’s a bit of a dreamer, and he puts off taking action. • He has a strong personality. • She behaves selfishly, and believes herself to be more important than other people. • He stays calm and doesn’t get annoyed when things take a long time. • She has frequent ups and downs in mood. • He’s the sort of person who deliberately seeks out trouble. • When he gets angry, he makes a scene. • He’s an evil-minded person. • He

40 P ersonal it y & personal it y traits

deals with things very cleverly. • He becomes restless when he has to wait for somebody. • He’s incompetent and can’t do his job properly. • He tends to spend lavishly. • He’s very upright in his business dealings, and I don’t think he’ll do anything dishonest. • She can sing in tune. • He’s often troubled by feelings of guilt. • He’s incompetent and can’t do anything properly. • He’s difficult to talk to and not very friendly. • He often finds it hard to shake off hurt and resentment. • He has a strong desire to be an important person in the community. • He always says the future looks pretty black to him. • He’s an irritable person, and he gets angry easily. • He always talks too proudly about things he’s done. • He tends to be talkative. • It takes him a long time to get started on something. • He tends to find it difficult to make decisions. • He takes life as it comes. • His ideas and plans change to suit new circumstances/conditions. • He keeps his friends for years. • He gives his opinions about things openly and honestly. • He’s inclined to be moody. • He always does the appropriate thing in a social situation. • He fights hard to get what he wants. • He likes to have time to be alone with his thoughts. • He can tackle any problem calmly. • He’s very difficult to please, and will only accept something if it’s exactly what he wants. • She finds spiders/snakes/blood/crowds frightening. • He often feels he’s inadequate in his work. • She often blushes. • He’s willing to try out new and unusual ways of doing things.

***

41 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

Chapter 4

Words to describe someone’s personality & behaviour I’m now going to give you an exhaustive list of vocabulary items that can help you describe someone’s personality – and their behaviour. For effortless fluency in producing content-intensive speech, you need a good command of these vocabulary items. But don’t let me give you a wrong idea. I don’t mean that the degree of knowledge you should have of each of the words in the list must be equally high. No, that is not what I mean. The degree of knowledge – command – of the words must, naturally, vary with how useful those words would be to you. And of course, your primary attention must be on the words of the maximum general utility. This doesn’t mean that you can ignore all other words. This is an important point. So let me explain: There are two points about these vocabulary items that you should keep in mind: First, not all the words you get in the list are essential for producing speech in non-formal situations. No. Many of them would be required only in formal situations or in semi-formal situations. Second, as far as a number of other words (in the list) are concerned, you’ll need their service only in order to receive – listen to and understand – what others say during formal speeches made in front of an audience. Remember this: Production and reception are two sides of the same fluency coin. But broadly speaking, from the fluencybuilding angle, the difference between the two sides is this: As far as production-vocabulary items are concerned, you certainly need to master them thoroughly. Yes, thoroughly. You need to achieve an excellent command of them. But as far as receptionvocabulary items are concerned, you don’t have to master them

42 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

so very thoroughly. In general, it is enough if you know what they mean. Essentially, production-vocabulary items are the core words you can find listed in Books 3 and 6 – and their combinations. You get comprehensive collections of these combinations in the various Books in this series. As far as everyday English is concerned, all other words (outside the list of the core, frequently-occurring, words) are – generally speaking – items of reception vocabulary. But when you widen the range of topics you speak about – or when you engage in a serious, content-intensive, discussion or give a formal talk or informative talk or lecture – many of the words that would ordinarily be considered reception vocabulary for everyday speech turn out to be production vocabulary. So remember this: The division of vocabulary items into production items and reception items is not rigid at all. The borderline between them is not something that is firmly set. Now go through the following list carefully. Read each word and each expression ALOUD. Think about the meaning of each item. If you’re not quite sure what a particular word means – or how it is pronounced – look it up in your advanced learner’s dictionary. The very process of going through the list, thinking about the meaning of words and looking up some of them in your dictionary – that very process gets you to become immersed in English deeply. And a few sessions like this with the various lists of words you get in this book will dramatically improve your ability to recall the words you need instantly while you are on your feet and speaking. Yes, dramatically – strikingly, with telling effect. Here we go:

Aa

able, above board, above reproach, above suspicion, aboveboard, abrasive, absent-minded, absorbed, absorbing, abstemious, abstract, acceptable behaviour, accommodating, accomplished, accomplishment, accurate, ace (infml.),

43 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

acerbity, achievement, acid, acknowledged, acquiescent, acrid, acrimonious, acrobatic, action-driven, active, activist, adamant, adaptable, adept, adjustable, admirable, admired, admiring, adolescent, adorable, adroit, adult, advanced, adventuresome, adventurous, advisable, affable, affected, affectionate, affluent, aggression, aggressive, aggressive behaviour, aggressive conduct, aggressiveness, agile, agreeable, agreeably, ahead of the times, aimless, alert, alive, all ears (infml.), all right, aloof, altruistic, always expecting the best, amateurish, amazing (infml.), ambition, ambitious, amenable, amiable, amicable, amuck, analytical, anarchic, angelic, animal behaviour, animate, animated, antagonistic, antisocial, antisocial behaviour, anxiety, anxious, apathetic, appealing, appreciative, approachable, approved, apt to do sth, arbitrary, arch, ardent, ardour, argumentative, arrogance, arrogant, artful, articulate, artifice, artificial, artistic, artless, assertive, assiduous, assured, astute, at ease, at the top, athletic, attention to detail, attentive, attractive, attribute, atypical, audacious, audacity, austere, authoritarian, authoritative, autocratic, automatic, avid, awake, aware.

Bb

babyish, backbone, backward, bad, bad behaviour, badmannered, balance, bald, balky, barbarian, barbaric, barbarous, barefaced, bashful, battle-scarred, be disloyal to, be faithful to, be loyal to, be true to, be unfaithful to, be untrue to, beadyeyed (infml.), beaming, bearing, beastly, beautiful, beefy (infml.), beguiling, believing in yourself, belligerent, beneficent, benevolence, benevolent, berserk, beside yourself with joy, best, betray, bewitching, beyond, beyond comparison, beyond reproach, biased, big, big-hearted, bigoted, bitter, blameless, bland, blasé, blindly, blinkered, bloody-minded, blue-blooded, bluff, blunt, blustering, boastful, bohemian, boisterous, bold, bold as brass, bookish, boorish, bossy, bounce, bouncy, boyish, brainless, brainy (infml.), brash, brass-neck, brassy (infml.), brave, bravery, bravura, brawny, brazen, break faith with, break

44 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

your promise to, breezy, bright, bright and breezy, brilliant, bring sth into disrepute, brittle, broad-minded, brusque, brutal, bubbling, bubbly, bull-headed, bullish, bumptious, buoyancy, buoyant, burly, burning, bursting with health, businesslike, busy.

Cc

calculating, calibre, callous, calm, calm and collected, candid, candour, canny, cantankerous, capable, capacity, capricious, captious, captivating, carefree, careful, careless, caring, carnivorous, casual, categorical, catholic, catty, cautious, cavalier, celebrated, cerebral, character, characteristic, charisma, charismatic, charitable, charitableness, charity, charm, charming, chary, chaste, chastity, chatty, chauvinist, chauvinistic, cheat, cheating, cheeky, cheerful, cheery, chic, childish, childlike, chill, chilly, chirpy, chivalrous, choosy, chosen few, chummy, churlish, circumspect, civil, civility, civilized, class (infml.), clean, cleanliving, clear-sighted, clever, clinical, close-fisted, close-minded, closest to your heart, clumsy, coarse, cock-a-hoop, cocksure (infml.), cocky (infml.), cold, cold-hearted, collected, coloured, colourful, colourless, combative, comely, comfort, comic/comical, commanding, commendable, commercial, commiserating, commiserative, commitment, committed, common, common sense, commonsensical, communicative, companionable, company-loving, compassionate, competent, competitive, complacent, complaisant, complexion, compliant, composed, compulsive, comradely, conceited, concerned, conciliatory, condescending, confidence, confident, confrontational, confused, congenial, conniving, conscientious, consequential, conservative, considerate, consoling, constant, constructive, consummate, contemplative, contemptuous, content, contented, contrary, controlled, control-oriented, contumacious, conventional, conversational, conviction, convincing, convivial, cool, coolheaded, cooperative, cordial, correct, corrupt, cosmopolitan, country, courage, courageous, courteous, courtesy, courtly, covetous, cowardly, coy, crabbed, crabby, crack (infml.), crafty, cranky, crass, craven, crazy, creative, credible, credulous, criminal

45 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

behaviour, critical, crooked, cross, crotchety, crude, cruel, crusty, culpable, cultivated, cultivation, cultured, cunning, cute.

Dd dainty, dapper, daredevil, daring, dark, dash, dashing, dauntless, deaf, debonair, deceitful, decency, decent, deceptive, decided, decision, decisive, decorous, dedicated, dedication, deep, deep in thought, defensive, deferential, defiant, deft, deliberate, deliberately, delicate, delightful, delinquent, delirious, demanding, demeanour, demented, demon (infml.), demoniac, demoniacal, demonic, demonstrative, demotivate, demure, dependable, depressed, designing, desirable, desperate, despicable, despotic, detached, detachment, detail-oriented, determination, determined, deviant behaviour, devil-may-care, devious, devoid of, devoted, devout, dexterous, dictatorial, diehard, difficult, difficult to keep down, diffident, dignified, dignity, diligent, diplomatic, disagreeable, disarming, discerning, disciplined, discourteous, discreditable conduct, discreet, discriminating, discriminatory, disdainful, disgraceful conduct, disgruntled, dishonest, dishonourable, disingenuous, disinterest, disinterested, disloyal, disobedient, disobliging, disorderly behaviour, disorganized, dispassionate, disposed to look on the bright side, disposition, disputatious, disreputable, disrespectful, disruptive, disruptive behaviour, dissenter, dissident, dissipated, dissolute, distant, distinction, distinguished, distorted, distraught, do the dirty on (infml.), docile, doctrinaire, dogged, dogmatist, dolorous, dominant, dominating, domineering, donnish, doting, double-cross, double-dealing, doughty, dour, down-to-, downto-earth, dreamy, drive, driving force, dull, duplicitous, dutiful, dyed-in-the-wool, dynamic.

Ee

eager, eager to help, eager to please, eager to succeed, eagleeyed, earnest, earth, easily handled, easily hurt, easily offended, easily upset, easy, easygoing, ebullient, eccentric, ecstatic, edgy, educated, effective, effeminate, effervescent, efficient, effusive,

46 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

ego, egocentric, egoism, egoistic, egotism, egotistic, elated, elderly, elegant, elevated, elite, eloquent, eminent, emotional, emotionless, empathetic, empathy, emphatic, endearing, endurance, energetic, energize, energy, engaging, enlightened, enliven, enterprising, enthusiasm, enthusiastic, entrancing, envious, epicurean, equable, equal, erudite, ethical, ethical conduct, evasive, even, even-handed, even-tempered, exacting, excitable, excited, exemplary, exemplary behaviour, expedient, experienced, experimental, expert, extravagant, extremist, extrovert, exuberant.

Ff

fair, fair play, fair treatment, fair-minded, fair-mindedness, fairness, faith, faithful, faithfulness, faithless, fake, false, falsely, famous, fanatical, far-seeing, far-sighted, fascinating, fashionable, fatalistic, fault-finder, fault-finding, favourable, favourably, favoured, favourite, fawning, fearful, fearless, feckless, feeble-minded, feigned, feisty, ferocious, fertile mind, fervent, fervid, feverish, fickle, fidgety, fierce, fiery, fighting, fighting fit, filled with aplomb, fine, finicky, fire, firm, fit, fit as a fiddle, flagrant, flamboyant, flatulent, flexible, flighty, flippant, flirtatious, fluent, flushed, focussed, foolhardy, foolish, foolishly, forbearing, forceful, forcefulness, foremost, forgiving, formal, formalist, formidable opponent, forthright, fortitude, fortunate, forward, forward-thinking, foxy (infml.), fractious, frail, frank, frantic, fraudulent conduct, free, free and easy, free spirit, freely, freethinking, fresh, fresh-faced, fretful, friendly, frigid, frisky, frivolous, frugal, full of determination, full of energy, full of fun, full of get-up-and-go (infml.), full of go (infml.), full of hope, full of initiative, full of insight, full of integrity, full of life, full of personality, full of spirit, full of vigour (infml.), full of yourself, fulsome, fussy.

Gg

gabby (infml.), gallantry, garrulous, gauche, generosity,

47 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

generous, genial, geniality, genius, genteel, gentility, gentle, gentlemanly, genuine, get-up-and-go (infml.), giddy, gifted, girlish, glacial, glamorous, gleeful, glib, glowing, go-ahead (infml.), goal-oriented, godly, good, good (at doing sth), good behaviour, good character, good conduct, good faith, good mannered, goodhumoured, good-looking, good-natured, goodness, gossipy, graceful, graceless, gracious, grand, grandiose, grave, great asset, greatness, green, gregarious, grim, grinning, grit, gritty, grouchy, grudge-holding, gruff, grumpy, guarded, guileful, guileless, guiltless, gullible, gumption, gutless, guts, gutsy (infml.).

Hh

hail-fellow-well-met, hair-splitter, hale and hearty, halfhearted, handsome, happy, happy-go-lucky, hard, hard-boiled, hard-headed, hardhearted, hard-nosed (infml.), hard-working, hardy, hateful, haughty, have a good head on your shoulders (infml.), have a good reputation, have all your wits about you (infml.), have been around (infml.), have both (your) feet on the ground (infml.), have your feet on the ground (infml.), have experience, have eyes like a hawk, have special training and experience, have the ability to do sth very well, have the knowledge and ability (to do sth), have your eyes open/peeled/ skinned, have/show great knowledge, hawk-eyed, headstrong, healthy, heartless, hearty, heedless, hefty, helpful, helpless, Herculean, heroic, heroism, hesitant, hidebound, high energy, high principles, high-born, high-handed, high-impact, highly rated, highly regarded, highly thought of, highly-strung, high-minded, high-principled, high-ranking, high-spirited, high-strung, hip (infml.), honest, honest-to-goodness (infml.), honesty, honour, honourable, honoured, hopefulness, hospitable, hostile, hot, hot-blooded, huffy, human, humane, humanistic, humanitarian, humanity, humble, humorous, humour, humourless, hunky (infml.), husky (infml.), hypersensitive, hypnotic, hypnotizing, hypocritical, hypothetical.

48 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

Ii

icy, idealist, idealistic, idealized, idiosyncrasy, idiosyncratic, idiotic, idle, ill at ease, ill-bred, ill-mannered, ill-natured, illogical, illuminating, illustrious, imaginative, immaculate, immature, immodest, immoral, immoral conduct, immovable, immune to, impact, impartial, impartiality, impassioned, impassive, impatient, impeccable, imperious, impersonal, impertinent, imperturbable, impetuous, impish, implacable, impolite, impolitic, important, importunate, impossible, impractical, improper conduct, imprudent, impudent, impulsive, in (good) trim, in earnest, in good health, in good physical condition, in good/high spirits, in style, in top form, inactive, inarticulate, inattentive, inclement, incompetent, inconsiderate, incorruptible, indecisive, indefatigable, independent, indifferent, indiscreet, individual excellence, individualist, individualistic, individuality, indolent, indomitable, indulgent, industrious, inefficient, inept, inequitable, inexorable, inexperienced, inexpert, infallible, infamous, infamy, inflexible, influential, informal, informative, informed, ingenious, ingenuous, ingratiating, inhibited, inhibition, inhospitable, inhuman, inimical, inimitable, initiative, innocence, innocent, innocuous, inquisitive, insane, insensitive, insidious, insightful, insincere, insistent, insolent, insubordinate, insurgent, insurrectionary, integrity, intellectual, intelligent, intelligible, intense, intent, intolerant, intractable, intransigent, intrepid, introspective, inventive, investigative, inveterate, invidious, invincible, invulnerable, inward-looking, irascible, iron/strong will, iron-willed, irrational, irreconcilable, irrepressible, irresolute, irresponsible, irreverent, irritable.

Jj

jaded, jaundiced, jaunty, jovial, jubilant, judicious, jumpy, just, just dealing, juvenile.

Kk

keen, keen-eyed, keen-witted, keep a weather eye open,

49 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

keep faith with, keep your eyes open/peeled, keep your promise to, kind, kind-hearted, kittenish, knowledgeable.

Ll

lacking in, ladylike, laid-back (infml.), law-abiding, lawless, lax, lazy, leader, leading, learned, lecherous, leery (infml.), leftwing, legendary, lenient, lethargic, level, level-headed, liberal, liberated, licentious, lifeless, light, light on your feet, lightfooted, light-headed, light-hearted, like bull in a china shop, likeable, liked, like-minded, lionhearted, listless, lithe, liveliness, lively, loaded, lofty, logical, long-suffering, looked up to, loose, loquacious, lordly, loud, lovable, loving, low spirits, lowly, loyal, loyalty, lucid, lunatic, lusty.

Mm

Machiavellian, macho, mad, mad keen (infml.), madcap, made of money (infml.), magisterial, magnanimous, magnetic, magnetism, make good your promise to, maladroit, malevolent, malicious, malleable, manageable, manfully, manipulative, mannered, mannerly, martial, martyr, marvellous, master of your own life, masterful, matter-of-fact, mature, maverick, mawkish, mean (infml.), mean what you say, meek, mellow, melodramatic, menacing, mentality, mercenary, merciful, merciless, mercurial, methodical, meticulous, mettle, mettlesome, middle-of-theroad, mild, militant, mincing, mindful, mindless, misanthropic, mischievous, miscreant, miserly, model, moderate, moderation, modern, modernistic, modest, moneyed, moral, moral excellence, moral virtue, morale, morality, morally correct, morals, mostliked, (have) motivation, motivated, motivation, mousy, mouthy (infml.), mover and shaker, muddle-headed, multilingual, munificent, muscular, mutinous, mystique.

Nn

naive, narcissistic, narrow-minded, nasty, natural, naughty, neat, nefarious, neglectful, negligent, negligent conduct,

50 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

neighbourly, nerveless, nervy, neurotic, neutral, neutrality, nice, nice-looking, niceness, nifty (infml.), nimble, nimblefooted, nimble-witted, nit-picker (infml.), nobility of soul/spirit, noble, noble-minded, nomadic, nonchalant, noncompliant, nonconformist, non-objective, no-nonsense, non-partisan, nonradical, non-reactionary, non-violent, normal behaviour, nosy, not afraid to call a spade a spade, not backward in coming forward (infml.), not beating around the bush, not given to excesses, not giving an inch, not liable to, not missing a trick (infml.), not taking no for an answer, notoriety, notorious, novice.

Oo

obdurate, obedient, objective, obliging, obnoxious, obsequious, observant, obsessed, obstinate, obstreperous, obtrusive, odd, oddball, oddity, odious, of distinction, of good repute, of high standing, of influence, of noble birth, of repute, of the best quality, offhand, officious, off-putting, oily, OK (infml.), old, old-fashioned, on a short fuse, on cloud nine/ seven, on guard, on the alert, on the ball (infml.), on the go, on the level (infml.), on the qui vive, on your best behaviour, on your guard, on your toes, one-in-a-million (infml.), one-sided, open to reason, open-minded, open-mindedness, opinionated, opportunistic, optimism, optimistic, orderly, ordinary, organized, original, orthodox, ostentatious, out of control, out of hand, out of touch with reality, outgoing, outlandish, outsider, outspoken, outstanding, over-assertive, overbearing, overconfident, overjoyed, oversensitive, overwrought, owlish.

Pp

painstaking, panache, par excellence, paranoid, parental, parsimonious, partial, partisan, passionate, patience, patient, patriotic, peaceful, pedant, pedantic, peerless, peevish, penchant, penetrating mind, pensive, pent-up, peppery, peppy (infml.), perceptive, peremptory, perfect, perfectionist, performance-driven, peripatetic, perk up, perky, permissive, pernickety/persnickety,

51 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

persevering, persistent, personable, personality, persuadable, persuasive, pert, pertinacious, perverse, pet, pettifogger, petulant, philanthropic, philosophic, philosophical, phlegmatic, photogenic, physically fit, picky, piercing, pigheaded, pioneering, pious, pitiless, placid, plain, plain-spoken, plaintive, planned, play sb false, playful, pleasant, pledged, pliable, pliant, plodding, pluck, plucky, poised, poker-faced, polished, polite, politic, pompous, popular, positive, possessed, powerful, powerfully built, practical, practised, practised charm, pragmatic, precipitate, precipitous, precise, precocious, predatory, predictable, pre-eminent, preferred, prejudiced, premature, preoccupied, prepossessing, presentable, presumptuous, pretentious, pretty, prickly, pride, prim, principled, prissy, proactive, problem behaviour, problem solver, prodigal, profane, professional, professional conduct, proficient, profligate, profound, progressive, prolific, prominent, prompt, propensity, proper, propitious, propriety, prosperous, protective, proud, provident, prowess, prudence, prudent, prudish, psyche, puerile, pugnacious, punctilious, punctual, puny, purist, purposeful, push, pushy (infml.), pusillanimous.

Qq

qualified, quality, quarrelsome, queer, querulous, quibbler, quick, quick off the mark, quick on the uptake (infml.), quick to bounce back, quick to recover, quick-tempered, quick-witted, quiet, quirk, quixotic.

Rr

racialist, racist, racy, radiant, radical, raffish, rakish, raring to go (infml.), rash, rat on sb (infml.), rational, rationality, raucous, razor-sharp, reactionary, ready, realistic, reasonable, reasonableness, reassuring, rebel, rebellious, recalcitrant, receptive, reckless, recluse, reclusive, rectitude, redoubtable, refined, reformist, refractory, regardful, regardless, relaxed, relentless, reliable, religious, reluctant, remarkable, remiss, remorseful, remorseless, remote, renegade, renowned, repugnant,

52 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

reputable, reputation, reserved, resigned, resilient, resolute, resolved, resourceful, respectability, respectable, respected, respectful, respectful of, responsibility, responsible, responsive, responsive to, restive, restrained, restrained in, reticent, retiring, revered, revolutionary, ribald, righteous, righteousness, rightminded, right-thinking, rioting, riotous, robust, rocky, rollicking, romantic, rough, rowdy, rude, rugged, ruled by the head (not the heart), ruled by the heart (not the head), runaway, rustic, ruthless.

Ss

safe, saint-like, saintly, sally, sanctimonious, sane, sanguine, sassy (infml.), saucy, savage, scheming, scholarly, scintillating, scrupulous, seasoned, secluded, second to none, sedate, seditious, seductive, self-assertive, self-assured, self-centred, self-confident, self-conscious, self-contained, self-controlled, selfesteem, selfish, self-made, self-motivated, self-possessed, selfreliant, self-respect, self-righteous, self-sacrificing, self-satisfied, self-standing, self-starter, self-sufficient, self-supporting, selfsustaining, sell down the river (infml.), sensational (infml.), sense of purpose, sensible, sensitive, sensual, sentimental, serene, serious, serious-minded, servile, set in your ways, severe, sexist, shabby, shady (infml.), shameful, shameless, sharp, sharpeyed, sharp-witted, sheepish, shifty (infml.), short, short-fused (infml.), short-sighted, short-tempered, shrewd, shy, silly, silvertongued, simple, simple-minded, sincere, single-minded, sinister, sinless, skilful, skilled, skittish, slick, slippery, slow, sluggish, sly, small, small-minded, smart, smart-looking, smooth, smoothtalking (infml.), smooth-tongued, smug, snaky, snappy, sneaky, snide, snobbish, sober, sociable, social behaviour, soft, softhearted, solemn, solicitous, solid, sophisticated, sophomoric, sought-after, soul, sparing, sparky (infml.), special, specialist, spineless, spirited, spiteful, splendid, spontaneous, sporting, sportive, sportsmanship, sporty, spotless, sprightly, spry, spunk, spunky (infml.), square, squeaky clean (infml.), squeamish, stab

53 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

in the back, stability, stable, staid, stalwart, stamina, standoffish, starry-eyed (infml.), stately, staunch, steadfast, steady, stealthy, stern, stick-in-the-mud (infml.), stickler for details, stickler for perfection/accuracy, stickler for time/rules, stiff, stiff-necked, stilted, stingy, stinking rich (infml.), stodgy, stoic, stoical, stolid, stony, stony-faced, stout, stout-hearted, straight (infml.), straight from the shoulder (infml.), straight shooter (infml.), straight to the point, straightforward, strained, strange, strange behaviour, strapping, street-smart, streetwise, strenuous, strict, striking, stringent, strong, strong in character, strong point, strong-minded, strong-willed, structured, stubborn, studious, stuffy (infml.), stupid, sturdy, stylish, suave, subdued, submissive, subservient, subversive, successful, suitability, sunny, supercilious, superior, supple, supportive, sure, sure of yourself, surly, sweet, sworn, sympathetic, systematic.

Tt

taciturn, tactful, tactless, talent, talented, talentless, talkative, tame, taste, tasteless, team player, tearful, temerity, temper, temperament, temperamental, temperance, temperate, tempestuous, tempting, tenacious, tenacity, tender, tenderhearted, tense, terrific (infml.), testy, thankful, thankless, the picture of health, theatrical, theoretical, thick-skinned, thieving, thievish, thin-skinned, thorough, thoughtful, thoughtless, thrifty, thrilled, thrilling, tidy, tight, timid, tipsy, tireless, tolerant, top, torpid, touchy, tough, tough cookie, tough guy, tough-minded, tractable, traditional, traditionalist, trained, tranquil, treacherous, tremendous (infml.), drive, trendsetter, tricky, trim, troublesome, truculent, true, true-blue, trustworthy, truthful, tumultuous, turbulent, twitchy (infml.), tyrannical.

Uu

ugly, ultra-careful, unacceptable behaviour, unaffected, unaffected by, unafraid, unagitated, unalarmed, unappeasable, unapproachable, unasked, unassuming, unattractive,

54 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

unbending, unbiased, unbigoted, unblemished, uncivilized, uncommunicative, uncomplaining, uncompromising, uncontrollable, unconventional, uncooperative, uncouth, undaunted, undependable, underhand, understanding, undesirable behaviour, undiplomatic, undisciplined, undismayed, undisturbed, unemotional, unequalled, unethical, unfair, unfaithful, unfaltering, unfamiliar, unfazed (infml.), unflagging, unflappable (infml.), unforgiving, unfriendly, ungentlemanly conduct, ungovernable, ungrateful, unguarded, unhesitating, unhurried, unidealistic, unimaginative, uninhibited, unintelligent, unintelligible, unintended, unintentional, uninterested, unjust, unkind, unlawful conduct, unmanageable, unmerciful, unmoved, unobjective, unobtrusive, unorthodox, unperturbed, unpleasant, unpopular, unprejudiced, unpretentious, unprofessional conduct, unqualified, unrealistic, unreasonable, unrelenting, unreliable, unruffled, unruly, unscrupulous, unseemly, unseemly conduct, unselfish, unsentimental, unsettled, unskilled, unsmiling, unsociable, unsophisticated, unsparing, unstable, unstoppable, unsuccessful, unsurpassed, unsuspecting, unsympathetic, unsystematic, unthinking, untroubled, untoward, untroubled, untrustworthy, untruthful, unwary, unwilling, unwise, unwitting, unworldly, unworried, unyielding, upbeat (infml.), upright, upstanding, uptight, uptight (infml.), urbane, utilitarian.

Vv

vain, valiant, vehement, venerable, venerated, vengeful, venturesome, verve, veteran, vibrant, vicarious, vicious, vigilant, vigorous, vigour, vindictive, violent, violent behaviour, virile, virtue, virtuoso, virtuous, visionary, vital, vitality, vivacious, vocal, volatile, voracious, vulnerable.

Ww

wacky, wanton, warlike, warm, warm-hearted, warped, wary, wasteful, watchful, wayward, weak, weak-minded, weak-willed, weighted, well ordered, well- thought-of, well-born, well-bred,

55 W ords to describe someone’ s personal it y & behavio u r

well-built, well-connected, well-disposed towards, well-dressed, well-groomed, well-informed, well-judged, well-known, wellliked, well-mannered, well-organized, well-read, well-received, well-respected, well-spoken, well-trained, well-travelled, wellversed, whimsical, wicked, wild, will power, wilful, willing, willpower, wily, wimpish, winning, winsome, wise, wishy-washy, wit, withdrawn, witty, wizard, wonderful, worldly, worldly-wise, worthy of trust, wrongful conduct.

XYZxyz

yellow, yielding, young, young-looking, youthful, zany, zeal, zealous, zest, zip (infml.).

***

56 Words to describe a person

chapter 5

Words to describe a person Before going through the list of words given below, go through (once again) what I told you at the beginning of Chapter 4 about production and reception vocabulary and about the importance of the practice you do with lists of words.

Aa

academic; accessory; accomplice; accountant; ace; acquaintance; acrobat; actor; addict; adjutant; administrator; admirer; adolescent; adult; adventurer; adversary; adviser; advocate; agent; agitator; agnostic; agriculturalist; agriculturist; aide; airman; alien; ally; alter ego; altruist; alumna; alumnus; ambassador; analyst; anarchist; ancestor; ancestry; angel; announcer; another; antagonist; antecedents; apostate; apostle; applicant; apprentice; arbiter; arbitrator; archaeologist; architect; aristocracy; aristocrat; arrival; arrogant; artisan; artist; ass; assailant; assassin; assaulter; assistant; associate; astronaut; attendance; attendant; attorney; attractive; auditor; augur; author; authoritarian; authority; autocracy; automobile mechanic; auxiliary; average; aviator.

Bb

baby; bachelor; backer; bad; bad person; baker; balckmaketeer; ballet dancer; band; bandit; banker; barbarian; barber; bearded; bearer; beatnik; beautician; beauty; beggar; beginner; believer; benefactor; beneficiary; betting; big; bigot; black; blackmailer; blacksmith; blind; board; body; bookkeeper; boor; bore; boss; bounder; boy; boyfriend; braggart; brain; brat; brave; bricklayer; bride; bridegroom; broker; brother; brutal; brute; buddy; buff; buffoon; builder; bully; bum; bungler; burglar; burly; business manager; businessperson; busybody; butcher; buyer; bystander.

57 Words to describe a person

Cc

cad; cadre; candidate; cannibal; capitalist; captain; captive; caretaker; caring; carpenter; cartoonist; cashier; casualty; caucus; celebrity; chair; chairperson; chaperon; chaplain; character; charlatan; charming; cheat; chef; chicken; chief; child; childish; chipper; chum; circle; citizen; civilian; civilization; clairvoyant; class; clergyperson; clerk; client; clientele; clique; clod; cloud; clown; coach; cohort; collaborator; colleague; college student; comedian; comic; commander; commentator; commuter; companion; competitor; comrade; confederate; confidant; congregation; connection; connoisseur; conqueror; conquest; conservative; consort; consul; consultant; consumer; contingent; convention; convert; convict; convoy; cook; coppersmith; corpse; correspondent; cosmetologist; cost accountant; couch potato; counsel; counselor; courier; court; coward; cowboy; craftsman; craftsperson; craven; creative; creator; crew; criminal; critic; crony; crook; crook (infml.); crowd; crown; crush; culprit; cultivator; cultured woman; cur; custodian; customer; cynic.

Dd

dabbler; dairyman; dark; dark-hatred; darling; data entry operator; date; day care worker; dead; deaf; dealer; dean; dear; deceiver; decent; delegate; delinquent; demagogue; demon; deputy; derelict; descendant; deserter; desperado; despot; detective; devil; devotee; dictator; diehard; dilettante; diplomat; director; disabled; disciple; disciplinarian; dishonest person; displaced; dissident; doctor; dolt; domestic help; donor; dope; doubter; driver; drone; drudge; drug dealer; drunk; drunkard; dumbbell; dummy; dunce; dupe; dwarf.

Ee

eccentric; educator; efficiency expert; egomaniac; elder; elderly; electrical technician; electrician; electronics technician; elite; emigrant; emissary; employee; employer; enemy; engineer; enrollment; entertainer; enthusiast; entourage;

58 Words to describe a person

entrant; entrepreneur; envoy; equal; escort; establishment; evil; exception; executive; exile; expatriate; expedition; expert; exponent; extremist; extrovert; eyeful; eyewitness.

Ff

faculty; failure; fair; fair-haired; fake; faker; family; famous; famous name; fan; fanatic; farm worker; farmer; farmhand; fat; father; favourite; federation; fellow; felon; female; feminine; femininity; fiancé; fiancée; field workman; fiend; fighter; figure; figurehead; financier; fine; fireman; fitter; flame; fledgling; flesh; flirt; flyer; foe; follower; following; fool; force; foreigner; forerunner; forger; fortune-teller; founder; fountainhead; frank person; fraud; freak; free; friend; fugitive.

Gg

gallery; gambling; gangster; gardener; gathering; gay; gender; genius; gentle; gentleman; gentleperson; giant; girl; girlfriend; glassworker; glutton; gnome; go-between; godly person; goldsmith; good; good child; good company; good person; good-for-nothing; good-looking; gossip; gourmet; government officer; governor; gracious host; gracious hostess; graduate; great; great name; great wit; greenhorn; groom; grouch; grownup; guard; guardian; guest; guide; guru.

Hh

hack; hairdresser; hand; handsome; handworker; hanger-on; happy; hard; head; heavy equipment operator; hedonist; heir; help; helper; herald; hermit; hero; heroine; hired hand; hit man; homeless; honest; honest person; horde; horrible; horticulturist; host; hostage; huddle; human; humanitarian; humankind; husband; hybrid; hypocrite.

Ii

idealist; idiot; idol; ill-mannered person; imbecile; immature; immigrant; imp; important; imposter; impostor; infant; inferior;

59 Words to describe a person

informant; informer; inhabitant; innocent; instructor; insurgent; intellect; intellectual; intelligent; interloper; intermediary; intimate; introvert; intruder; invalid; inventor; investigator.

Jj

janitor; jerk; jester; joke; joker; journalist; judge; justice; juvenile.

Kk

kid; kind; kook (infml.).

Ll

labor; labourer; lad; lady; ladylike woman; landlord; lathe operator; laundry worker; law-abiding citizen; lawbreaker; lawyer; layperson; leader; learner; legal practitioner; legion; legislator; liaison; liar; like-minded; little; loafer; local; lookout; loser; lout; love; lovely; lover; lucky; luminary; lunatic.

Mm machine operator; machinist; mad person; magician; magnate; maintenance man; male; man; man of breeding; man of his word; man of honor; manager; maniac; manual laborer; manufacturer; mariner; married; martyr; masculine; masculinity; mason; masses; master; mastermind; mate; maverick; mechanic; media person; mediator; medical practitioner; member; member of the intellectual elite; member of the ruling elite; membership; menace; mentor; mercenary; merchant; messenger; metal worker; middle person; middle-aged; midget; migrant; migrant worker; militant; military person; mimic; minister; minor; misanthrope; miscreant; miser; missing; missionary; mob; model; mogul; monarch; monitor; monk; monster; moralist; moron; mortal; mortality; mother; mugger; multitude; murderer; musician; muster.

Nn

native; naughty child; negotiator; neighbor; newcomer;

60 Words to describe a person

newsagent; newscaster; newsman; newspaperman; newspaperwoman; newsreader; newswoman; nice; noble; nobody; nomad; nonconformist; nonentity; normal; notables; novice; nuisance; nun; nurse; nut; nymph.

Oo

oaf; obnoxious person; occupant; oddball; oddity; officer; official; offspring; ogre; old; old hand; older; onlooker; operator; opposition; ordinary; original; orphan; outcast; outgoing; outlaw; outsider; outstanding; overseer; owner.

Pp

pack; packager; pagan; page; painter; pal; paperhanger; parasite; parent; participant; partic­ipant; partisan; partner; passenger; pastor; patient; patrician; patriot; patrol; patron; pauper; pawn; peacemaker; peasant; peer; people; perfect gentleman; person; personage; personality; personnel; pervert; pessimist; pest; pet; philanderer; philanthropist; photographer; physician; picket; pickpocket; pill; pillar; pilot; pioneer; pipe fitter; planter; plasterer; platoon; player; playwright; pleasant company; plebeian; plumber; poet; police; police officer; polished man; polite listener; politician; poor; poor company; porter; poser; postal clerk; powerful; practice; preacher; predecessor; press; pressman; pretender; prey; priest; principal; printer; prisoner; private; prodigal; prodigy; professional; professor; profligate; progeny; programme presenter; proofreader; prophet; proponent; proprietor; prostitute; protagonist; proud; psychiatrist; psychopath; public enemy; public servant; publisher; pundit; pupil; puppet; pushover.

Qq

quack; qualified; quiet.

Rr

racketeer; radical; radio assembler; radio operator; radio

61 Words to describe a person

presenter; radio repairer; ragamuffin; rascal; rational; reactionary; reasonable; rebel; recluse; recruit; referee; refined man; refugee; relation; relative; religious person; renegade; repairman; reporter; representative; resident; respectable person; rich; rival; robber; rogue; rowdy; rude person; rum; runaway; rustic.

Ss

sailor; saint; salesman; sap; savior; scapegoat; scholar; school; scion; scoundrel; scout; scream; scum; second; secretary; sectarian; seed; seller; senior; sensible; servant; sheet-metal worker; showoff; sick; sight; singer; single; sister; skeptic; skilled worker; skilled workman; slave; slinger; sneak; snob; snoop; society; soldier; somebody; sovereign; specialist; spectator; spendthrift; spokesperson; sponsor; sport; sports presenter; spouse; spy; squad; square; staff member; star; stenographer; stick-in-the-mud; straightforward person; strange; stranger; student; subject; subordinate; substitute; suitor; superintendent; superior; supervisor; support; supporter; surgeon; surrogate; sweetheart; swindler; sycophant.

Tt

tailor; talented; target; tattler; tattletale; teacher; technocrat; telephone operator; television presenter; tenant; textile worker; thief; thin; tool; tool designer; top name; tough; tourist; trained employee; trainer; traitor; tramp; traveller; trespasser; trickster; troop; troops; troublemaker; troubleshooter; truck driver; trustworthy person; tutor; twin; tycoon; typist; tyrant.

Uu

ugly; umpire; underdog; underworld character; unemployed; unique; unprincipled person; unscrupulous person; unskilled worker; upholsterer; upright person; urchin; usher.

Vv

vagabond; vagrant; vandal; vendor; veteran; victim; victor;

62 Words to describe a person

villain; violent; virtuoso; virtuous person; vision; visionary; visitor.

Ww

wag; wage earner; waif; waiter; waitress; wanderer; wanton; ward; warden; warm; warrior; watch-keeper; weakling; welder; well-bred woman; well-mannered person; white; white-collar worker; whizz; whizz kid (infml.); wicked; wife; winner; wise; wit; witch; witness; wizard; wolf in sheep’s clothing; woman; woman of breeding; woman of education; woman of good taste; woman of quality; wonk; worker; workman; writer.

XYZxyz

yokel; young; young child; young man/woman; youngster; youth; yuppie.

***

63 Attitude

Chapter 6

Attitude Group 1 • He has his own particular way of looking at things. • He’s always hopeful and confident about his future. • Whenever anybody praises him, he feels embarrassed and ashamed. • He shows a professional attitude to work. • I like him — he has a devil-may-care attitude. • The situation was very serious, but he acted as though he wasn’t aware of it at all. • He’s always logical in his approach. • He has an aggressive attitude. • She very much wants it to happen. • He’s a reasonable man — he’ll understand your difficulties. • He’s rather lazy and doesn’t show much interest in what he does. • He felt sad and discouraged. • He’s very refined and never uses foul language. • He doesn’t have the temperament for this sort of work. • His mentality towards the working class seems to have changed. • He’s very interested in his new project, and it takes up all his attention and energy. • He wasn’t particularly friendly, but he was civil to them when they met him. • When he starts doing something, it holds his attention completely. • He’s more responsible now — I don’t know what caused him to change his attitude. • He looked sad and upset as though he had a serious disappointment. • I didn’t like his attitude — it was quite unfriendly. • He’s always realistic about things — he doesn’t base his decisions on unlikely hopes. • He’s always afraid that something bad is going to happen. • He freely gives money to people who need it. • I found his attitude impossible to explain. • He appreciates good music. • She felt sad and pessimistic. • She was very warm and friendly, but her husband was very snobbish and treated us as though we were somehow inferior to him. • I think he has an attitude problem. • He has just the right mentality for this work. • He shows courage/

64 Attitude

independence. • He and his wife seemed devoted to each other. • He expresses his opinions without any doubts. • He’s calm and sensible even in difficult situations. • He’s always relaxed and unconcerned about what’s going to happen. • She felt grateful to him. • He’s very cautious in what he says and does, and doesn’t take risks. • He’s a very cultured person and he knows a lot about music and arts. • He always follows his own inclinations. • Try to look at it from a woman’s point of view. • He quite likes publicity. • He has a casual sort of attitude towards everything. • He has a definite aim and a strong desire to achieve it. • He always looks at things in a matter-of-fact way and his actions are based on reasons, rather than emotions. • The expression on his face — it was depressing and miserable. • He always considers the bad aspects of a situation rather than the good ones. • He’s easily influenced/controlled by other people. • She likes talking about culture, fashion and things like that. • He has strong and unreasonable opinions about politics. • She faces her difficulties with courage. • He gave her a gift, and she felt both embarrassed and secretly delighted at it. • Her speech and manner are very refined. • I’m not in the right frame of mind to take part in a discussion now. • He’s too optimistic — nothing can make him lose hope. • He always shows understanding for people who’re suffering. • His attitude in this matter is quite strange. • He’s always objective about things, and he doesn’t allow his decisions to be affected by his prejudices. • He very much wanted it to happen. • How do you think will the ordinary man in the street react to these changes? • He isn’t sophisticated — he’s rather narrow-minded. • I don’t like the way he thinks about things in general. • He always takes great care not to offend others, and expresses his opinions in a delicate way. • She was so upset and worried that she couldn’t think clearly. • He freely gives help to people who need it. • He’s full of radical views. • What’s his attitude to politics? • He has a strong character and can put up with

65 Attitude

difficulty/hardship. • He felt upset and angry because of the way he was treated. • He tried to do it without any real effort or enthusiasm/interest. • She felt lonely and unhappy.

Group 2 • He has a good knowledge of culture and fashion. • Whenever he discusses something, he tries to be fair to all sides. • He felt proud to be involved in that project. • He’s happy and satisfied with his life. • One thing I like about him is, he isn’t easily discouraged. • I felt an urge to slap across his face. • He’s an optimist, and I like his general attitude towards life. • He likes doing jobs that others turn down. • They were very grateful for their support. • I like his down-to-earth common sense. • He was very excited, and he was doing everything very quickly. • He reacted well to the news. • He’s a man of definite opinions. • I found his attitude annoying. • He has a lot of unreasonable religious beliefs. • He’s too cautious and slow to act. • She was unable to speak, and she looked at him with surprise and horror. • He’s very annoying at times. • I like him — he’s very sophisticated. • He was frightened, and he was behaving in a wild, desperate way. • Their attitude irritated him. • He wasn’t satisfied with the situation he was in. • His attitude to this idea is very strange. • Let’s be realistic about this — there’s going to be fierce competition for the contract. • He seems to be very eager to make money and become rich. • He’s an easy-going person and is casual about everything. • He always tries to prevent changes. • He has a positive outlook on life. • She’s well-educated and has a very cultivated mind. • He’s been having difficulties, and he was unhappy and sad. • I spoke to him for a long time, but I couldn’t shake him out of his attitude. • He has a short temper, and it often gets him into difficulties. • He’s got a negative attitude, and he always makes you feel unhappy and without hope. • He finds decisions/choices like these very difficult to make. • He always speaks out about

66 Attitude

whatever disturbs him. • Someone else’s misfortune makes him happy and excited. • She never treats matters like these seriously. • He feels sorry/guilty whenever he does something wrong. • He was not in the right frame of mind to speak to them, and so he refused to see them. • That food hasn’t agreed with me — I have a strange feeling in my stomach. • They had helped him, and he felt that he had a duty to them. • If anyone harms him, he’s sure to harm them in return. • Her attitude made everybody angry. • She’s a happy child. • He was disappointed by what happened, and he felt miserable/ unhappy. • He doesn’t show any respect for the practices and procedures in the company. • He always approaches problems in a practical way. • His attitude was unhelpful. • His main feeling was of great relief. • Whenever he does anything, he pays full attention to it. • He appreciates good food. • He always gives a fair opinion of everything. • He’s more influenced by emotional feelings than by careful thought. • She always acts selfishly. • She has a happy attitude to life. • People here consider him as a nuisance. • He felt so attracted to her that he couldn’t think about anything else. • He’s a daring person, and he isn’t afraid of anything. • I’ve never heard him express regret about anything. • He was impressed by the way they dealt with the matter. • His tastes are very refined and sophisticated. • He has a happy, friendly temperament. • He gets pleasure from being cruel to other people. • He felt strong dislike/impatience about what was going on. • He’s a tough person and has a strong character. • He doesn’t like to do anything that’d make him unpopular. • There’s a general feeling of dissatisfaction with the company’s policies. • He’s quite impractical. • He deliberately makes people suffer — I can’t understand his mentality. • He only looks at problems from his own point of view. • She’s very friendly and always tries to solve her problems without quarrelling. • He has strong prejudices/opinions and won’t change them even when he’s proved wrong. • He’s a very down-to-earth

67 Attitude

person and is prepared to enjoy life. • He was sorry for what he had done and regretted his actions. • He’s a confident man, and he’s sure about his abilities. • He’s a very emotional man. • He’s a calm person. • I didn’t say all those things, because I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. • He has a criminal mentality. • She has a strange outlook on life. • He believes in allowing other people to do and say as they like — even if he doesn’t agree with them. • He very much wanted that there should be no delay. • She’s very sentimental about her childhood. • She always boasts about how successful her husband is. • Everybody has a bad opinion of him. • His opinions are usually clear and definite. • She has good manners and she’s always careful not to hurt other people’s feelings. • He seems to be in a good/bad temper today. • He’s easy-going and doesn’t worry about the future. • He sounded depressed — as if he had no hope. • He’s not very confident and is afraid of failing, and so he doesn’t take strong action. • He never expresses his opinion/intentions clearly. • He never helps anyone willingly. • When he heard the news, he felt happy, and he was full of excitement.

Words to speak about someone’s attitude Before going through the list of words given below, go through (once again) what I told you at the beginning of Chapter 4 about production and reception vocabulary and about the importance of the practice you do with lists of words.

Aa

abashed; absentee; absent-minded; absorbed; absorbing; absorption; abstract; abstraction; accession; accustomed; ache; addled; adverse; affected; affectionate; afraid; aggravation; aggressive; aggrieved; aghast; agility; agog; agonize; agonizing; agony; airy; alarm; alert; alienation; alter-ego; alternative; full of hope; amazement; ambivalent; amorous; analytical; anger; angle; angry; anguish; antagonistic; anti; anticipation;

68 Attitude

anticipatory; antipathetic; anxiety; anxious; anxious.; apathetic; apathy; application; appreciative; apprehensive; approach; ardent; aspiring; assumed; assurance; assured; astonishment; attention; attentive; attitude; attrition; automatic; avarice; averse; avid; awe.

Bb

bad; balmy; basic; beaten; behalf; belief; believable; belligerent; belonging; bent; bewildered; bewitched; bigoted; bigotry; bitterness; black; blasé; bleak; bleak;; blissful; blithe; blue; blues; boast; boiling; boredom; bosom; bouncy; breakdown; breast; breathless; breezy; bright; bristle; broad; broad-minded; broken; broken-hearted; bubbly; bullish; buoyancy; buoyant; burning.

Cc

calculating; capitulation; caprice; captive; care; carefree; carnal; casual; caution; cautious; cavalier; censure; certain; chagrin; chain; changing; cheer; cheerful; cheerless; cheery; chipper; circumspect; clairvoyance; clairvoyant; clear; clemency; cogitation; cold; collapse; comfort; committed; common; compassion; compassionate; complacent; complex; composure; compulsion; compunction; conception; concern; concerned; conciliatory; confident; conflicting; confused; confusion; conquest; conscious; conservative; consideration; considered; consolation; constancy; constructive; contemplation; contemplative; content; contented; contentment; contrary; contrite; contrition; conventional; conviction; convictions; convinced; cool; corollary; correct; crabbed; crabby; cranky; crazy; creative; credit; credulous; crestfallen; critical; cross; crotchety; cult; curiosity; curious; cynical.

Dd

daft; damaging; dark; darkness; daze; dearly; decided; decision; deep; defeat; defeatist; defensive; deference;

69 Attitude

degradation; dejected; delayed; delight; delight in; delighted; delirious; delirium; delusion; demented (infml.); dependence; dependency; depressed; depressing; depression; deranged; design; desolate; desolation; despair; despairing; desperately; desperation; despondent; devil-may-care; devoted; different; differing; difficulty; direct; disability; disaffected; disaffection; disappointed; disappointing; disappointment; disapproving; disbelieving; discipline; discomfiture; discomfort; disconcerted; disconsolate; discontent; discontented; discouraged; discouragement; discouraging; discrimination; disenchanted; disgruntled; disgust; disgusted; disheartening; disillusioned; disinclination; disinclined; disinterested; dismay; dismissive; disorder; disoriented; dispirited; dispiriting; displeasure; disquiet; dissatisfaction; dissatisfied; dissenting; dissident; distraction; distraught; distress; distressed; distressing; distrustful; disturbance; doldrums; doleful; doubt; doubtful; doubting; down; downbeat; downcast; downhearted; dumbfounded; dynamic.

Ee

eager; earnest; ease; easy-going; ebullient; economic; ecstasy; ecstatic; elated; elation; embarrassment; emotion; emotional; emotionless; enamored; encouragement; energetic; engrossed in; enjoyment; enthusiastic; envious; envy; equanimity; euphoria; exaltation; exasperation; excited; excitement; exhaustion; exhilaration; expectancy; expectant; expectation; expert; extreme; exuberant; exultant; exultation.

Ff

fallacy; fanatical; fascinated; fatalistic; favourable; fed up; feeling; feelings; fervent; festive; fever; fiery; fighting; firm; firmness; first; flaming; flexible; flushed; fluster; fog; foggy; folly; forbearance; force; foresight; forethought; forgetful; forgetfulness; forgotten; forlorn; formal; fortitude; forward; forward-looking; frame of mind; frantic; frazzle; free and easy; free will; frenetic; frenzy; fresh; fret; fretful; friendly; fright;

70 Attitude

frightened; frisky; frustrated; frustration; fulfilled; fume; funereal; furious; furore; fury.

Gg

gay; general; glad; gladly; gladness; glee; gleeful; gloom; gloom-ridden; gloomy; good; grateful; gratification; gratitude; greedy; grief; grieve; grim; grumpy; gut.

Hh

half-baked; happily; happiness; happy; happy-go-lucky; hard; hardbitten; hard-boiled (infml.); hardened; headstrong; health; healthy; heart; heartbreak; hearty; heat; heaven; heavy; hesitation; high; high-spirited; historical; holistic; hope; hopeful; hopeless; hostile; hot; huff; huffy; humiliation; humour; hurt; hysteria; hysterical.

Ii

idealistic; ideas; ideological; idiocy; ill at ease; ill-disposed; imagination; immediate; impartial; impassioned; impressionable; impulse; in no doubt; in suspense; inattentive; incensed; inclination; inconsolable; incredulous; independent; indifference; indifferent; indignant; indignity; indirect; indiscriminate; infatuated; inflexible; informal; informed; inimical; initial; injurious; innovative; insane; insanity; insatiable; insecure; insight; instability; instinctive; insular; integrated; intent; intently; interested; interpretation; intolerant; intoxicated; introspection; invidious; irate; ire; irrational; irresolute; irreverent; irritable.

Jj

jaundiced; jaunty; jealous; jitters; jovial; joy; joyful; joyless; joyous; jubilant; judicious.

Kk

keen; keyed up; kick; knee-jerk.

71 Attitude

Ll

lackadaisical; laid back (infml.); laid-back; lament; lamentation; languid; lascivious; lateral; letdown; lethargic; lethargy; level-headed; levity; liberal; lively; livid; logical; lonely; lonesome; longing; lost; low; lucid; lukewarm; lunacy; lunatic.

Mm

mad; majority; malaise; malleable; mania; maniacal; manic; martyrdom; melancholy; mental; merriment; merry; merrymaking; mindful; mindless; mirth; miserable; mistake; mixed; monotony; mood; moody; mope; moral; morale; morbid; morose; mourn; mourning; muddle; muddled.

Nn

narrow; narrow-minded; natural; nausea; negative; neglect; nerveless; nerves; nervous; nervousness; neurosis; neurotic; neutral; new; new age; nonchalant; noncommittal; no-nonsense; normal; nostalgia; nostalgic; novel; numb; nuts; nutty.

Oo

objection; objective; oblivion; oblivious; observance; observant; observation; obsessed; obsession; obstructive; offensive; opinion; opposed; opposing; optimism; optimistic; orientation; original; originality; orthodox; outlook; overcome; overjoyed; overwrought.

Pp

pain; panic; paradise; paroxysm; partial; passion; passionate; pathos; patronizing; peace; penance; penitence; penitent; pensive; pent-up; perception; personal; perspective; persuasion; pessimism; pessimistic; petty; philosophical; pique; pity; platonic; pleasure; point of view; political; poor; position; positive; posture; pout; practical; pragmatic; precaution; predisposed; predisposition; premonition; preoccupied; prepared; prepossessed; presage; presence; presentiment; prevailing;

72 Attitude

problem-solving; professional; profound; proud; provincial; psyche; psychic; psychological; psychology; psychotic; public; purposeful; push; pussyfoot; puzzled.

Qq

qualm; quarter; queasy; quick.

Rr

rabid; radical; rage; raging; rancour; rapt; rapture; rational; rave; reaction; ready; realistic; reflective; regret; regretful; rejoice; relaxed; religious; remorse; repent; repentance; repose; repulse; resent; resentment; resignation; resistance; resolute; resolution; resolve; responsible; restless; restlessness; retrospect; right; rigid; romantic.

Ss

sad; saddening; sadness; sane; sanguine; sanity; sardonic; satisfaction; scare; scared; sceptical; scientific; scoffing; second; sectarian; secure; security; self-satisfaction; senile; sensation; sensibility; sensitive; sensitivity; sentiment; sentiments; serene; serious; seriousness; servitude; sexual; shame; sharp; sick; silly; simmer; simplistic; skeptical; slant; slump; sob; solace; solemn; solicitous; solicitude; sombre; sore; sorrow; sorrowful; sorry; soul; sound; sour; spellbound; spirited; spiritless; spontaneous; stance; standpoint; state; steady; stew; stout; strain; strength; stress; strong; structured; subconscious; subdued; subjective; sullen; sunny; surprise; susceptible; suspense; suspicious; sympathetic; sympathy; systematic.

Tt

tearful; technical; tedium; telepathy; temper; temperament; temperamental; temperance; tender; tense; tension; testy; thankful; theoretical; thinking; thirsty; thought; thoughtful; thoughtless; thoughts; tired; tolerance; tolerant; torment; touched; tough; traditional; triumph; turn.

73 Attitude

Uu

ugly; umbrage; unadvised; unbalanced; unbelieving; uncertainty; uncomfortable; uncommitted; uncomplimentary; uncompromising; unconcerned; uncooperative; undecided; uneasy; unemotional; unenthusiastic; unfaltering; unfavourable; unfeeling; unflattering; unfriendly; unhappy; uninterested; unresponsive; unrest; unsettled; unsound; unsympathetic; untouched; untroubled; unwary; unworried; upbeat; upbeat (infml.); up­right; upset; useful.

Vv

vanity; vantage point; vehement; versed; view; viewpoint; vigorous; violent; vivacious; vulnerable.

Ww

wacky; waiting; warm; wary; waver; way of looking; way of thinking; weak; weary; wholehearted; willing; wishful; wistful; wonder; world-weary; worried; worry; wrath; wrathful; wretched; wrong.

XYZxyz

zeal; zealous; zest.

***

74 I ntel l igence

Chapter 7

Intelligence Group 1 • He has the ability to learn things quickly and well. • He likes finding out about things. • He’s got brains, but he doesn’t use them. • He has the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions. • He’s very sensible and thinks very clearly. • He’s shallow and has no intellectual depth or understanding. • He always makes sensible decisions. • He’s intellectual and rational, rather than emotional. • He has brains and ambition, but he never tries hard. • He always acts on practical ideas and understanding. • He has a great interest in learning new things. • His judgment is never mistaken and is always correct. • He’s very thorough in analyzing situations. • He’s a very bright and intelligent person. • Those children seem to be more intelligent than average. • He shows a good understanding of people and situations. • He has a scientific bent. • He can understand situations well and knows how to take advantage of them. • He can predict things that are going to happen. • He’s not stupid, but never makes an effort to understand things. • She’s very clever and can think quickly. • He never stops to think that his actions may have negative consequences. • She’s full of original and unusual ideas. • He introduces changes and new ideas. • He often does stupid things. • He knows a lot about this subject. • He has a good brain and he can understand things quickly. • He’s an intellectual, and has an amazing brain. • He’s experienced about life and is not easily shocked/impressed. • He can express his thoughts in a clear and calm way. • He notices and understands things quickly. • He has a good understanding and practical knowledge of these things. • His son has a bent for mathematics. • She’s a brilliant/talented person. • She always

75 I ntel l igence

behaves sensibly. • She has a good memory for names/faces. • I don’t think he’s a serious­-minded person. • He’s a creative person. • He’s quick to notice and react to things. • He isn’t as intelligent as a normal person of his age. • He doesn’t know what’s happening in the world. • He’s slow to understand things. • He’s good at making plans. • He has clever and original ideas and is good at inventing things. • He’s quite bright, but nobody would call him a genius. • He has the ability to recognize things that are of good quality. • He’s good at noticing things, especially things that are not obvious. • He’s able to remember things very well. • He has a brilliant mind. • He’s an intelligent person, and he notices these things quickly. • What he does is not based on logical reasons or clear thinking. • He can think and express his ideas clearly and forcefully. • He’s a shrewd person — you can’t trick him. • He has a sharp/ready wit — and is very pleasant to talk to. • He’s intelligent and can plan things well.

Group 2 • He’s a man of outstanding skill/ability. • He has a keen intellect. • He often forgets things, and is unable to organize his thoughts properly. • He’s good at judging the quality of things and people. • He’s a very innovative person. • He has a good mind, and is sure to figure out a way to get out of this difficulty. • He’s full of clever and original ideas. • He has a capacity for languages. • He doesn’t think clearly and is emotionally/mentally unbalanced. • He has a lot of creative abilities/powers/talents. • He’s very good at persuading people to believe what he says. • She’s got a good/bad memory. • She’s a very clever woman and can understand things easily. • He tends to say things that confuse everybody’s mind/thoughts. • He spends a lot of time studying and thinking about complicated things and ideas. • He often becomes confused and unable to think properly. • He’s clear-headed. • He has a keen/ sharp mind. • He’s a man of considerable intellect. • He’s quick at learning things. • He’s intelligent and good at thinking quickly.

76 I ntel l igence

• He has the ability to invent and develop original ideas. • He’s a lot smarter than most of us. • He can express his thoughts and ideas easily and well. • He’s stupid and takes a long time to understand simple things. • He shows a clear understanding of a lot of facts about the subject. • He’s always excited about things and is eager to know more about them. • He’s rather serious and intellectual. • He understands and recognizes things quickly and thoroughly. • He often looks dumb and foolish. • He spends a lot of time reading serious books. • He’s a deep individual and very brainy. • Nothing that he does shows good judgment. • He’s easily able to think of new and exciting things. • He’s very clever, and he’s good at using indirect methods to achieve things. • She’s stupid and not very clever. • He regularly checks up on all the recent facts about the subjects he’s interested in. • He often looks confused and acts as though he can’t decide what to do. • He’s very clever and is aware of what’s happening around him. • The problem is, he isn’t experienced about the practical aspects of life. • He’s an educated person. • She has a sharp mind/intellect. • He plans his work and activities very efficiently. • He’s always uncertain and confused about things. • He has a lot of knowledge of this subject. • He can easily handle situations that most people find difficult. • I don’t think he’s very clever or brainy. • He’s only interested in serious subjects of a very intellectual nature. • He has a lot of common sense. • She can persuade anybody to do what she wants them to do. • She can do complex maths in her head. • He never uses his brain and keeps on asking other people what to do. • He’s very quick to notice things and can understand them clearly. • He’s very bad at organizing things in his life. • He has gained a lot of knowledge by studying. • Most of the children in her class had no difficulty in learning. • She shows great academic knowledge. • He seems to know everything. • He has a sharp business brain. • He’s clever and quick at understanding the deeper meaning of situations. • He’s a shallow individual and not very deep. • She has the ability to think clearly. • His ideas are too simple, and they indicate a lack

77 I ntel l igence

of intelligent thinking. • Whatever he says is always very clear/ effective/forceful. • He often acts as though he feels lost and uncertain. • He has a sharp, analytical mind. • He’s a man of forceful character, but he can’t understand complex problems and situations. • He’s intelligent and well-educated. • She’s a gifted child. • He’s very well-informed and is never dull. • He pays a lot of attention to things, and notices more about them than most people. • His mental capacity is amazing. • He’s very thorough in making plans. • He’s very shrewd and can make quick decisions. • He isn’t very intelligent and often does silly things. • He’s an expert on this subject.

Words to speak about intelligence Before going through the list of words given below, go through (once again) what I told you at the beginning of Chapter 4 about production and reception vocabulary and about the importance of the practice you do with lists of words.

Aa

able, abreast, abstruse, academic, accomplishment, accuracy, acquaintance, acuity, acumen, acute, acuteness, adept, advisability, alert, alertness, amenable, analytic, analytical, anticipation, appreciation, appreciative, apprehension, apt, aptitude, aptness, artfulness, astute, astuteness, attainment, attention, awake, aware, awareness.

Bb

backward, balance, bent, bewildered, blank, blind, brain, brain cells (infml.), braininess (infml.), brainpower, brains, brainy, breadth, bright, brilliance, brilliant.

Cc

calculable, calculation, canniness, canny, capability, capacity, carefulness, caution, childish, clairvoyance, clairvoyant, clarity,

78 I ntel l igence

clear, clear thinking, clear-headedness, clever, cleverness, clumsy, cognition, cognizance, cognizant, coherent, common sense, complex, comprehensible, comprehension, conception, conscious, consciousness, considered, contemplative, conversant, craft, craftiness, creative, creative gift, critical faculty, critical spirit, cunning.

Dd

dark, darkness, deducible, deep, delirious, delusion, dense, depth, designedly, dexterity, dexterous, dim, discerning, discernment, discretion, discrimination, dizzy, dopey, down-toearth, dull, dullness, dumb.

Ee

educated, education, efficiency, efficient, elevated, empathy, empty, empty-headed, endowment, enlightened, enlightenment, enthusiasm, erudite, erudition, experience, experienced, expert, expertise, expertness.

Ff

faculty, familiar, familiarity, fancy, far-sighted, farsightedness, fatuous, feeling, finesse, flair, foresight, foresightedness, forgotten, forte, frivolous.

Gg

genius, gift, gifted, giftedness, a good head (infml.), good judgment, good sense, good taste, grasp, grey matter (infml.), grip, guile, gullible.

Hh

hardheadedness, harebrained, hazy, head, horse sense (infml.).

Ii

idiocy, idiotic, ignorance, ignorant, illiterate, illumination, imagination, imbecile, impressionable, incisive, incisiveness,

79 I ntel l igence

incomprehensible, inefficient, ineligible, inept, inexperienced, informed, ingenious, ingenuity, innocence, inquiring, inquisitive, insight, insipid, inspiration, intellect, intellectual, intellectual ability, intellectual capacity, intellectual power, intelligence, intelligent, intuition, intuition, intuitive, invention, inventive, IQ, irrational, irrationality.

Jj

judgment, judicious.

Kk

keen, keenness, keen-sightedness, knack, know-how (infml.), knowing, knowledge, knowledgeable.

Ll

learned, learning, level-headedness, light, literacy, logical, long-headedness, lucid, lucidity.

Mm

marbles (infml.), memory, mental ability, mental acuteness, mental capacity, mental faculties, mental health, mentality, mind, mindful, misconception, mistaken, misunderstanding, moderation.

Nn

naiveté, native wit, nimble, nous (infml.).

Oo

oblivious, observance, observant, observation, obtuse, obtuseness, omniscient, originality.

Pp

penetrating, penetration, perception, perceptive, perceptiveness, percipience, perspicacious, perspicacity, perspicuity, philosophic, philosophical, poise, power, powers of reasoning, practicability, practical knowledge, practicality,

80 I ntel l igence

precocious, precocity, privy, professional, proficiency, proficient, profound, profundity, propensity, propriety, prudence, psychic.

Qq

quick, quick sense, quickness, quickness of mind, quickness of perception, quick-witted, quick-wittedness.

Rr

range, rashness, rational, rational faculty, rationality, reach, readiness, ready, reason, reasonable, reasonableness, reasoning, reasoning power, refinement, resourceful.

Ss

sagacious, sagacity, sane, sanity, sapience, savoir faire, savvy (infml.), scatterbrained, scholarly, senile, sense, senses, sensibility, sensible, sensitivity, shallow, sharp, sharpness, sharp-wittedness, shrewd, shrewdness, simple, simplicity, skill, skillful, slick, slow, smart, smartness, smarts (infml.), soft, solidity, sophistication, soul, soundness, soundness of, stability, stolid, studious, stupidity, subtle, subtlety, sympathy.

Tt

tact, talent, taste, thick, thought, thoughtful, thoughtless, touched, turn.

Uu

unaware, understanding, uneducated, unfamiliar, unwise, upper storey (infml.).

Vv

vacant, vacuous, versed, veteran, vigilance, vision.

Ww weak, wiliness, wisdom, wise, wit, wits.

***

81 F ee l ings & emotions

Chapter 8

Feelings & emotions Group 1 • We had a wonderful weekend, and I’m happy. • He looked sad and disappointed about something. • They all dislike him, but they don’t dare to say so. • I apologized to her and asked her to forgive me, and she became emotional and started crying. • He had a feeling of fear that something unpleasant was going to happen. • He was very worried and I tried to calm/comfort him. • What he said gave me new ideas and a strong feeling of enthusiasm. • His colleagues admire and respect him. • He regretted what he’d done, and he wanted to do something to show he was sorry. • The comments he made surprised everybody. • He was disappointed with the film — it wasn’t as good as he had expected. • I think his interest in her is just a passing fancy. • His business has been losing money, and he felt depressed. • I’m feeling very depressed. • She’s very sensitive about her appearance, and she doesn’t like anyone talking about it. • I’m happy about the arrangement/ idea. • He was uncertain and worried about what was going to happen. • He had a feeling of anxiety that something dangerous might happen. • She was very excited, and found it difficult to keep calm. • He was disappointed about the way they treated him. • He felt depressed, even near to tears. • He didn’t like what was going on, and he started expressing his impatience. • She loves and cares about her children very much. • I don’t know what made him afraid/anxious. • He felt sorry and guilty about what he had done. • She was flattered by the way he loved her. • He’s very easily shocked by anything rude. • He sounded quite happy and cheerful over the phone. • She was very sad, and nobody could comfort her. • He was very angry/excited/upset, and she tried to make him calm.

82 F ee l ings & emotions

• He doesn’t have as much confidence/hope about the project now as he had before. • She felt sad and unhappy that these things had happened. • I was shocked by its size. • He’s quick to express his emotions. • He was worried, and he wasn’t quite certain whether he was doing the right thing. • He felt great affection for those children. • They’re all slightly afraid of their headmaster. • He knew he shouldn’t have shouted at her, and he felt embarrassed and guilty. • He felt a sharp pain in his back. • He wasn’t gentle but rough with them, and he regretted it. • He seemed extremely pleased about what he had done. • The film reminded her of something that had happened in the past and made him feel very sad. • The trip to Delhi hadn’t been worth the effort, and he felt disappointed. • She has great enthusiasm for teaching. • She was very angry, but she didn’t express it. • The deal fell through, and he felt miserable and depressed. • I have to make a speech tomorrow, and I’m dreading it. • It’s surprising — he could complete the work in an hour! • They didn’t tell her about the accident, because they didn’t want to cause her alarm. • They hate each other. • His boss praised his work in front of everyone, and that gave him a feeling of satisfaction. • She suddenly felt afraid and acted quickly and without thinking carefully. • She looked terrified. • He’s happy with the way the campaign has gone. • The story she told us was very moving/touching. • I didn’t do anything to provoke him, but he started shouting at me. • He was staring at her, and it made her feel terribly uneasy. • The offer hasn’t satisfied the workers. • He told us how he had killed a cat without feeling guilty or ashamed. • She felt more sympathy for him than she ever had before. • She came running to us in a panic. • I was surprised by his stupidity. • He felt no bitterness over the way they had treated him. • I don’t know why, but I think he’s angry with me. • I hated myself for shouting at her. • He isn’t easily affected by criticisms. • She has a deep affection for her uncle. • They were delighted to see us. • She told him how she had suffered, and he was filled with pity for her. • He knew he had done a silly thing,

83 F ee l ings & emotions

and he felt foolish and slightly embarrassed. • She always shows contempt for politicians. • He was very nervous and anxious, and couldn’t relax. • I did what I could to calm his fears. • He took it calmly, but I know he was angry. • The fire alarm caused a lot of panic among the crowd. • Her face looked suddenly sad. • Their kindness really moved him. • They’ve reached there safely — I’m relieved. • Don’t get carried away by the excitement and do anything foolish. • The news/decision made him very angry. • It’s an emotional film, and it’s sure to bring tears to your eye. • She spoke in a bitter tone. • You can’t rely on him — he keeps changing his mind. • For the first time since they got married, he shouted at her, and it affected her deeply. • Her husband had won the election, and she was excited. • This thought has been worrying him for some time. • I’m sorry I did it, and I’m ready to make amends. • I love her, and I want to get married to her. • They greeted her with affection. • He knew he had behaved badly, and he felt ashamed of himself. • I’m dreading the exams/interview. • He felt regret about all the trouble he had caused. • I only have warm and friendly feelings towards them. • She panicked when she found that she had lost her purse. • The noise made him angry and impatient. • He lost control over his feelings and started behaving in a wild way. • He felt that what he was doing was not quite right, and he was worried that it may have bad consequences. • I’m glad I didn’t oppose the plan. • She was crying and shaking with fear. • Nobody likes the new boss — he always shows contempt for us. • Her feelings towards him often change from love to hate. • He likes to go fishing — he finds it very exciting. • She was so nervous and anxious that she burst into tears. • I dread to think what’ll happen if the boss comes to know about all this. • He’s sorry about what he’s done/said. • He was bitter about the way they had treated him. • We’re grateful for their support. • He’s quite content with his life. • Loud noise always makes him

84 F ee l ings & emotions

angry. • He spoke with great feeling. • He’s very sympathetic and thoughtful towards others. • She was badly shaken by the rumours. • His idea had been confirmed, and he felt happy and satisfied. • She felt pity for him when she came to know of his troubles. • He’s very upset, and he can’t think calmly/clearly. • He felt strongly about the injustices of the system, and decided to speak out against them. • He loves his children very much. • He has strong opinions, and he often expresses them with passion. • Everybody was in a state of great panic/excitement. • He’s sad and depressed and has no hope.

Group 2 • She surprised everybody by her knowledge of history. • She was overcome by a feeling of despair. • When she repeated the question, he looked annoyed. • It was a sad film, and it made her cry. • We’re poor, and we aren’t ashamed of it. • He never expresses any gentle or caring feelings. • He was glad about what happened. • He was very nervous, and her voice was shaking. • He’s a hard-worker, and his boss has taken a liking to him. • Most of them reacted to the decision with surprise. • She was overcome by fear and started screaming. • The election results have made him feel disappointed/sad and pessimistic. • He was afraid they’d do something violent to him. • What’s the use of envying them? Let’s try and be as successful as them. • I was irritated by his behaviour. • I’m looking forward to the chance of another outing like this. • He felt sorry when he heard of what happened there. • She was very pleased about the news. • He made me appear stupid, and I felt very embarrassed. • She didn’t want to show her real feelings. • I don’t like that man. • Indian politics really surprises everyone. • They had to undergo a lot of frightening/shocking/disgusting experiences during the war. • They were very sad over his death. • She was overcome with panic and felt helpless. • You gave me a real scare when you shouted like that.

85 F ee l ings & emotions

• When he read the letter, he looked relieved. • Many tourists said they were surprised by our country — they found most of the things here quite unusual. • He’s very tactful and does things without offending people. • She was jealous of her sister’s good looks. • When she heard the news, she shouted with joy. • He took pity on her and decided to help her. • Their old boss always used to show consideration for them. • She was overcome by emotion, and she couldn’t say anything. • He loves his parents very much and would do anything to please them. • He said all those things, so she won’t be upset/angry/worried. • That was a very upsetting/shocking experience. • He couldn’t conceal his envy of his friend. • I found her sad and gloomy — all other children were lively and cheerful. • She burst into tears in front of everyone. • If you keep on criticizing her work like this, it’ll make her feel discouraged. • As soon as she saw him, she began to cheer up. • He had no hope that things would improve. • She was ashamed that she made a mistake in public. • She didn’t like the way they treated her, and she felt bitter. • He was eager to show me everything. • He does things in a quiet and controlled way, without drawing attention to himself. • He became emotional, and his voice became unsteady. • I’ve always had the greatest admiration for him/his talents. • Things were happening so quickly that it was difficult to know exactly what was going on. • He has a horror of flying. • He was thoughtful and sad, and stood there looking out of the window. • She couldn’t control her anger, and she started screaming. • You gave me a fright jumping out like that. • We’ll have to do something to soothe the workers’ fears. • I hadn’t expected a reply like that, and it made me uneasy/embarrassed. • She had an uncomfortable feeling that she’d done something wrong. • I have no pity on them, and I’m not going to give them any money. • He was very pleased to see them. • She tried to hide her shame and embarrassment. • He doesn’t express his opinions without thinking carefully about them. • When she came to know what he had done, she felt great admiration and respect for him. • The

86 F ee l ings & emotions

news encouraged them and made them cheerful. • He saw the snake, and he suddenly moved back in horror/alarm. • He didn’t have the courage to say ‘no’. • She was very angry, and she stormed out of the room. • She kept on making the same mistakes, and it really frustrated her boss. • Soon his behaviour began to irritate me. • She’s very unfortunate and has a difficult life. • You’ve always had a fear of failure — you’ll have to fight it and overcome it. • She was delighted at the exam results. • He said he was going to resign, and everybody was very surprised. • It was an unfair decision, and I was shocked and angry. • He’s very attached to his children. • The announcement made everybody encouraged and optimistic. • When he heard what she said, he flew into a rage. • They envied him his money/ success. • He never had the guts to do anything like this. • She couldn’t believe that all this was true/real. • She has an absolute horror of cockroaches. • He was very angry/upset, and she tried to make him feel calmer. • He had the feeling that everything was wrong and nothing will improve. • He knew he hadn’t done anything wrong, and he didn’t feel any guilt or shame. • He was very pleased at the idea. • He felt confused and was unsure how to react. • Her parents were very kind to me, and it really touched me. • This is the first time she has ever been in love. • When she said all those things, he had a feeling of comfort. • By nature, he’s calm and quiet. • The news of his death came as a shocking blow. • Her boss keeps shouting at her, but she isn’t bold enough to stand up to him. • She was annoyed and offended, and she went out charging through the door. • She made no attempt to hide her real feelings. • He had a lot of difficulties, and he felt that he won’t be able to overcome them. • She told us how she had suffered, and it moved/touched us deeply. • She was jealous of her sister and hated her. • He takes pleasure in reading. • The whole thing surprised me. • She felt numb with fear. • He was wealthier than them, and they felt a lot of envy towards him. • I’ve always had the greatest respect

87 F ee l ings & emotions

for him. • There were so many choices available that I was very confused. • He couldn’t decide what to do, and he stood looking out of the window. • He didn’t seem at all frightened. • He didn’t say anything, but inside, he was boiling with anger. • There was no emotion in her voice. • She’s very worried, and I don’t know what to do to set her mind at rest. • He was very unfortunate, and I felt sorry for him. • For the first time, he felt a deep sense of shame. • She seemed satisfied with the suggestion I made. • Everybody was shocked by his behaviour, and couldn’t say or do anything. • He was very upset and he said all this in a choked voice. • He’s very fond of his family and friends. • She was very upset, and I didn’t know what to do to comfort her. • He’s quick to react to people and to show emotions. • She was afraid to complain. • He couldn’t cope with the problem, and he felt frustrated and angry. • There was a general feeling of shock at the news. • When she heard the news, she stopped feeling depressed and became cheerful. • He couldn’t win any of the games, and he felt hopeless/desperate. • Everybody was glad a step forward had been taken. • He likes to go fishing, and it gives him great pleasure. • He looked upset — the news seemed to have shaken his confidence. • He’s more successful than them, and they’re jealous of him. • He’s in love with that girl. • We were confused by the variety of goods on offer. • When the fire alarm went off, she started shivering with fear. • When he loses his temper, he becomes violent. • You really gave me a shock, creeping up on me like that. • I didn’t know what to say to help him stop worrying. • The announcement was so sudden and unexpected that it surprised everybody. • For the first time, he had a feeling of guilt about the way he had treated her. • He was sad and upset about the whole situation. • Her moods change often and suddenly. • She was very frightened, and her voice was choked with emotion. • He hates violence. • I know he said all those things only to comfort me. • He’s never sympathetic to other people’s feelings. • She’s still scared of the dark. • He

88 F ee l ings & emotions

lost concentration and started making mistakes. • The election results shocked everybody. • He looked very confused, and acted as though he couldn’t decide what to do. • The news cheered everybody.

***

89 W ords to speak about feel ings and emotions – Part 1

Chapter 9

Words to speak about feelings and emotions – Part 1 Before going through the list of words given below, go through (once again) what I told you at the beginning of Chapter 4 about production and reception vocabulary and about the importance of the practice you do with lists of words.

Aa

a chip on your shoulder; a flush of anger; a flush of excitement; a flush of pleasure; a furrowed brow; a slap on the back; abashed; abjectly; absorbing; abuzz; ache; acquisitive; actually; acute; acutely; addiction to; admirable; admirably; admiration; admire; admirer; admiring; admiringly; adorable; adore; adoring; adventurer; adventurous; adventurously; aesthetic; aesthetically; affection; affectionate; affectionately; affections; affinity; afflict; afraid; afterglow; agape; aggrieved; aghast; agitate; agitated; agitation; agog; agonized; agonizing; agonizingly; agony; agreeably; airy; alarm; alarmed; alarming; alarmingly; alert; alienate; allure; alluring; alluringly; aloud; altruism; amaze; amazed; amazement; amazing; amazingly; ambitious; amiability; amused; amusement; anaemic novel/ performance; anathema; angel; angelic; angelically; anger; angrily; angry; angry feelings; anguish; anguished; animate; animated; animatedly; animation; animosity; annoy; annoyance; annoyed; annoying; annoyingly; anonymous; antagonism; antagonize; antipathy; anxiety; anxious; anxiously; apathetic; apathy; apoplectic; appalled; appeal; appealing; appealingly; appear; appearance; appetite; applaud; applause; appreciate; appreciation; appreciative; appreciatively; apprehension; apprehensive; apprehensively; approve; ardent; ardently; ardour; argumentative; argumentatively; aroma; aromatic; arouse;

90 W ords to speak abo u t feel ings and emotions – Part 1

arresting; arrogance; arrogant; arrogantly; artistic; ashamed; asleep; aspiration; aspiring; association; astonish; astonished; astonishing; astonishingly; astonishment; astound; astounded; astounding; astoundingly; atmospheric; attached; attachment; attentive; attract; attraction; attractive; attractively; audacious; audaciously; audacity; audible; aura; averse; aversion; avert; avidly; awe; awed; awe-inspiring; awesome; awestruck; awkward; awkwardly.

Bb

baby; backslapping; bad blood; bad conscience; bad feeling; bad mood; bad temper; bad-tempered; baffle; bafflement; baffling; bait; balk; balm; banal; bane; bane of your life; bang; bankrupt; barefaced; barnstorming; bashful; bashfully; bask; bawl; be a credit to sb/sth; be a revelation; be a sucker for sb/ sth (infml.); be attached to sb/sth; be consumed by/with; be favourably disposed towards; be ill-disposed towards; be in a dither about; be in raptures; be into sth; be kicking; be lacking in; be loath to do; be mad about; be one for; be pooped; be potty about; be raring to do; be rid of; be riveted; be subject to; be taken aback; be the butt of; be undone; be well disposed towards; be witness to; be/feel disinclined to; be/get cross with sb; beaming; bear hug; bearable; beautification; beautiful; beautifully; beauty; beckon; bedlam; befuddled; begrudge; beguiling; beguilingly; beheld; belly laugh; belong; bemused; bent; berserk; besotted; bête noire; bewilder; bewildered; bewildering; bewilderment; bewitch; bewitching; bias; bide; big-head; big-headed; bigoted; bigotry; bile; bilious; bind; biological urge; bitter; bitterness; bittersweet; black look; black mood; bland; blandly; blank; blankly; blasé; blast; blaze; bleak; blearily; bleary; blearyeyed; bleep; blench; blessing; blind; blindside; blinkered; bliss; blissful; blissfully; blistering; blithely; blood-curdling; bloodless; blooming; blow; blows; blubber; blush; boast; boastful; boastfully; body odour; boggle; boiling point; boisterous; boisterously; bold; boldly; bombast; bombastic; bon vivant; boohoo; boorish; boost;

91 W ords to speak abo ut fee lings and emotions – Part 1

bore; bored; boredom; boring; boringly; born-again; bother; bothered; bounce; bouncing; bouncy; brash; brassy; bravado; brave; bravely; bravery; brazen; brazenly; break; breaking point; breathtaking; breathtakingly; breathy; breezy; bridle; bright; brighten; brightly; brisk; briskly; bristle; broadminded; broken; broken-hearted; broody; bruised; bruising; brush; bump; bumptious; buoyancy; burlesque; burning; burrow; bustle.

Cc

cabin fever; cackle; cacophony; cagey; cagily; calculated risk; callous; calm; calmly; calmness; can; can’t face; cantankerous; captivate; captivating; capture; care; carefree; carelessly; carelessness; caress; careworn; caricature; caring; car-mad; casual; casually; casualty; catalyst; catcall; catchy; censure; chafe against/at/under; chagrin; challenge; chaos; chaotic; chaotically; character; characterless; charged; charisma; charismatic; charitable; charity; charm; charm/diplomatic offensive; charmed; charming; charmingly; charmless; chase; cheer; cheerful; cheerfulness; cheerily; cheering; cheerless; cheerlessness; cheery; cherish; cherubic; chic; chill; chilling; chillingly; chime; chink of light; chintzy; chirpy; chivalrous; chivalrously; chivalry; choked; chuckle; chug; citation; civility; civilized; civilly; clack; clap; clash; classical; classy; clear; click; climactic; clinch; clinging; clinical; clinically; clink; clinking; cloud; cloud nine; cloy; cloying; cloyingly; clumsy; cold; cold eyes; cold sweat; cold towards sb; cold-eyed; coldly; collected; colour; colourful; colourless; come as a revelation; comfort; comfortable; comfortably; commitment; committed; commotion; compassion; compassion fatigue; compassionate; compelling; complacency; complacent; complacently; complement; compliment; complimentary; composed; composure; compromise; compulsion; compulsive; compunction; conceit; conceited; conceitedly; concern; concerned; condemnation; condescending; condescendingly; condescension; condolence; confidence; confident; conflict; confound; confuse; confused; confusion; congenial; congratulate; congratulation;

92 W ords to speak abo u t feel ings and emotions – Part 1

congratulations; congratulatory; conjure sth up; consciencestricken; consideration; consolation; consternation; consume; consuming; contact; contagious; contempt; contemptuous; contemptuously; content; contented; contentedly; contentedness; contention; contentment; conundrum; cool; coolheaded; coolness; cordiality; counter attack; courage; courageous; courageously; court; courteous; courteously; courtesy; courtly; covetous; cow; coward; cowardice; cowardly; cower; coy; cozily; cozy; crack; crackle; crackling; crackly; crash; crashing; crave; craving; craze for; crazy; creak; creakily; creaky; creativity; creature comforts; credit; creditable; crestfallen; crimson; crocodile tears; crossly; crow; crowd-puller; cruel; crumple; crunch; crush; crusty; cry; crying; cuddle; cuddly; culture shock; curiosity; curious; curiously; cursed; curvaceous; cussed (infml.); cussedly; cute; cutely; cutting.

Dd

daintily; dainty features; dainty feet; dainty flowers; damp squib; danger; danger of; dangerous; dangerously; dare; daredevil; daren’t; daring; daringly; dark; darkly; darling; dart; dart a glance; dart a look at; dashing; dashingly; dazed; dazzle; dazzling; dead eyes; dead voice; deadpan; deafening; dear; death trap; death-defying; deck; decorate; decoration; decorative; decoratively; dedicate; dedication; deep; deep affection; deep regret; deep-down; deepen; defeatism; defeatist; defensive; deferential; deferentially; deflate; deflated; defuse; degrade; degrading; deify; deign; deign to do sth; dejected; dejectedly; dejection; delicacy (and understanding); delicate; delicately; delicious; deliciously; delight; delighted; delightedly; delightful; delightfully; delirium; demand; demean; demeaning; demented; demon; demonstrative; demonstratively; demoralization; demoralize; demoralized; demoralizing; demotivating; demure; demurely; depravity; deprecating; depress; depressed; depressing; depressingly; depression; deprived; depth; derision; derisive; desirability; desirable; desirably; desire; desire for;

93 W ords to speak abo ut fee lings and emotions – Part 1

desired; desolate; desolated; desolately; desolation; despair; despairing; despairingly; desperado; desperate; desperately; desperation; despise; despondency; despondent; despondently; detached; detachment; determination; detest; detestation; devastate; devastating; devastation; devil-may-care; devoted; devotee; devotion; devotion to; dice; dice with death; diddle; difference of opinion; diffidence; diffident; diffidently; dignified; dignify; dignity; disaffected; disaffection; disagreement; disappearance; disappoint; disappointed; disappointedly; disappointing; disappointingly; disappointment; disapproval; disapprove; disarm; disarming; disaster; discomfiture; discomfort; discomposure; disconcert; disconcerting; disconcertingly; disconcertment; disconsolate; discontent; discontented; discontentedly; discontentment; discord; discordant; discouraged; discouragement; disdain; disdain to do; disdainfully; disenchanted; disenchantment; disgrace; disgraced; disgruntle; disgruntled; disgruntlement; disgust; disgusted; disgustedly; dishearten; disheartened; disheartening; disheartenment; dishonourable; disillusioned; disillusionment; disinclination; disinclined; disinterest; disinterested; dislike; dismal; dismally; dismay; dismayed; disorder; disorganization; disorganized; disorient; disorientate; disorientating; disorientation; disoriented; disparagement; dispassionate; dispassionately; dispirited; dispiriting; displeased; displeasure; disposition; dispute; disquiet; disrespect; disrespectful; disrespectfully; dissatisfaction; dissatisfied; dissension; dissolve; distant; distantly; distaste; distinguished; distracted; distractedly; distraction; distraught; distress; distressed; distressful; distressing; distressingly; distrust; disturb; disturbance; disturbing; disturbingly; dither; dizzily; dizzy; dizzying; do a double take; docile; docility; doldrums; doleful; dolefully; doomed; dopey; doting; dotty; doubt; dour; dove; dowdy; down; downhearted; (down) in the dumps; dozily; drab; drain; drained; drama; dramatic; dramatically; draw; drawn; dread; dream; drearily; dreary; dress; drily; drive; drone; droop; drowsily; drowsy; dry; dry-eyed; due; dull; dully; dumbfounded;

94 W ords to speak abo u t feel ings and emotions – Part 1

dumbstruck; Dutch courage; dynamic; dynamically; dynamism.

Ee

eager; eagerly; eagerness; eagle eye; eagle-eyed; earnest; ear-piercing; ear-splitting; earth-shaking; earth-shattering; easy-going; ebullience; ebullient; ebulliently; ecstasy; ecstatic; ecstatically; edgily; edgy; effervescent; effusive; effusively; ego; ego trip; egocentric; egocentrically; egocentricity; egoism; egomania; egotism; egotistic; egotistical; elated; elation; electric; electrify; electrifying; elegance; elegant; elegantly; embarrass; embarrassed; embarrassing; embarrassingly; embarrassment; embitter; embittered; emerge; emergence; emotion; emotional; emotional blackmail; emotional comfort; emotional cripple; emotionalism; emotionally; emotionless; emotive; empathy; emphasis; emphasize; emphatic; emptiness; empty word/promises; enchant; enchanted; enchanting; enchantment; encounter; encouragement; endanger; endearing; endearingly; endearment; endurable; endurance; endure; energetic; energetically; energize; energy; engaging; engrossed; engrossing; enigma; enigmatic; enigmatically; enjoy; enjoyable; enjoyment; enmity; enrage; enterprising; entertain; entertaining; entertainingly; enthral; enthralling; enthuse; enthusiasm; enthusiast; enthusiastic; enthusiastically; entice; enticement; enticing; enticingly; enviable; enviably; envious; enviously; envy; equable; equably; equanimity; eroticism; estimation; euphemism; euphemistic; euphoria; euphoric; euphorically; evangelical; evaporate; even; evenly; even-tempered; eventful; evil intentions; exasperate; exasperated; exasperatedly; exasperating; exasperatingly; exasperation; excitable; excite; excited; excitedly; excitement; exciting; excitingly; exhilarate; exhilarated; exhilarating; exhilaration; expectation; experience; explode; explosion; explosive; explosively; exposure; express; express yourself; expressionless; exquisite; exquisitely; extravert; extrovert; exuberance; exuberant; exude; exultantly; exultation; eye contact; eye-catching; eyeing; eye-opener; eyesight;

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eyesore.

Ff

face; face falls; faceless; faint-hearted; falling-out; familiarity; fan; fan club; fanatic; fanatical; fanatically; fanaticism; fancy; fascinate; fascinated; fascinating; fascination; fatherly; favour; favourable; favourite; favourite son; favourite thing; fear; fearful; fearfully; fearless; fearlessly; fearlessness; feast for the ears; feast for the eyes; featureless; fed up; feel; feel sorry for sb/yourself; feel-good; feeling; feeling for; feeling low; feelingly; feelings; feelings of guilt; fellow feeling; fervour; festive; feud; fever; fever pitch; fiddle; fidget; fidgety; fiend; fierce; fiery; fight; fighting spirit; fillip; finger sth; fire; fit of anger; fit of bad temper; fit of fury; fit of ill temper; fit of pique; fit of rage; fit of temper; fix; fixation with; fizz; fizzle; flag; flair; flash; flat; flat-footed; flatly; flatter; flicker; flinching; flirtation; flurry; flush; flushed; fluster; flustered; flutter; focus; fog; fogey (infml.); folk hero; fond; fondle; fondly; fondness for; foolhardy; footloose; footstep; for effect; force; forcefulness; foreboding; forget; forlornly; fox; foxy; fractious; fragrance; fragrant; frantic; frantically; fraught; fray; frayed; free; frenzy; frenzy of anger; frenzy of rage; fresh; fret; fretful; fretfully; friction; friendliness; friendly; friendship; fright; frighten; frightened; frightening; frighteningly; friskily; frisky; frisson; frolic; frown; frustrate; frustrated; frustrating; frustration; fulfil; fulfilled; fulfilling; fulfilment; full; fullblooded; fume; fun; furious; furiously; furore; furrow; furrowed; fury; fuss; fussily; fussy.

Gg

gaiety; gall; gallantly; gallantry; galling; gamble; gape; garbled; gasp; gather; gay; gaze; generosity; geniality; genteel; gentle; gentlemanly; genuineness; ghoulish; gibe; giggle; giggler; giggly; give; give a start; give vent to; glad; gladly; glamorize; glamorous; glamorously; glamour; glance; glare; glaze; gleam; glee; gleeful; gleefully; glimpse; glitter; glittering;

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gloat; gloatingly; gloom; gloomily; gloomy; glorification; glorify; glorious; gloriously; glory; glossy; glow; glower; glowing; glowingly; glum; glumly; gnaw (away) at sb; gnawing; go ballistic; go into raptures; go spare; go with a swing; go/turn (bright) red; go/turn crimson; goad; go-ahead; godforsaken; gogetting; golden boy/girl; good cheer; good humour; good looks; good spirits; good-humoured; good-looking; good-natured; good-tempered; goodwill; gorge; gorgeous; gorgeously; grace; graceful; gracefully; graceless; gracelessly; gracious; graciously; grandeur; grate; grateful; gratefully; gratification; gratify; gratifying; gratifyingly; grating; gratitude; greed; greedy; grey; grief; grievance; grieving; grim; grimace; grimly; grin; grip; gripping; grit; gritty; grizzle; groan; growl; grubby; grudge; grudging; grudgingly; gruff; gruffly; grumble; guffaw; guilt; guilt complex; guilt trip; guiltily; guilt-ridden; guilty; guilty conscience; gush; gush of relief; gush of self-pity; gushing; gushingly; gusto.

Hh

hackneyed; haggard; hair-raising; half-hearted; halfheartedly; hallowed; hand; handclap; handle; handsome; handson; hangdog; hanger-on; hankering; happily; happiness; happygo-lucky; harass; harassed; hard feelings; hard-bitten; hardship; harmonious; harmoniously; harmony; harried; harrowing; hatchet-faced; hate; hate mail; hatred; haughtily; haughty; haunt; haunted; haunting; have a down on; have a quick temper; have a soft spot for; have palpitations; have/keep an open mind; have/take a gander; have/take a peek; havoc; hawkeyed; heart; heartache; heartbreak; heartbreaking; heartbroken; heartily; heartstrings; heart-warming; hearty; heat; heated; heatedly; heaven; heavenly; Heavens (above)!; heaviness of heart; heavy-hearted; hedonist; hedonistic; hell; hell on earth; hell’s bells; hero; hero worship; heroic; heroically; heroics; heroine; heroism; hero-worship; hidebound; hideous; hideously; high; high spirits; highfalutin; high-flown; highly; highly-strung; high-pitched; high-spirited; high-strung; hiss; hoarse; hoarsely;

97 W ords to speak abo ut fee lings and emotions – Part 1

hollow laugh/voice; hollowly; homage; homely; homesick; homesickness; honeyed; honeyed tones; honeyed voice; honeyed words; honour; hoopla; hoot; hope; hopeful; hopefully; hopeless; hopelessly; hopelessness; horrible; horrified; horrify; horrifying; horrifyingly; horror; horror-stricken; horror-struck; hospitality; hostility; hot; hot temper; hot-blooded; hothead; hot-headed; hot-headedly; hotly; hound; hourglass figure; howl; hubbub; huffily; huffy; hug; hum; humane; humble; humbling; humbly; humdrum; humiliate; humiliated; humiliating; humiliation; humility; humour; hungrily; hungry for affection/power/success; hunted; hurly-burly; hurt; hurtful; hurtfully; hushed; husky; hyperactive; hyperactivity; hypersensitive; hypnotize; hysteria; hysterical; hysterically; hysterics.

Ii

I wish (that)...; ice-breaker; icily; icy; idol; idolization; idolize; if you please; ignominy; ill feeling; ill humour; ill temper; ill will; illiberal; ill-tempered; I’m sorry; imagination; imagine; immodesty; immorality; immune; impartial; impartiality; impartially; impassioned; impassive; impassively; impassivity; impatience; impatient; impatiently; imperceptible; imperious; imperiously; imperturbable; impetuosity; impetuous; impetuously; imposing; impressive; impressively; impulse; impulse buy; impulse buying; impulsive; impulsively; in good spirits; in high spirits; in honour of; in low spirits; in need; in the doldrums; in the heat of the moment; inaudibility; inaudible; inaudibly; incandescent; incendiary; incensed; incentive; incestuous; incitement; inclination; inclined; inconsolable; inconsolably; inconspicuous; inconspicuously; incredulity; indebted; indebtedness; indefatigably; indifference to; indifferent; indifferently; indignant; indignantly; indignation; indignity; indistinct; indistinctly; indomitable; indomitably; indulgence; indulgent; indulgently; inelegant; inequity; inexplicable; inexplicably; inexpressible; inexpressive; infatuated; infatuation; infect; infectious; inflame; inflammatory; influence; infuriate;

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infuriating; ingratitude; inhibited; inhibition; inhumane; injured; inquiring; inquiringly; inquisitive; inquisitively; inscrutability; inscrutable; inscrutably; insecurity; insightful; insipid; insistence; inspiration; inspirational; inspire; insufferable; insufferably; insular; intemperance; intemperate; intense; intensity; interest; interested; interesting; interestingly; interfering; intimacy; intimidate; intimidated; intimidating; intimidation; intolerance; intolerant; intolerantly; intoxicated; intoxicating; intrepid; intrepidly; intrigue; intriguing; intriguingly; introversion; introvert; introverted; inventive; invigorating; invisibility; inviting; invitingly; irascibility; irate; irrepressible; irrepressibly; irresistible; irresistibly; irreverence; irritability; irritable; irritably; irritate; irritated; irritating; irritatingly; irritation; itch.

Jj

jaded; jangle; jar; jarring; jauntily; jaunty; jaws; jealous; jealously; jealousy; jeopardize; jet lag; jet-lagged; jewel; jibe; jigsaw (puzzle); job satisfaction; jolly; jolt; jovial; joviality; jovially; joy; joyful; joyfully; joyless; joylessly; jubilant; jubilantly; jubilation; jump.

***

99 W ords to speak about feel ings and emotions – Part 2

Chapter 10

Words to speak about feelings and emotions – Part 2 Here’s the second instalment of the collection of vocabulary items that helps you speak about a person’s feelings and emotions. But before going through the list of words, go through (once again) what I told you at the beginning of Chapter 4 about production and reception vocabulary and about the importance of the practice you do with lists of words.

Kk

keen; keenness; keep; keyed up; kick; kill; killer instinct; killjoy; kind-hearted; kindliness; kindness; kiss; knock; kowtow.

Ll

lackadaisically; lacklustre; lament; lampoon; laudably; laugh; laughingly; laughter; lazy; leaden; leaning; lecherous; lechery; leer; leisurely; let-down; lethargic; lethargy; level voice; levelheaded; liberal; liberalism; liberality; liberalization; licentious; life-affirming; lifeless; lighten up; light-hearted; like; like it or lump it; likes; liking; lilting; lionize; listen; listless; listlessly; live; live wire; liveliness; lively; livid; loathe; loathing; loftily; lofty; loneliness; lonely; lonesome; long for; long-awaited; longing; longingly; long-suffering; look; lord it over sb; lordly; loss of face; loudly; lovable; love; love affair; love for; loveable; loveless; lovely; lover; lovesick; love-struck; loving; loving kindness; lovingly; low-key; low-pitched; low-spirited; loyal following; lukewarm; lull; lump it; lure; luscious; lust; lust for power; lustful; lustre; luxurious; lyrical.

Mm

madden; maddening; maddeningly;

madly; madness;

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magnanimity; magnet; magnetic; magnetism; magnificence; magnificent; majestic; majestically; majesty; make a face; malice; malicious; manfully; mania; manic; marginal; marked man/ woman; martyred; marvel; masochistic; maudlin; mawkish; mawkishly; mean; mean-spirited; meddlesome; melancholy; mellow; melodic; melt; melting; menace; menacing; menacingly; menial; mercy; merrily; merriment; merry; mesmerize; mesmerizing; might; mildness; mimic; mimicry; mindful; mindfulness; mind-numbing; miracle; miraculous; miraculously; mirth; misanthrope; misanthropic; misanthropist; misanthropy; miserable; miserably; miserly; misery; misfortune; misgiving; misgivings; mishear; missionary zeal; mistrust; misty-eyed; mixed feelings; moan; mockery; mocking; mockingly; modest; modestly; modesty; money-mad; monotonous; monotonously; monotony; monstrosity; mood; moodily; moody; mope about/ around; morose; morosely; mortal danger; mortal dread; mortal enemy; mortal fear; mortal threat; mortification; mortify; motherly; motivating force; motivation; mouldy; mourn; mournful; mournfully; mourning; mousy; move; moved; moving; movingly; muddle; muddled; muddle-headed; muffle; muffled; mundane; murmur; muse; mush; musky; musty; mute; muted; muzzy; myopic; mysterious; mysteriously; mystery; mystification; mystify; mystifying; mystifyingly.

Nn

nail-biter; nail-biting; narcissism; narcissist; narcissistic; narrow-minded; nasty; needy; negative; negatively; negativism; nerve/courage; nerveless; nerve-racking; nerves; nervewracking; nervous; nervously; nervy; nestle; nettle; neutral; neutrality; newsworthy; nibble; nice; nice-looking; nicely; niggle; niggling; no disrespect to; nobility; noble; noise; noise pollution; noiseless; noiselessly; noisily; noisy; nonchalance; nonchalant; nonchalantly; non-judgmental; nonplussed; nosey; nosily; nostalgia; nostalgic; nostalgically; nosy; not bothered; noted; nudge; numb; numbly; nurse; nuzzle (up).

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Oo

objective; objectively; objectivity; obsession with; odour; odourless; of marginal interest; off balance; offence; offend; officious; officiously; ogle; old hat; on tenterhooks; open mind; open-eyed; open-minded; open-mouthed; opinionated; opposition; oppress; oppression; oppressive; optimism; optimist; optimistic; optimistically; out of tune; outburst; outgrow; outpouring; outrage; outraged; ovation; overawe; overbearing; overeager; overflow; overhear; overheated; overjoyed; overtake; overtax; overtired; overwhelm; overwork; overworked; overwrought.

Pp

pacific; pacifier; pacify; pain; pained; painful; pale; pall; pallid; palpable; palpitation; pang; pangs; pangs of conscience; panic; panic attack; panic-stricken; paradise; paranoid; pardon (me); parochial; paroxysm; paroxysm of anger; paroxysm of rage; parsimony; partiality; passing fancy; passion for; passionate; passionately; passionless; passions; pat; patience; patient; patiently; patronize; patronizing; patter; paw; peace; peace of mind; peaceable; peaceably; peaceful; peacefully; peacefulness; peace-loving; peeve; peevish; peevishly; pen pusher; penchant; penchant for; pencil pusher; penetrating; pensive; pent-up; peppery; perceptive; perceptively; perfume; perkily; perky; permissive society; perplex; perplexed; perplexing; perplexity; persecution complex; pert; pessimism; pessimist; pessimistic; pessimistically; pester; pet; pet aversion; petrified; petrify; petty; petulance; petulant; petulantly; philanthropy; philosophical; philosophically; photogenic; picturesque; picturesquely; piercing; piercing eyes; piercing gaze; piercing glance; piercing look; piercingly; pine (away); pious; pious hope; pipe dream; pique; piqued; pissed off; pitter-patter; pity; placate; placid; placidity; placidly; plaintive; plaintively; playboy; playful; pleasant; pleasantly; pleasantness; please; pleased; pleasure; plonk (infml.); plummy; poetic; poetical; poetry; poignant;

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poised; poisonous; poker face; poker-faced; polite; politely; political correctness; politically correct; pomposity; pompous; pompously; pong (infml.); popularity; positive; positively; possessive; possessiveness; potency; pout; poverty; powermad; praise; praiseworthy; pray; precarious; predilection; predisposition; preen; preferable; preferably; preference; preferred; preoccupation with; preoccupied; prepossessing; presentable; presentiment; pressure; prettily; pretty; pride; prim; prim and proper; primly; prissily; prissy; privilege; prize; proclivity; profound; profoundly; prominence; prominent; prominently; prostrate; protective; proud; proudly; provocation; provocative; provocatively; provoke; prude; prudish; prudishly; public-spirited; puff; pull a face; pulling power; pulsating; punch-drunk; pungency; pungent; pungently; puppy love; pure; purse your lips; put the frighteners on; putrid; puzzle; puzzled; puzzling.

Qq

quake; quarrel; quarrelsome; quick temper; quick-tempered; quiet; quieten; quietly; quiver; quizzical; quizzically.

Rr

rabid; rabidly; racy; raddled; radiance; radiant; rage; rampage; ramshackle; rank; rankle; rapport; rapt attention; rapt expression; raptures; rapturous; rapturously; raring; rash; rashly; rasp; raspy; rattle; raucous; raucously; raver; raving; ravishing; razor-sharp; reality check; reappear; reappearance; rebelliousspirited; receptive; reckless; recklessly; red; red herring; reek; reel; refined; refreshed; refreshing; refreshingly; regard for; regret; regretful; regretfully; rejuvenate; relax; relaxation; relaxed; relaxing; release; relief; relieved; relish; reluctance; reluctant; reluctantly; remorse; remorseful; renowned; repel; repentance; repress; repressed; repression; reprisal; repulsion; require; requirement; resent; resentful; resentfully; resentment; reserve; reserved; resignation; resigned; resignedly; resonant;

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resonate; resound; resounding; respect; respected; respectful; respectfully; rested; restful; restfully; restive; restless; restlessly; restlessness; retaliate; retaliation; retaliatory; revelation; reveller; revenge; revengeful; reverence; reverentially; revolt; revulsion; rewarding; rhapsody; rhythmic; rhythmical; rhythmically; rid; riddle; ridicule; ripe; ripple; risk; riskily; risky; rivet; riveting; road rage; roar; roaring; robot; roll; romance; romantic; romantically; romanticism; rough; round-eyed; rousing; row; rowdily; rowdy; rubberneck; rubbernecking; ruffle; rugged; ruggedly; rumble; rumblings; run-down; rush; rustle; rustling.

Ss

sad; sadden; sadly; sadness; safety valve; salvo; sardonically; satisfaction; satisfied; satisfy; satisfying; scandalize; scare; scared; scaremongering; scary; scent; scented; scintillating; scoff; scoffer; scolding; scorn; scowl; scream; screech; screw; sear; search; searing; seat-of-the-pants; second thought; second wind; security risk; sedate; sedately; seduce; seduction; seductive; seductively; seeker; seethe; seething; self-accusation; selfappointed; self-condemnation; self-conscious; self-consciously; self-consciousness; self-deprecating; self-effacement; selfeffacing; self-effacingly; self-fulfilled; self-fulfilment; selfimportance; self-important; self-importantly; self-indulgence; selfindulgent; selfless; self-opinionated; self-pity; self-pitying; selfpossessed; self-possession; self-reproach; self-satisfaction; selfsatisfied; sensation; sensational; sensationalism; sensationalist; sensationalize; sensationally; sense; sense of achievement; sense of well-being; sensibilities; sensitive; sensitivity; sensual; sensuality; sensuous; sensuously; sentiment; sentimental; sentimentality; sentimentally; sentiments; serene; serenely; serenity; serious; settle; seventh heaven; sex drive; sexless; sexmad; sexual appetite; sexual attraction; sexual attractiveness; sexual desire; sexual longing; sexual passion; sexuality; shame; shamefaced; shamefacedly; shameful; shamefully; shameless; shamelessly; shapeliness; shapely; sharp; sharp-eyed; sharply;

104 W ords to speak abo u t feel ings and emotions – Part 2

sharpness; shattered; sheepish; sheepishly; shell-shocked; shiver; shivers; shock; shock tactics; shocked; shocking; shockingly; shoddily; shoddy; short; shortage; short-sighted; short-tempered; shouting match; show; show-stopper; show-stopping; shrewish; shrill; shudder; shy; shyly; sicken; sickening; sickly; silence; silent; silently; silken; simper; sincerity; sing; sizzle; skittish; skittishly; slack-jawed; slam; slap; slaver; slush; slushy; small-minded; smart; smart alec; smash; smell; smelly; smile; smiling; smilingly; smirk; smitten; smug; smugly; snap; snappish; snappishly; sneer; sneeze; snicker; sniff; sniffle; snigger; snivel; snort; snuffle; snug; snugly; sob; soft spot; soften; soft-hearted; softness; softspoken; solicitous; solicitude; soothe; soothing; soothingly; sore point; sorrow; sorry; sought-after; soul; soul-destroying; soulful; soulfully; soulless; sound; sour; sourly; sparkle; speak highly of; spectacular; spectacularly; spellbinding; spellbound; spice; spicy; spine-chilling; spineless; spinelessly; spine-tingling; spirit; spirited; spirited debate; spirited defence; spirited discussion; spirited girl/boy; spiritless; spirits; spit; spite; spiteful; splash; spleen; splendour; splendours; spook; sports-mad; sprightly; sprout; spry; spur; sputter; squabble; squeak; squeaky; squeamish; squeamishly; squint; stab of disappointment/fear/pain; stab of guilt/jealousy/pity; stable; stage fright; stagger; staggered; staggering; staggeringly; stagnant; stale; stand; standing joke; standing ovation; stare; startle; startled; startling; startlingly; starve; state of agitation; state of panic; stately; statuesque; steadily; steady; stench of; stiff upper lip; stimulate; stimulating; stimulus; sting; stirring; stodgy; stoic; stolid; stolidly; stomach; storm; storm in/into/off/out of; stormily; stormy; straight face; straight-faced; strain; strained; strength; stress; stressed (out); stressful; stretch; strident; strife; striking; stroke; stuck; stuffy; stunned; stunning; stunningly; stupefied; stupefy; stupefying; stupendous; stupendously; style; suave; suavely; suavity; subdued; subjective; subtle; subtlety; suburban; suffer; suffering; sulky; sultry; sunny; supercilious; superior; superiority; surge; surly; surprise; surprised; surprising; surprisingly; suspense;

105 W ords to speak abo ut fee lings and emotions – Part 2

suspicion; suspicious; svelte; swallow; swanky; swashbuckling; sweet; sweeten; sweetly; sweet-spirited; swish; swizz (infml.); swoon; swoosh; sympathy; syrupy.

Tt

take a dim view of sth; take umbrage; taken aback; taken with/ by; tame; tangle; tantalize; tantalizing; tantalizingly; tantrum; taste; tasteful; tastefully; tasteless; tastelessly; tastes; taunt; taut; tear; teardrop; tearful; tearfully; tease; tedious; tediously; tedium; telegenic; temper; temperament; temperamental; temperamentally; temperature; tempestuous; tempestuously; tempt; temptation; tempting; temptingly; tender; tender-hearted; tense; tensely; tension; tenterhooks; tepid; terrified; terrify; terrifying; terrifyingly; terror; terrorize; terror-stricken; testily; testy; tetchy; texture; thank; thank you; thankful; thankfully; thanks; thaw; the deuce; the dickens; the doldrums; the fainthearted; the hiccup; the human touch; thick skin; thin skin; think highly of; thin-skinned; thoughtful; thought-provoking; threadbare; threat; threaten; threatening; threateningly; thrill; thrilled; thrilling; thrilling experience; throb; throes; throw; throw a wobbly; thud; thunder; thunderbolt; thundering; thunderous; thunderstruck; tight-fisted; timid; timidity; timidly; timorous; timorously; tinge of; tingle; tinkle; tinny; tire; tired; tired out; tiredly; tireless; tirelessly; tiresome; tiresomely; tit for tat; titillate; titillation; titter; tolerance; tolerant; tolerantly; tolerate; toll; tone; tonelessly; torment; torpor; torrid; torture; touch; touched; touchily; touching; touchy; tough-spirited; towering rage; tragedy; tragic; tragically; tranquil; tranquillity; tranquilly; transfixed; traumatic; traumatically; traumatize; traumatized; treacherous; treacly; tread; treadmill; treasure; treat; tremble; trembling; tremour; trepidation; trigger-happy; trite; tritely; triumph; triumphant; triumphantly; trouble; troubling; troublingly; truculence; truculent; truculently; trust; try; trying; tug at the heartstrings; tumultuous; tuneful; tunefully; tuneless; tunelessly; tunnel vision; turbulence; turmoil; tussle;

106 W ords to speak abo u t feel ings and emotions – Part 2

twiddle; twinge; twitchy.

Uu

ugly; ugly duckling; unabashed; unaccountable; unaccountably; unappealing; unappreciative; unashamed; unashamedly; unassuming; unattractive; unattractively; unbelievable; unbiased; uncomfortable; uncomfortably; uncomplaining; uncomplainingly; uncomplimentary; unconcerned; unconcernedly; uncouth; undaunted; undergo; understanding; underwent; undesirable; unease; uneasily; uneasiness; uneasy; uneventful; uneventfully; unexplained; unfashionable; unfavourable; unflappable; unflattering; unflinching; unfulfilled; ungrateful; unhappily; unhappiness; unhappy; unimpressed; unimpressive; uninhibited; uninspired; uninspiring; uninterested; uninteresting; uninviting; unlovable; unmentionable; unmoved; unnerve; unnerving; unnervingly; unobtrusive; unobtrusively; unpopular; unpopularity; unrepentant; unresponsive; unrest; unruffled; unselfish; unsettle; unsettled; unsettling; unsmiling; unwanted; unwelcome; unwilling; unwillingly; unwind; uproar; uproarious; ups and downs; upset; upsetting; urbane; urbanely; urge; urgency.

Vv

vacant; vacantly; vague; vain; valiant; valiantly; vanish; vanishing; vanity; vehemence; vehement; vehemently; vengeance; venom; venomous; venomously; vent; verve; vexation; vibrant; vibrantly; victim; view; vigilance; vigorous; vigorously; vigour; vindictive; vindictively; violence; visibility; visible; vision; visual; visually; vitality; vitriol; vivacious; vivaciously; vivacity; vocal; vocalize; vocally; voice; voluptuous; voracious; vulgar; vulgarity; vulgarly.

Ww

wail; wanderlust; want; wanton; war of words; warm; warm feelings; warm-hearted; warmth; washed-out; watch; watchful;

107 W ords to speak abo ut fee lings and emotions – Part 2

wave; wax lyrical; weak-kneed; weakness for; wearily; weary of; weep; weepy; welcome; well-being; well-built; well-liked; wellmannered; well-thought-of; well-worn; wept; wet blanket; what makes sb tick; wheeze; wheezy; whet; whiff; whim; whimper; whine; whir; whirl; whirligig; whirlwind; whistle; whole-hearted; whole-heartedly; whoop; wildly; will; willing; wince; wind down; window dressing; winning; winsomely; wish; wishful thinking; wistful; wistfully; with (gay/reckless/wild) abandon; with bated breath; withdrawn; wither (away); withering; withstand; witless; witness; wobbly; woe; wolf-whistle; wonder; wooden; woodenly; woolly; worked up; world-shaking; world-shattering; world-weary; worn out; worried; worriedly; worrier; worry; worrying; worryingly; worship; worthless; would like; would love; would rather; would sooner; would-be; wounded; wrangle; wrath; wretched.

XYZxyz

yawn; yearn; yearning; yelp; yowl, zeal; zealous; zealously; zest; zestful; zestfully. That’s it. Bye for now.

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