Adjectives to describe teaching

273 Best Words to Describe a Teacher (2022)

This list of words to describe a teacher collates adjectives that you could use to describe any sort of teacher, both positive and negative.

Some of my favorite ways to describe a teacher are:

• Passionate
• Committed
• Inspiring
• Warm
• Caring
• Student-Focused

Some negative descriptions include:

• Apathetic
• Unprepared
• Lazy
• Biased
• Indifferent
• Boring

Use the table of contents below to jump to a category then select an adjective from the lists.

Positive Adjectives to Describe a Teacher

1. Excellent Teacher

Amazing – “You’re an amazing teacher and I’m so grateful to have you in my life.”

Awe-inspiring – “The lesson you put together for the students on space travel was awe-inspiring. My son now wants to become an astronaut!”

Awesome – “You’re an awesome teacher who makes every class fun. ”

Energetic – “Your energetic approach to teaching and learning invigorates the students and keeps them focused.”

Experienced – “I can tell you are an experienced teacher by the way you control your classroom.”

Leader – “You are a leading educator in the nation.”

Passionate – “Passion is the most important trait of an educator.”

Stimulating – “Your lectures are always incredibly stimulating and encourage excellent debates after class.”

Read Also: 13+ Examples Of The Word “Academic” In A Sentence

Natural – “You are a natural born educator thanks to your compassion, patience and ease with explaining.”

Other words for excellent teachers:

2.

Competent – “Based on the lesson I observed I believe you will be a competent educator and suitable for certification in our state.”

Helpful – “Whenever I ask you a question I always find your answers to be punctual and helpful. You don’t beat around the bush.”

Prepared – “If there’s one thing I can say about you, it’s that you always come to class prepared with great hands-on lessons.”

Punctual – “You are a punctual professional which shows me you value your students’ time.”

Valuable – “You are a valuable member of the faculty and I just wanted to let you know we all appreciate your input during staff meetings.”

Confident – “I was impressed by how confident you are in commanding the classroom and engaging with the students’ parents.”

Perseverant – “Even though you don’t always have successful lessons, it is admirable that you’re perseverant and bounce back with vigor the next day. ”

Other words for good teachers:

Read Also: 83 Best Words to Describe a Student

3. Kind Teacher

Amicable – Easy to get along with. “You’re an amicable teacher who is friends with all the parents and your colleagues.”

Empathetic – Ability to notice students’ feelings and have sympathy for those feelings. “The fact that you’re an empathetic person will make you a great early childhood educator. ”

Generous – Willing to give a lot of your time or resources. “I’m so impressed by how generous you are with your time. You will always sit down and talk with me to give me extra help.”

Nurturing – “As an educator of young children, your nurturing disposition makes me confident that you will always have the children’s best interests at heart.”

Perceptive – Ability to have insight into a situation. “You’re impressively perceptive. You can diagnose the needs of a student even when they don’t always tell you what they need.”

Warm and Welcoming – Making a classroom where all students feel comfortable. “The moment I walked into your classroom, I felt a warm and welcoming vibe from you. I was at home immediately.”

Other words for kind teachers:

4.

Amusing – “It’s great how you can get your students to laugh in order to make them feel comfortable in the classroom.”

Animated – Lively. “Your animated explanations of concepts really engages the students.”

Fun – “I love that you are a fun teacher who makes learning exciting for your students.”

Enthusiastic – Eager to get involved. “I love that you’re always so enthusiastic for learning, which really rubs off on your students.”

Motivating – Inspiring a desire to strive for things. “Your lessons are always so motivating and make me want to come back and learn more day after day.”

Other words for fun teachers:

Read Also: Metaphors about Teachers

5.

Astute – Clever and with good judgement. “Your astute analysis of situations ensures fairness in the classroom.”

Clever – “You’re a clever teacher which gives me confidence you’ll pass on great knowledge to your students.”

Analytical – “Your analytical thinking skills are rubbing off on the students and they’re starting to think very carefully about difficult tasks.”

Academic – You are an academically minded teacher who pays close attention to your students’ cognitive development.

Autodidactic – Self-educating. “It’s great how autodidactic you are. You’re always looking for ways to learn how to become a better teacher.”

Assiduous – Pays close attention to details and sees a task through. “Your assiduous approach to teaching ensures the students won’t miss any key pieces of information in the upcoming exam.”

Bright – Intelligent. “You’re clearly a bright teacher who has a lot to share with your students.”

Other words for intelligent teachers:

6. Fair Teacher

Tough but Fair – A way to describe a teacher who doesn’t provide high grades easily to any student. “That professor was very tough but fair in grading our papers. ”

Sincere – Honest and truthful. “You have always been a sincere educator who gives feedback that is kind and thoughtful.”

Objective – To follow a clear set of guidelines without bias. “You use marking criteria well in order to ensure you are an objective assessor of grades.”

Other words for fair teachers:

7. Calm Teacher

Cool-headed – To stay calm in situations. “I am so impressed how cool-headed you are when you have rude students in your classroom.”

Good Under Pressure – “You are incredibly good under pressure, especially when you get questions and pushback from your students.”

Other words for calm teachers:

Negative Adjectives to Describe a Teacher

1.

Angry – “I find you to be an angry teacher who scares the students.”

Annoying – “You’re an annoying teacher because your explanations are difficult to understand.”

Apathetic – Doesn’t seem to care. “You’re too apathetic to be in charge of a classroom full of students.”

Careless – “I think you are careless when you grade students’ papers. You miss a lot of important points that should have been considered when you provided the grade.”

Egotistical – Focused on how good you are. “You’re so interested in telling us how smart you are that you don’t focus on what matters – teaching us!”

Unprepared – “You are always unprepared. You come to class with your hair dishevelled and provide lessons straight out of textbooks instead of preparing enjoyable classes.”

Vague – Hard to understand. “You are vague. Your explanations don’t make any sense and don’t help any of us. ”

Verbose – Using too many words. “Your explanations are too verbose. Say what you mean and then get on with it!”

Other words for bad teachers:

2.

Absentminded – Meaning forgetful or inattentive. “You have been habitually absentminded which has hurt your students’ learning and progress.”

Average – “He’s not a good teacher but not a bad teacher either. He’s just average.”

Boring – “You’re a boring teacher who doesn’t make any effort to make class entertaining.”

Dry – The lessons are no fun. “Your classes are dry. All we do is sit and listen to you in silence.”

Indifferent – Not caring. “I’m failing my exams and I’d like your help. But you seem indifferent to my problem!”

Lazy – “You don’t do any work to improve your lessons or make your classes enjoyable. You’re just lazy!”

Other words for boring teachers:

3.

Biased – Shows preference to some students over others. “I think your grading of that essay was biased and showed preference for boys over girls.”

Hypercritical – To be too critical of things. “I think you were hypercritical of my child’s performance. I was there and they did a lot of good things but your feedback was all negative.”

Too Blunt – Says things that are true might be phrased hurtfully. “You’re a bit too blunt in your feedback. Consider providing positives as well as negatives next time.” (Opposite: Euphemistic).

Other words for unfair teachers:

Adjectives to Describe a Teaching Style

Accommodating – “It is lovely that you are accommodating to your students by allowing them to learn in ways that suit them best. ”

Active – A teacher who is regularly engaged in tasks. “You’re an active teacher who is always on the move and finding new ways to educate your students.”

Artistic – Good at arts. “The students love how artistic you are, which really brings out their creative sides.”

Constructivist – A constructivist teacher encourages hands-on learning. “You showed great skills as a constructivist teacher when you got the students to actively participate in the task.”

Opportunistic – Looking for new situations where teaching can occur. “I love how opportunistic you are. You always find teachable moments in everyday situations.”

Passive – A teacher who does not get involved in activities. “It has concerned me that you have been a passive teacher. You’re not getting involved in fun lessons with the students.”

Other words for teaching styles:

Other ways to Describe a Teacher

Business-like – Doing things efficiently and without emotion. “You’re business-like in the way you present the lessons which makes them easy to digest, but I would like to see you show a little more excitement in the delivery.”

Forthright – Straightforward and honest. “I appreciate your forthright feedback on my last exam and I will try to put that feedback into action.”

Overworked – “Teachers these days are overworked and underpaid. It’s unfair because they do so much for our society and our young people.”

Conclusion

There are countless words to describe a teacher, but those adjectives provided above are a good start. Whether the teacher is in early childhood, middle school, high school or college, there’s a word above to describe just about any teacher.

Some of the adjectives would be good for students to use, while others might be a little inappropriate. Many of them would be ideal for a person in a leadership position who is using words for constructive feedback for the teacher. And still others might be good for a parent to use in a message to the teacher at the end of the year.

And if none of the above words suit, have a brainstorm about how you would describe a teacher in your own words and in a way that is personal to how you perceive them.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Website | + posts

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education.

200+ Words To Describe A Teacher

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Teachers are the backbone of the education system.

They ensure that children learn and they play a huge role in shaping children’s lives now and in to the future.

Every adult can quickly recall a teacher (whether good or bad) who influenced them as a child or teenager.

For the purposes of this article, we’re focusing on the majority – the truly great teachers that shape the future.

How would you describe a teacher?

If you are looking for positive words to describe a special teacher ,here are some words to get you started:

• • academic
  • accommodating
  • adaptable
  • adventurous
  • advocate
  • alert
  • amazing
  • ambitious
  • amicable
  • analytical
  • appreciative
  • assiduous
  • astute
  • awesome
•  
  • bold
  • bright
  • brilliant
  • bubbly
  • busy
•  
  • calm
  • capable
  • careful
  • caring
  • charming
  • cheerful
  • clever
  • collaborative
  • colorful
  • committed
  • competent
  • confident
  • connected
  • conscientious
  • considerate
  • convivial
  • cool
  • cordial
  • courteous
  • creative
•  
  • dedicated
  • delightful
  • determined
  • diligent
  • discerning
  • disciplinarian
  • disciplined
  • diverse
  • driven
•  
  • eager
  • eccentric
  • effective
  • efficient
  • empathetic
  • empowered
  • empowering
  • energetic
  • entertaining
  • enthusiastic
  • erudite
  • excited
  • exciting
  • experienced
•  
  • fair
  • fantastic
  • flexible
  • friendly
  • fun
  • generous
  • genius
  • giving
  • good-natured
  • grateful
  • guide
•  
  • happy
  • hard-working
  • harried
  • helpful
  • hilarious
  • honest
  • hopeful
  • humble
  • humorous
•  
  • imaginative
  • incisive
  • ingenious
  • innovative
  • inquiring
  • insightful
  • inspirational
  • inspiring
  • instinctive
  • intelligent
  • intuitive
  • inventive
•  
  • jolly
  • jovial
  • judicial
  • just
  • keen
  • kind
  • knowledgeable
•  
  • leader
  • leading
  • learner
  • level-headed
  • lively
  • logical
  • loving
  • loyal
•  
  • mathematical
  • memorable
  • mentor
  • methodical
  • meticulous
  • mindful
  • motivated
  • motivating
  • motivational
  • natural
  • neat
  • nice
  • nurturing
•  
  • objective
  • open
  • optimistic
  • organized
  • overworked
  • passionate
  • patient
  • pensive
  • perceptive
  • perseverant
  • persistent
  • playful
  • polite
  • positive
  • prepared
  • proactive
  • professional
  • proficient
  • prudent
  • punctual
•  
  • quick
  • reflective
  • relentless
  • reliable
  • resilient
  • resourceful
  • respectful
  • responsible
  • scrupulous
  • selfless
  • serious
  • sharp
  • sincere
  • skilful
  • smart
  • sociable
  • spirited
  • steady
  • stern
  • stimulating
  • studious
  • successful
  • superb
  • sweet
  • sympathetic
•  
  • talented
  • technological
  • tenacious
  • thankful
  • thorough
  • thoughtful
  • tough
  • trustworthy
•  
  • unbiased
  • underrated
  • understanding
  • valuable
  • vivacious
•  
  • warm
  • welcoming
  • willing
  • wise
  • wonderful

How would you describe a dedicated teacher?

Dedicated teachers put in the effort to ensure that children learn and they do everything that they can to support their students.

They don’t give up and there is always a lesson for every student no matter how able or hardworking the child might be.

They are persistent, enthusiastic, resilient and patient in their teaching efforts.

Inevitably, there are going to be times when a teacher is faced with resistance from students.

When the going gets tough, a dedicated teacher will always stay positive and maintain unwavering dedication towards their profession and towards each child in the class.

How To Praise A Teacher In Words

Praising a teacher in words is often more difficult than it seems.

Even though teachers know they are making a difference to children’s lives, sometimes expressions of praise like ‘thank you’ or ‘I really appreciate what you do’ may not be sufficient enough to show the depth of your appreciation.

Take the time to tell (or write to) the teacher and let them know just how much they mean to you and your family – your gratitude won’t go unnoticed.

For more positive words and encouraging quotes, be sure to check out:

• 250+ Unique Adjectives to Describe a Person
• 15 Powerful Quotes by Malala Yousafzai
• 36 Short Quotes on Attitude
• How To Be A Fast Learner: Tricks That Work
• Strong Girl Quotes & Sayings For Inspiration
• Growth Mindset Quotes for Kids – from Dr Seuss!

Adjectives as a stumbling block in teaching Russian as a foreign language (B2-C1 level)

Language theory | Philological aspect No. 02 (70) February 2021

UDC 81

Publication date 17.02.2021

Pavlov Aleksey Igorevich
Candidate of Philology, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Russian as a Foreign Language and Methods of its Teaching, St. Petersburg State University, RF, Saint-Petersburg, [email protected]

Abstract: The article is devoted to the description of grammatical principles of differentiation of adjectives having a similar external form. Phonetic, word-formation and combined approaches form the basis both for the correct perception and selection of a particular adjective from a number of similar ones, and for the systematic memorization of individual semantic classes of the part of speech under consideration. This avoids the mechanical learning of words, on the one hand, and on the other hand, minimizes the facts of their incorrect use. This technique is applicable in groups of foreign students who, firstly, have a fairly extensive vocabulary, which includes the most common word roots, and secondly, who have an understanding of both the principles of Russian word formation and the semantics of individual prefixes and suffixes of the Russian language. Conclusions and recommendations are based on practical activities and can be used to improve the effectiveness of the educational process.
Keywords: adjectives, prefix, suffix, delimitation of meanings, semantics, word formation, advanced stage of learning instructor of Russian as a foreign language and methods of its teaching department, St. Petersburg State University, Russia, St.Petersburg

Abstract: This article is dedicated to the description of the grammatical principles of adjectives with similar external shape delineation. Phonetical, derivational and combined approaches create the ground for the correct perception and selecting the adjective from a number of similar ones as well as the systemised memorising individual semantic classes of the considered part of speech. It allows, on the one hand, to avoid words mechanical learning by heart and on the other hand, keeps the facts of their improper use to a minimum. This technique is applicable in groups of foreign students, who, first of all, have an extensive vocabulary, which includes the most common use routs of words and secondly, who have the idea of ​​Russian language derivation principles as well as Russian language prefixes and suffixes semantics. Conclusions and recommendations are based on the practical professional activity of the author and can be used to increase the effectiveness of the educational process.
Keywords: adjectives, prefix, suffix, distinction of meanings, semantics, derivation, advanced level of teaching process

Reference to this article

Pavlov A.I. Adjectives as a stumbling block in teaching Russian as a foreign language (level B2-C1) // Philological aspect: international scientific and practical journal. 2021. No. 02 (70). Access mode: https://scipress.ru/philology/articles/prilagatelnye-kak-kamen-pretknoveniya-pri-obuchenii-rki-uroven-v2-s1.html (Date of access: 02/17/2021)

At the advanced stage of education, there are certain difficulties in teaching. They differ depending on the composition of the group, for example. If the majority of students are from Slavic countries, then exercises on the phonetics of a productive plan will present a certain difficulty due to the proximity of the native and Russian languages. In this case, exercises for articulation control and receptive exercises [1] will make up the specifics of classes in sounding speech than with any other group composition.

Other aspects of language learning are taught in a complex, that is, the selection of text for the lesson should take into account the level of grammatical and lexical competence of the student, and tasks for speaking and listening are selected taking into account the close thematic connection between them, which allows the teacher, based on the film or program watched , to develop a discussion on a particular social topic. At the same time, it is often the vocabulary that becomes a stumbling block in the indicated process. The fact is that "... different meanings of the same lexeme may have different correspondences in other languages, and some of the values ​​may not have exact equivalents at all"[4].

Consequently, correct semantization, on the one hand, becomes the key to success in increasing the effectiveness of learning, and on the other hand, choosing the optimal method for the goal is precisely the main difficulty. In this article we are talking about adjectives, but, no doubt, there are difficulties in distinguishing between the meanings of nouns and verbs. True, in these cases, the criteria for differentiation are clearer (for example, the meaning of verbal prefixes), and adjectives quite often lead students to complete confusion.

In order to facilitate the process of recognizing the semantics of a single adjective and determining its differences from another word similar to it in external form, it is necessary to distinguish three groups of such oppositions.

1. Alternation of vowels and consonants in the root

Adjectives that are almost completely identical and differ only in one letter in the root of the word present difficulties mainly in the process of reading. The student, during spontaneous reading, pronounces the word that he knows and is included in his active vocabulary. For example, with a high degree of probability it can be argued that instead of equal will read equal to . The situation with different inflections is even more obvious: large - large . It is clear that a less common variant will be learned only after the teacher gives an appropriate explanation using its grammatical properties and word-formation analysis [3]. However, this group, in fact, will cease to cause any difficulties when the student learns the main roots of words. Naturally, each opposition must be fixed with at least 10 typical exercises. In turn, tasks are built from simple to complex, which in this case means that first the student needs to choose the correct option from two words with similar roots. For example, sharp and carved . After that, it is worth expanding and complicating the exercise by contrasting frisky - cut - rubber . The more representative the opposition of adjectives and participles similar to them, the more obvious is the contrast between what the student could understand before and after the teacher's explanation. A clear understanding of what previously seemed incomprehensible, and mastery of the system for solving similar complex issues in the future, has a positive effect on the listener for continuing learning.

2. Semantics of prefixes and suffixes

The second group, on the one hand, involves the differentiation of adjectives on the basis of the semantics of suffixes and prefixes included in their composition. For example, is distinct and is distinct . One of the most recognizable suffixes - tel allows you to immediately determine the semantics of the actor behind the corresponding adjective. In turn - n - indicates a constant quality. Subjective modality is the next and additional phase of explanation: the speaker thinks that the subject is better than just good, or this is already a generally accepted assessment. On the other hand, this group also includes hybrid cases, when some members of the opposition differ by a vowel or consonant in the root, while others differ by prefixes and suffixes. For example, fine - chiselled - pointy - sharpened - wasteful . So, the first and second adjectives differ in suffixes, the third is formed from a different root, the fourth word is a passive participle of the past tense, and the fifth has an etymology to scatter something , which is not very familiar to native speakers. In this case, both the teacher's explanations and the system of exercises should include these features. Consequently, it becomes correct to create a certain strict system with laws based on the semantics of one or another component of the word. For example, the suffix -ov-/-ev- is quite frequent and is included in many oppositions of adjectives. At the same time, most of the works of linguists rightly establish the relation to a person or animal as its semantic dominant. Diachrony reveals the periods of its oblivion and revival, when it began to be interpreted as a component of relative adjectives [5]. Nevertheless, consideration of complex issues of the semantics of adjectives draws attention to the significance of the actionality of this suffix.

For example: Crown fire destroyed the crowns of trees.

Pain hold forced the athlete to give up.

In this case, the suffixes -ov- / -ev- indicate an action that is either localized in a certain way (passed along the top), or caused discomfort (pain) to the object. So, in the opposition high - higher - upper - riding - supreme the student accurately and immediately determines the difference between the considered adjective and the rest precisely because of its suffix. Taking into account the fact that high and superlatives higher are not particularly difficult to understand, the only task of the teacher is to explain the meaning of the word supreme. The same situation develops in other chains of adjectives. Patient is not only an adjective, but also a substantiated noun, the frequent use of which eliminates the double interpretation of the meaning. Due to the revealed value of the suffix painful also becomes clear to students. The definition of the meaning of the adjective painful is associated with the third group, which we will now consider.

In the light of the foregoing, it seems quite logical to consider adjectives through the prism of word formation, since prefixes are traditionally studied at the stage of familiarizing students with the verb form. In particular, early enough, already at the initial stage of training, students get an idea of ​​the opposition po-/pri- (He went to the cinema./ He came to the cinema.), u-/pri- (We left the city./We arrived to the city.), in- / you- (Grandma entered the store. / Grandmother left the store.). In other words, by the time of studying the principles of distinguishing between adjectives with a similar external form and participles, the student can already know not only the root of the word, but also the prefix.

For example: exhibition - exhibited - representative - representative

The first pair of words includes a prefix with the value from within , as well as the root of the word becoming (l) , which should also already be known to the student. Therefore, the key to understanding is suffixes. -ochn- forms adjectives with the meaning of a sign or property and a certain relationship to the nouns from which they are formed [2], -enn- is a passive participle suffix of the past tense. Verbal noun exhibition , where the prefix is ​​already getting closer to merging with the root, is included in the student's active vocabulary at this stage of learning, and therefore “ is the one that is open to the public” - is a completely understandable definition for the adjective exhibition . Compatibility can be both with a specific noun (exhibition center), and with an abstract ( exhibition game) . The sacrament reports a result that has already happened ( a guest thrown out of the house) or due in the future ( sofa for sale).

The second pair consists of adjectives whose only difference is the suffix. - sk- describing the function ( representative car = a car that gives an idea of ​​the social status of the owner, his income level, etc.) , and - n- - as a quality of the person himself (representative young person = making a positive impression on others) , and groups of people (representative assembly = a meeting in which many social groups of the population took part, and therefore have weight in the eyes of the public) .

3. Semantics of the adjectival root

Third, but no less significant, is the opposition of adjective roots. This was partly discussed in the example we analyzed in the previous section, but there the emphasis was more on the meaning of prefixes and suffixes. We can say with confidence that, firstly, this approach should be applied at the very beginning of acquaintance with the members of a chain of adjectives that have similarities in external form. Possessing information about the word from which the adjective is formed, the student, even without taking into account prefixes and suffixes, understands its general semantics.

For example: sick - sickly .

In the first case, a semantically significant series is pain, to hurt. Therefore, a person who is sick is a sick person. Oddly enough, the indicated logic is preserved in the figurative meaning. So, a sore point is a certain topic that excites the speaker, that is, he is sick of it. In the second case, the semantic core is disease, and the adjective indicates a connection with it. Therefore, we consider a sickly person to be one who often encounters illness, that is, who cannot boast of good health. Painful question , based on this logic, is the one that delivers unpleasant experiences to the subject that it characterizes. Thanks to the described approach, we find out that sick and painful , in fact, are antonyms, especially in a figurative sense. What interests and attracts us can hardly be identical in semantics to what gives us inconvenience.

Secondly, in complex cases with homonymy of roots, thanks to this approach, it becomes clear why in one case we have an adjective marriage , and in the other participle defective. Quality (refers to marriage, the union of two people) is opposed to action (performed with marriage, of poor quality).

Thus, the teaching of adjectives at an advanced stage of learning presupposes, firstly, the language base formed by students, which allows in the process of explanations to rely on general knowledge of prefixes and word roots. Secondly, mechanical memorization with subsequent training will not save, but only for a short time can eliminate errors from speech. The proposed structured approach will help the student in any situation to think in linguistic categories, thanks to which, in any opposition, not only to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar adjective, for example, but also to understand its differences from a word similar in sound and form. Finally, the proposed approach to teaching adjectives, on the one hand, is quite flexible, since the three selected groups can overlap each other, and on the other hand, it includes the repetition of all the basic principles of word formation, being part of the method of comprehensive teaching of the Russian language.

1. Barkhudarova EL. Issues of organizing the teaching of phonetics and intonation of the Russian language at an advanced stage of education / / Language, consciousness, communication Issue 2. M., 1997. S., 117-119.
2. Efremova T. F. Modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language M., 2000
3. Pribylykh S.R. On the peculiarities of the assimilation of Russian vocabulary by foreign students // Actual problems of the humanities and natural sciences No. 9-2 M., 2015. S., 142-143.
4. Pugachev I.A., Yarkina L.P. Vocabulary as one of the main components of the content of teaching a foreign language at an advanced stage // Bulletin of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, series Questions of education: language and specialty M., 2010, No. 1 P., 74
5. Shumilova M.V. On the dynamics of the productivity of the suffix of possessive adjectives-ov in the Russian language (according to lexicographic sources)// Philological Sciences. Questions of theory and practice No. 1(79) Tambov, Gramota 2018. S., 185-188

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Top 10 adjectives to describe books and movies in English - EnglishDom blog

February 20, 2014

5 min. read

146566

The main task of every English learner is just to speak. Even if at first your vocabulary is small, and the sentences are not as refined as we would like. But when the initial stage is passed, you can think about replenishing your active dictionary. For example, how else can you describe a movie you like other than "cool" or "great"? What else can be said about the book other than "interesting"? Let's look at the most useful adjectives you can use when describing movies and books.

Complete the topic in the online simulator:

• True detective
• Boardwalk Empire
• House of cards
• Clinic
• Sherlock

Brilliant - brilliant, delightful

Synonyms: "outstanding", "splendid", "exceptional".

If you really enjoyed the acting, the cinematography, any other part of the movie, or the whole movie, then this adjective is perfect. It belongs to the category of "extreme adjectives" - they differ in that they express a very pronounced sign, and the word "very" seems to be included in their meaning initially. Therefore, if we want to strengthen such an adjective, then we need to use "absolutely", "really", "totally", but not "very".

The acting was brilliant!
I liked this film a lot, it's absolutely brilliant!

Gripping

Synonyms: "fascinating", "interesting", "intriguing".

A great epithet for a story that made you drop everything and read the book from cover to cover without stopping. And films with such a plot are also not uncommon.

I like detective stories, they are usually so gripping.
We really enjoyed the gripping plot of that blockbuster.

Entertaining

Synonyms: "amusing", "delightful", "funny".

This adjective should be taken into account by fans of entertaining reading and frivolous films. If you have recently watched or read something just to relax, then you can use the word "entertaining".

I am tired of reading classical literature in university, so I prefer some entertaining short stories now.
I don't want to watch anything scary or dramatic, let's choose an entertaining film.

Hilarious - very funny, hilarious

Synonyms: "comical", "humorous", "witty".

Those who prefer comedies or humorous stories will find this epithet useful (by the way, “hilarious” is also “extreme adjective”). If you laughed to tears in the auditorium or did your best not to frighten others with your laughter while reading in public transport, then you came across something “absolutely hilarious”!

I adore Jim Carrey – he is totally hilarious.
You must read this hilarious book, I'm sure you'll like it.

Insightful - instructive, with deep meaning

Synonyms: "enlightening", "revealing".

Many films and books make us think about something serious, raise questions that are not easy to answer.

This novel is highly praised as an insightful work of literature.
What I really liked about this film was the last speech of the main character – it was soful.

Fast-moving

Synonyms: "dynamic", "flashing".

Are Spider-Man and Superman your favorite characters? Are you a fan of the Fast & Furious movie series? Now you will know how to characterize action films in which events follow each other at lightning speed.

Why did you like this film? – Well, it's fast-moving and exciting.

Predictable

Synonyms: "anticipated", "foreseeable", "expected".

It also happens that the plot of a book or a movie is not very exciting, and after fifteen minutes you realize, for example, that the killer is a hairdresser. Or vice versa - from the first glance at the main characters, it was clear that in the end they would get married. Such predictability disappoints someone, and someone even rejoices in his ingenuity, but the word “predictable” will be needed in both cases.

The happy end was quite predictable.

Disappointing - disappointing, unsuccessful

Synonyms: "failing", "mediocre".

The choice of a film or a book is not always successful, sometimes we don't like what we watch or read at all, because we expected more. Please note that the suffix "-ing" means the quality of the item, and "-ed" means the feelings of the person. Therefore, we can say “disappointing” about the film, and “I am disappointed” about our disappointment.

We were looking forward to watching this film but it turned out to be so disappointing.

Violent - hard

Synonyms: "brutal", "cruel", "savage".

Everyone has different tastes, someone likes action movies, someone likes disaster films, and sometimes the word “violent” may be needed to describe events or characters.

The plot centers around the investigation of a violent crime.

Truthful - truthful, reliable

Synonyms: "realistic", "trustworthy".

A good word for books and films that reflect events as they are in real life, paint a realistic picture of what is happening.

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