Strong Adjectives - Mastering Vocabulary from Base to Powerful

Welcome to this lesson on upgrading your English vocabulary. We will move beyond simple, common adjectives and learn their more powerful, expressive counterparts. This practice will help you describe the world with greater precision and make your English sound much more fluent and natural.

Alright, let's begin our journey into more descriptive language. We are going to take a basic word, a base adjective, and learn a strong adjective to make our meaning more powerful.

Number one. Our first word is Angry. We all know this word. But what if you are more than just angry? What if you are extremely angry? Then you are furious. This is a fantastic word to express strong emotion. Let's get more familiar with it, repeat it with me. Furious, furious, furious, furious. It has a real energy to it.

Now for a real-life sentence. After he discovered the lie, he was absolutely furious with his friend.

Let's have that sentence again. After he discovered the lie, he was absolutely furious with his friend.

Number two. The base word is Bad. This is probably one of the most common adjectives. But it can be a little boring. A much stronger word is terrible. You can use this for situations, food, weather, anything that is very, very bad. Let's practice saying it to remember it. Terrible, terrible, terrible.

Here is an example. The traffic this morning was not just bad, it was terrible.

Listen to that once more. The traffic this morning was not just bad, it was terrible.

Number three. Next up, we have the word Big. Another simple and useful word. But to describe something of a very large size, you can use the word huge. It really emphasizes the scale of something. Let's say it a few times to get the feel for it. Huge, huge, huge, huge.

Think about this situation. He lives in a big house, but his parents live in a huge mansion by the sea.

Let's rephrase that for clarity. He lives in a big house, but his parents live in a huge mansion by the sea.

Number four. Our fourth base adjective is Bright. Like a bright light or a bright color. For something that is exceptionally bright, so bright it’s almost difficult to look at, we can use the word dazzling. Pay attention to the sound of this word. Dazzling, dazzling, dazzling.

Let's put it into context. The fireworks were bright, but the final explosion was a dazzling display of color.

Let's hear that example again. The fireworks were bright, but the final explosion was a dazzling display of color.

Number five. The word is Cold. We use this all the time in winter. But for a level of cold that is extreme, you should use the word freezing. This tells people it is not just a little chilly. It is seriously cold. Let's commit this word to memory. Freezing, freezing, freezing.

Here is a sentence you might use. It was cold yesterday, but with the wind today, it’s absolutely freezing.

One more time, listen closely. It was cold yesterday, but with the wind today, it’s absolutely freezing.

Number six. Moving on to Dirty. Something can be a little dirty. But if it is extremely dirty, covered in dirt and grime, the word is filthy. This word creates a very strong image. Let's practice it together. Filthy, filthy, filthy, filthy.

Here is how you might use it. After playing in the mud, the children's clothes were absolutely filthy.

Let's try that one more time. After playing in the mud, the children's clothes were absolutely filthy.

Number seven. Our base word is Excited. A great feeling. To express an even higher level of excitement and happiness, you can use thrilled. It means you are just buzzing with excitement. Let's get used to the sound. Thrilled, thrilled, thrilled.

Here is a sentence. She was excited to get the job offer, but she was thrilled when she heard about the salary.

Listen to that again. She was excited to get the job offer, but she was thrilled when she heard about the salary.

Number eight. Let's look at Fast. A fast car is one thing. But for something that happens very quickly, almost suddenly, you can use rapid. Think of a rapid change. Let's say it now to lock it in. Rapid, rapid, rapid, rapid.

Consider this example. The company experienced a period of rapid growth last year.

Let's have that sentence again. The company experienced a period of rapid growth last year.

Number nine. Funny. We all love something funny. But what about something that makes you laugh out loud, something that is exceptionally funny? That would be hilarious. This is a brilliant word to have. Let's repeat it for practice. Hilarious, hilarious, hilarious.

Here is the context. The movie was funny, but the comedian's stand-up show was hilarious.

Listen to that once more. The movie was funny, but the comedian's stand-up show was hilarious.

Number ten. Good. This is perhaps the most used adjective in English. A stronger, more formal word is excellent. It shows a very high quality. This is a word you should use. Let's say it together. Excellent, excellent, excellent, excellent.

Here is an example. The food at that restaurant is good, but the service is excellent.

Let's hear that again. The food at that restaurant is good, but the service is excellent.

Number eleven. Happy. A wonderful feeling. But for a state of pure, overwhelming joy, you can use ecstatic. It’s a powerful feeling. Let's get comfortable with this word. Ecstatic, ecstatic, ecstatic.

Imagine this. He was happy to pass the exam, but he was ecstatic to get the top score in the class.

Let's rephrase that for clarity. He was happy to pass the exam, but he was ecstatic to get the top score in the class.

Number twelve. Hot. A hot day is common. But an intensely, uncomfortably hot day is scorching. You can almost feel the heat in the word itself. Let's practice saying it. Scorching, scorching, scorching, scorching.

Here’s a sentence. Be sure to drink plenty of water, it's going to be a scorching day.

One more time, listen closely. Be sure to drink plenty of water, it's going to be a scorching day.

Number thirteen. The word is Hungry. But when you are more than hungry, when you feel weak from a lack of food, you are starving. This is not just a feeling of wanting a snack. Let's repeat this important word. Starving, starving, starving.

Here is a common situation. I missed lunch today, so I am absolutely starving.

Listen to that one again. I missed lunch today, so I am absolutely starving.

Number fourteen. Interesting. An interesting book holds your attention. But a book that is so interesting you can't put it down is fascinating. It implies a deep level of interest. Let's get this word into our active vocabulary. Fascinating, fascinating, fascinating, fascinating.

Here is an example. I read an interesting article, but the documentary I watched later was truly fascinating.

Let's have that sentence once more. I read an interesting article, but the documentary I watched later was truly fascinating.

Number fifteen. Lazy. Nobody likes to be called lazy. An even stronger, more formal word is indolent. It describes a person who avoids activity or exertion by habit. Let's practice this less common word. Indolent, indolent, indolent.

Consider this. His lazy attitude to work was a problem, but his manager described him as persistently indolent.

Let's hear that again. His lazy attitude to work was a problem, but his manager described him as persistently indolent.

Number sixteen. Little. This is a simple word for size. A more descriptive word for something very, very small is tiny. It gives a better sense of the small scale. Let's say it a few times. Tiny, tiny, tiny, tiny.

Here’s the example. A ladybug is a little insect, but an ant is truly tiny.

Listen to that example again. A ladybug is a little insect, but an ant is truly tiny.

Number seventeen. Loud. A loud noise can be annoying. A noise that is so loud it is overwhelming and almost painful is deafening. Think of the word deaf inside it. Let's practice the sound. Deafening, deafening, deafening.

Here is how you might use it. The music at the concert was so loud, it was deafening.

Let's repeat that for effect. The music at the concert was so loud, it was deafening.

Number eighteen. Old. A very useful word. To describe something that is extremely old, from a different era altogether, you can use ancient. This often refers to history. Let's get used to this word. Ancient, ancient, ancient, ancient.

For instance. I visited an old castle, but then I saw the ancient Roman ruins nearby.

Let's hear that one more time. I visited an old castle, but then I saw the ancient Roman ruins nearby.

Number nineteen. Scared. The feeling of being afraid. To describe a much higher level of fear, a feeling of intense terror, you use terrified. This is a very strong emotional word. Let's say it together now. Terrified, terrified, terrified.

Here is a sentence. He is scared of spiders, but when he saw one in his bed, he was absolutely terrified.

Listen to that again for the feeling. He is scared of spiders, but when he saw one in his bed, he was absolutely terrified.

Number twenty. Small. Another word for size, like little. For something that is incredibly small, almost too small to see, a great word is minuscule. It sounds more scientific and precise. Let's practice it. Minuscule, minuscule, minuscule, minuscule.

Here is an example. The writing on the contract was so small, it was almost minuscule.

Let's have that sentence again. The writing on the contract was so small, it was almost minuscule.

Number twenty-one. Tired. We all feel tired after a long day. But when you are completely drained of all energy, the perfect word is exhausted. It means you have no energy left. Let's commit this word to memory. Exhausted, exhausted, exhausted.

Consider this. I was tired after the run, but after the full marathon, I was completely exhausted.

One more time, listen carefully. I was tired after the run, but after the full marathon, I was completely exhausted.

Number twenty-two. Ugly. This word describes something that is not pleasant to look at. A much stronger word, for something that is shockingly ugly or distorted, is hideous. It conveys a sense of revulsion. Let's practice this powerful word. Hideous, hideous, hideous.

Here is an example. I thought the old statue was ugly, but the new one they replaced it with is hideous.

Let's hear that again. I thought the old statue was ugly, but the new one they replaced it with is hideous.

Number twenty-three. Weak. This describes a lack of physical strength. For someone who is weak and delicate, often due to old age or illness, you can use the word frail. It paints a more specific picture. Let's get familiar with it. Frail, frail, frail, frail.

For instance. The old man was weak, but after his illness, he looked very frail.

Listen to that one more time. The old man was weak, but after his illness, he looked very frail.

Number twenty-four. Worried. The feeling of being concerned about something. A stronger state of this is being anxious. This implies a feeling of unease and nervousness, often about an uncertain outcome. Let's practice it. Anxious, anxious, anxious.

Here is how to use it. He was worried about the interview, and he became more anxious as he waited for his turn.

Let's have that sentence again. He was worried about the interview, and he became more anxious as he waited for his turn.

Number twenty-five. We have another word for Angry. This one is livid. If furious means extremely angry, livid is even more so. It often implies the anger is visible in your face. Let's learn this great word. Livid, livid, livid, livid.

Here is a sentence. She was angry about the mistake, but when he lied about it, she was absolutely livid.

Listen to that again. She was angry about the mistake, but when he lied about it, she was absolutely livid.

Number twenty-six. Let's find another word for Bad. This one is awful. Awful is very similar to terrible and describes something of very bad quality. Let's get used to saying it. Awful, awful, awful.

For example. The weather was bad yesterday, but this rain is just awful.

One more time. The weather was bad yesterday, but this rain is just awful.

Number twenty-seven. Here is another step up from Big. The word is enormous. It means something is extraordinarily large, even bigger than huge. It's a great word for emphasis. Let's say it together. Enormous, enormous, enormous, enormous.

Consider this. They have a huge dog, but their neighbor has an absolutely enormous horse.

Let's hear that again. They have a huge dog, but their neighbor has an absolutely enormous horse.

Number twenty-eight. Let's get another word for Bright. This one is radiant. While dazzling means something is so bright it's hard to look at, radiant describes a warm, glowing brightness. Think of a radiant smile. Let's practice it. Radiant, radiant, radiant.

Here is an example. Her dress was bright, and her smile was absolutely radiant.

Listen once more. Her dress was bright, and her smile was absolutely radiant.

Let's take a small pause. We are now moving to the second column of words. The concepts are similar, but the words are new. This is great for building a rich vocabulary.

Number twenty-nine. We have Cold again. A different strong adjective is icy. This describes a cold that is so intense it feels like ice. It can be used for weather or even a person's tone. Let's say the word. Icy, icy, icy, icy.

For example. His stare was so cold, it felt icy.

Let's hear that again. His stare was so cold, it felt icy.

Number thirty. Let's revisit Dirty. A great alternative is grimy. This means covered with a layer of dirt, or grime. It suggests the dirt has been there for a while. Let's practice it. Grimy, grimy, grimy.

Here is a sentence. The kitchen was dirty, and the old windows were grimy.

Listen to that again. The kitchen was dirty, and the old windows were grimy.

Number thirty-one. Back to Excited. A wonderful alternative to thrilled is elated. This means you are ecstatically happy, often because of a success. Let's get used to this one. Elated, elated, elated, elated.

Here is the context. She was excited to win the award, but she was truly elated when she received the prize.

One more time. She was excited to win the award, but she was truly elated when she received the prize.

Number thirty-two. Another word for Fast. Speedy. This is a very simple and effective word to mean moving quickly. Think of a speedy delivery. Let's practice it. Speedy, speedy, speedy.

Here is an example. We were impressed with the fast service and the speedy arrival of our food.

Listen to that sentence again. We were impressed with the fast service and the speedy arrival of our food.

Number thirty-three. Let's find another word for Funny. Comical. This describes something that is amusing and causes laughter, but it can sometimes feel a bit silly or absurd. Let's say it a few times. Comical, comical, comical, comical.

Here is how you can use it. The clown's funny walk was quite comical to watch.

Let's have that sentence again. The clown's funny walk was quite comical to watch.

Number thirty-four. Another one for Good. Wonderful. This is a very positive and warm word to describe something that is delightful and extremely good. Let's get this into our vocabulary. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.

For instance. We had a good time, the weather was absolutely wonderful.

Listen to that once more. We had a good time, the weather was absolutely wonderful.

Number thirty-five. A new word for Happy. Jubilant. This describes a feeling of great happiness and triumph, especially after a victory. It’s full of energy. Let's practice saying it. Jubilant, jubilant, jubilant.

Here is an example. The fans were happy their team won, and the players were jubilant in their celebrations.

Let's hear that again. The fans were happy their team won, and the players were jubilant in their celebrations.

Number thirty-six. Revisiting Hot. A fantastic alternative is blazing. This means it is extremely hot and bright, like a fire. It suggests intense, burning heat. Let's get familiar with the sound. Blazing, blazing, blazing, blazing.

Here is a sentence for you. We sat under the blazing sun for hours.

One more time. We sat under the blazing sun for hours.

Number thirty-seven. Another for Hungry. This word is ravenous. Like starving, it means you are extremely hungry, but it can also imply a certain greediness in how you want to eat. Let's practice it. Ravenous, ravenous, ravenous.

Here is how to use it. After the long hike, the campers were ravenous.

Listen to that again. After the long hike, the campers were ravenous.

Number thirty-eight. Let's look at Interesting again. A great word is captivating. If something is captivating, it attracts and holds your attention completely because it is so beautiful or interesting. Let's repeat it. Captivating, captivating, captivating, captivating.

For example. The story was interesting, and the main character was captivating.

Let's have that sentence again. The story was interesting, and the main character was captivating.

Number thirty-nine. Back to Lazy. The word is slothful. This is a very formal word, related to the slow-moving animal, the sloth. It means lazy and indolent. Let's practice this advanced word. Slothful, slothful, slothful.

Here is an example. The manager warned the employee about his slothful approach to his duties.

Listen to that one more time. The manager warned the employee about his slothful approach to his duties.

Number forty. Let's find another word for Little. This one is minute. Be careful with pronunciation. It means exceptionally small. It's often used in science. Let's say the word. Minute, minute, minute.

Here is the context. There were tiny specks of dust, and some were so minute you could barely see them.

Let's hear that again. There were tiny specks of dust, and some were so minute you could barely see them.

Number forty-one. Another for Loud. Blaring. This describes a loud and harsh sound. Think of a car horn blaring. It's not a pleasant sound. Let's practice it. Blaring, blaring, blaring, blaring.

Here is a sentence. I couldn't sleep because of the loud music blaring from the neighbor's house.

Listen to that again. I couldn't sleep because of the loud music blaring from the neighbor's house.

Number forty-two. Another word for Old. Antique. An antique is an object that is old and valuable because of its age. It is not usually used for people. Let's get used to it. Antique, antique, antique.

For example. He has an old table, but his mother collects valuable antique furniture.

One more time. He has an old table, but his mother collects valuable antique furniture.

Number forty-three. Scared. A fantastic alternative is petrified. This means so frightened that you are unable to move. It's like you've turned to stone. Let's say it together. Petrified, petrified, petrified.

Here is an example. I am scared of heights, but standing on the glass floor, I was absolutely petrified.

Let's hear that again. I am scared of heights, but standing on the glass floor, I was absolutely petrified.

Number forty-four. Small. A great word is microscopic. This literally means so small as to be visible only with a microscope. It is used to emphasize extreme smallness. Let's practice. Microscopic, microscopic, microscopic.

For example. The difference between the two designs was so small it was microscopic.

Listen to that sentence again. The difference between the two designs was so small it was microscopic.

Number forty-five. Tired. Another good word is weary. This describes feeling very tired, especially as a result of hard work or having a lack of sleep. It implies a sense of being worn out. Let's practice. Weary, weary, weary, weary.

Here is a sentence. After the long journey, the travelers were tired and weary.

Let's hear that one more time. After the long journey, the travelers were tired and weary.

Number forty-six. Ugly. The word is grotesque. This describes something that is comically or repulsively ugly or distorted. It is often used for art or strange creatures. Let's get familiar with it. Grotesque, grotesque, grotesque.

For example. The old building had some ugly statues, and one was a grotesque figure of a monster.

Listen to that again. The old building had some ugly statues, and one was a grotesque figure of a monster.

Number forty-seven. Let's revisit Weak. Feeble. This describes a lack of physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness. It's very similar to frail. Let's practice the sound. Feeble, feeble, feeble.

Here is an example. His voice was weak and feeble after his surgery.

Let's have that sentence again. His voice was weak and feeble after his surgery.

Number forty-eight. Worried. A very powerful word is distraught. This means deeply upset and agitated, so worried that you cannot think clearly. It's a state of great distress. Let's say it together. Distraught, distraught, distraught.

Here is the context. She was worried about her lost cat, and after two days, she was distraught.

Listen to that one more time. She was worried about her lost cat, and after two days, she was distraught.

Number forty-nine. And another for Angry. Irate. This means feeling or characterized by great anger. It is a formal way to say very angry. Let's practice this word. Irate, irate, irate, irate.

Here is an example. The angry customer wrote an irate letter to the company.

Let's hear that again. The angry customer wrote an irate letter to the company.

Number fifty. Another word for Bad. Horrible. This means causing or likely to cause horror; shocking. It's a very strong word for a very bad experience. Let's get used to it. Horrible, horrible, horrible.

For instance. The bad weather led to a horrible accident on the motorway.

Listen to that once more. The bad weather led to a horrible accident on the motorway.

Number fifty-one. A final alternative for Big. Massive. This means exceptionally large, heavy, and solid. It is even bigger than huge or enormous. Let's practice it. Massive, massive, massive.

Here is a sentence. The castle had big walls, but the gate was a massive slab of oak and iron.

Let's have that sentence again. The castle had big walls, but the gate was a massive slab of oak and iron.

Number fifty-two. Back to Bright. Brilliant. This can mean very bright and radiant, but it also means exceptionally clever or talented. Let's say the word. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.

For example. The bright student came up with a brilliant idea.

Listen to that again. The bright student came up with a brilliant idea.

Number fifty-three. One more for Cold. Chilly. This is not as strong as freezing or icy. It just means uncomfortably cold. It's a very common and useful word. Let's practice. Chilly, chilly, chilly.

Here is a sentence. It's not freezing outside, but it is getting a little chilly.

One more time. It's not freezing outside, but it is getting a little chilly.

Number fifty-four. Another for Dirty. Polluted. This specifically means contaminated with harmful or poisonous substances. It's often used for the environment. Let's get this word right. Polluted, polluted, polluted.

For example. The dirty river was heavily polluted with chemicals from the factory.

Let's hear that again. The dirty river was heavily polluted with chemicals from the factory.

Number fifty-five. A new word for Excited. Overjoyed. This is a simple and beautiful word that means extremely happy. It’s full of pure joy. Let's say it together. Overjoyed, overjoyed, overjoyed.

Here is the context. She was excited to see her family, and she was overjoyed by the surprise party they planned.

Listen once more. She was excited to see her family, and she was overjoyed by the surprise party they planned.

Number fifty-six. A new word for Fast. Swift. This means happening quickly or promptly. It often implies a smoothness and efficiency of movement. Let's practice it. Swift, swift, swift.

For example. The police took fast and swift action to catch the thief.

Let's have that sentence again. The police took fast and swift action to catch the thief.

Number fifty-seven. Another for Funny. Side-splitting. This is an idiom used as an adjective. It means something is so funny that it makes your sides hurt from laughing. Let's practice it. Side-splitting, side-splitting, side-splitting.

Here is an example. The comedian's jokes were so funny, the entire performance was side-splitting.

Let's hear that again. The comedian's jokes were so funny, the entire performance was side-splitting.

Number fifty-eight. One more for Good. Superb. This is another excellent word for something of the highest quality. It means magnificent or excellent. Let's say it now. Superb, superb, superb.

For example. The wine was good, but the meal was absolutely superb.

Listen to that one again. The wine was good, but the meal was absolutely superb.

Number fifty-nine. Another for Happy. Over the moon. This is another idiom. If you are over the moon, you are extremely pleased and happy about something. Let's practice this great expression. Over the moon, over the moon, over the moon.

Here is a sentence. She was so happy to get married, she was completely over the moon.

Let's hear that again. She was so happy to get married, she was completely over the moon.

Number sixty. Another for Hot. Sizzling. This word makes you think of the sound of food cooking in a hot pan. It is used to describe intense, burning heat. Let's practice. Sizzling, sizzling, sizzling.

Here is an example. It was another hot day with sizzling temperatures.

One more time. It was another hot day with sizzling temperatures.

Number sixty-one. One more for Hungry. Famished. This is another strong word, like starving or ravenous, that means extremely hungry. Let's commit it to memory. Famished, famished, famished.

For instance. What's for dinner? I'm absolutely famished.

Listen to that again. What's for dinner? I'm absolutely famished.

Number sixty-two. Another for Interesting. Engrossing. If a book or a film is engrossing, it absorbs all your attention and interest. You get lost in it. Let's practice the word. Engrossing, engrossing, engrossing.

Here is an example. I found the book so interesting that it was completely engrossing from start to finish.

Let's have that sentence again. I found the book so interesting that it was completely engrossing from start to finish.

Number sixty-three. Another for Lazy. Lethargic. This describes a lack of energy and enthusiasm. It is a feeling of being sluggish and apathetic. Let's practice it. Lethargic, lethargic, lethargic.

For example. I always feel lazy and lethargic on hot afternoons.

Listen to that one more time. I always feel lazy and lethargic on hot afternoons.

Number sixty-four. Little. Let's try petite. This is often used to describe a woman who is attractively small and dainty. It's a very specific and positive word. Let's say it together. Petite, petite, petite.

Here is a sentence. Her sister was tall, but she was small and petite.

Let's hear that again. Her sister was tall, but she was small and petite.

Number sixty-five. Back to Loud. Thundering. This makes you think of thunder. It describes a very loud, deep, resonant sound. Let's practice it. Thundering, thundering, thundering.

Here is an example. The loud waterfall created a thundering noise.

Listen once more. The loud waterfall created a thundering noise.

Number sixty-six. A different word for Old. Elderly. This is a polite and respectful word used to describe an old person. It's much better than just saying old. Let's get used to it. Elderly, elderly, elderly.

For example. He helped the old woman, who was a kind, elderly lady from his neighborhood.

Let's have that sentence again. He helped the old woman, who was a kind, elderly lady from his neighborhood.

Number sixty-seven. One more for Scared. Horrified. This means filled with horror; shocked and appalled. It's a mix of fear and disgust. Let's practice the word. Horrified, horrified, horrified.

Here is a sentence. I was scared by the story, and I was horrified by the ending.

Let's hear that again. I was scared by the story, and I was horrified by the ending.

Number sixty-eight. We have seen tiny before, but let's review it as another strong word for Small. It describes something that is extremely small. Let's repeat it for good measure. Tiny, tiny, tiny.

For example. The small kitten had tiny little paws.

Listen to that again. The small kitten had tiny little paws.

Number sixty-nine. Another for Tired. Drained. If you feel drained, you feel as if all your energy and strength has been removed. It's a very descriptive word. Let's practice it. Drained, drained, drained.

For example. After the long meeting, I felt completely tired and drained.

One more time. After the long meeting, I felt completely tired and drained.

Number seventy. One more for Ugly. Unsightly. This word describes something that is unpleasant to look at; ugly. It's a slightly more formal way to say it. Let's get familiar with it. Unsightly, unsightly, unsightly.

Here is an example. The ugly, old factory was an unsightly building on the beautiful coastline.

Let's hear that again. The ugly, old factory was an unsightly building on the beautiful coastline.

Number seventy-one. Our second to last word, another for Weak. Decrepit. This describes something or someone that is old and in poor condition, worn out through age or neglect. Let's practice. Decrepit, decrepit, decrepit.

Here is a sentence. The weak old man lived in a decrepit house.

Listen to that again. The weak old man lived in a decrepit house.

And finally, number seventy-two. Our last word, for Worried. Troubled. This describes someone who has problems or worries. It suggests a more long-term state of being worried. Let's say it to finish. Troubled, troubled, troubled.

Here is our final example. The worried student had a troubled look on his face.

Let's hear that one last time. The worried student had a troubled look on his face.