Description

what are description words called ?

### What Are Description Words Called?

When it comes to enriching your vocabulary and sharpening your writing skills, understanding the nuances of descriptive words can be incredibly beneficial. Today, we’re delving into the world of description words, exploring what they’re called and how they’re used.

#### Adjectives: The Nouns’ Best Friends

Adjectives are the cornerstone of descriptive words. These are the words that bring nouns to life by providing more information. For example, in the phrase “beautiful cat,” the word “beautiful” is an adjective that describes the noun “cat.” Adjectives can modify single words or entire noun phrases, helping to paint a vivid picture for the reader. Adjectives can tell us about the size, age, quality, color, or origin of the noun. Consider the difference between “small” and “grand,” “old” and “new,” “sweet” and “bitter.” Each choice delivers a unique shade of meaning and emotion.

**Adverbs: Not Just for Verbs Anymore**

While adverbs are primarily used to describe verbs, they can also serve a descriptive role. They can give us more information about how, when, where, why, and to what extent an action was performed. However, they can also provide detail when used with adjectives or other adverbs. For example, in the sentence “Very slowly, the cat slunk away,” the adverb “slowly” describes the verb “slunk.” But in “The little old man was very tired,” the adverb “very” modifies the adjective “tired,” adding emphasis.

**Participles: The Dynamic Descriptors**

Participles are verb forms that can both act as verbs and serve a descriptive function. They often end in -ing (present participles) or -ed (past participles). For example, in the phrase “the rolling hills,” the present participle “rolling” describes the noun “hills,” giving a sense of motion and activity.

#### Descriptive Words: Enrich Your Writing

Descriptive words are the spices that flavor your writing. They help to bring scenes, personalities, and moments to life, crafting a vivid and engaging narrative. Here’s an excerpt from an article on [YourDictionary](https://grammar.yourdictionary.com › word-lists › list-of-descriptive-words.html) which provides a detailed list of descriptive words including adjectives, adverbs, and participles.

**Using the Senses**

Descriptive words often relate to our senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. These words help the reader experience the action or object in a multisensory manner. For example:
– Visual: sparkling, shimmering, dim
– Auditory: murmuring, rumbling, whispering
– Gustatory: tangy, savory, sour
– Tactile: soft, smooth, bumpy
– Olfactory: fragrant, acrid, pungent

#### List of Descriptive Words

For those looking to enhance their vocabulary, here are some lists from trusted sources:
– From [MyEnglishTutors](https://myenglishtutors.org › descriptive-words): Comprehensive examples list of descriptive adjectives, adverbs, and phrases.
– From [7ESL](https://7esl.com › descriptive-words): Over 700 descriptive words with meanings and synonyms.
– From [TheGoalChaser](https://thegoalchaser.com › positive-words-to-describe-someone): A list of 350+ positive adjectives to describe people.

#### Wrapping It Up

So, whether you’re an aspiring writer, a student learning grammar, or simply someone looking to boost your descriptive abilities, diving into the world of description words—adjectives, adverbs, and participles—can be exceptionally rewarding. These words not only make your writing more engaging but also enhance your ability to convey complex ideas and emotions with precision.

Keep your dictionary handy and your curiosity sparked; language is a continuous journey of discovery, and description words are some of the most delightful steps on that journey.

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**References and Further Reading:**
– [YourDictionary: List of Descriptive Words](https://grammar.yourdictionary.com › word-lists › list-of-descriptive-words.html)
– [MyEnglishTutors: Descriptive Words](https://myenglishtutors.org › descriptive-words)
– [7ESL: Descriptive Words](https://7esl.com › descriptive-words)
– [TheGoalChaser: Positive Words to Describe Someone](https://thegoalchaser.com › positive-words-to-describe-someone)

Happy writing and exploring the vast, colorful garden of language!