20 Ways To Describe Someone's Personality - Common Adjectives For Everyday English
- Catherine
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
Personality adjectives help us talk about what kind of person someone is — whether they're kind, lazy, funny, or serious. These words are useful in everyday conversations, writing, and when you're getting to know someone new.
Here are 20 personality adjectives, along with their meanings and examples.
1. Brave
Meaning: Someone who is not afraid to face danger or difficult situations.
Examples:
Firefighters have to be brave when they go into burning buildings.
She was brave enough to speak in front of the whole class.
2. Chatty
Meaning: A person who enjoys talking a lot.
Examples:
He's a chatty guy who always has something to say.
The students were too chatty during the lesson.
3. Clever
Meaning: Intelligent and quick-thinking.
Examples:
She's very clever and always gets good grades.
It was a clever idea to save the leftovers for lunch.
4. Cowardly
Meaning: Lacking courage; afraid to do difficult or dangerous things.
Examples:
He was too cowardly to tell the truth.
It was cowardly to run away from the problem.
5. Easy-going
Meaning: Relaxed and not easily upset or worried.
Examples:
My boss is very easy-going, so work never feels stressful.
She's an easy-going person who gets along with everyone.
6. Friendly
Meaning: Kind and pleasant toward others.
Examples:
The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful.
He gave me a friendly smile when we met.
7. Funny
Meaning: Someone who makes others laugh.
Examples:
That comedian is really funny.
My dad is funny — he always tells jokes at dinner.
8. Generous
Meaning: Willing to give more than necessary — time, money, or help.
Examples:
She's generous with her time and always helps others.
He made a generous donation to the charity.
9. Grumpy
Meaning: Bad-tempered or easily annoyed.
Examples:
I get grumpy if I don’t sleep well.
Our teacher seemed a bit grumpy this morning.
10. Hard-working
Meaning: Someone who puts a lot of effort into what they do.
Examples:
She's a hard-working student who always finishes her homework.
Hard-working employees often get promoted.
11. Honest
Meaning: Tells the truth and doesn’t lie or cheat.
Examples:
I like honest people who say what they think.
He was honest about making a mistake.
12. Kind
Meaning: Caring and helpful toward others.
Examples:
It was kind of you to bring me some food.
She’s a kind person who always helps animals.
13. Lazy
Meaning: Not liking to work or be active.
Examples:
I was too lazy to clean my room yesterday.
He’s smart but lazy, so he never studies.
14. Mean
Meaning: Cruel or unkind to others.
Examples:
It was mean to laugh at her mistake.
Don’t be mean — share your toys!
15. Moody
Meaning: Someone whose emotions change quickly.
Examples:
She’s moody — one minute she’s happy, the next she’s sad.
I don't like being around moody people, it is difficult to judge their emotions.
16. Polite
Meaning: Shows good manners and respect for others.
Examples:
Always be polite when meeting new people.
The children were very polite at dinner.
17. Quiet
Meaning: Someone who speaks little or makes little noise.
Examples:
He’s a quiet boy who doesn’t talk much in class.
She is very quiet, I wish she would have more confidence.
18. Silly
Meaning: Funny or foolish in a playful way.
Examples:
Stop being so silly and be serious!
He can often be silly, it makes me laugh a lot.
19. Smart
Meaning: Intelligent or clever.
Examples:
You’re smart — that answer was perfect.
She's smart, she always has good ideas during meetings.
20. Wise
Meaning: Shows good judgment and experience.
Examples:
My grandmother is wise and always gives good advice.
It was wise of him to save money for the trip.
Let me know how you would describe yourself in 3 words, is there any personality trait you have that you are trying to change?
For example, are you often moody? Are you often quiet in new situations? Are you trying to be more wise when you respond to questions? Let me know!
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