Lesson
Personality and character vocabulary
Text
This lesson focuses on vocabulary to describe people's character or personality. You'll learn common adjectives used in professional contexts, how to use them in sentences, and which words pair naturally with others.
Table
| Adjective | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| reliable | able to be trusted to do what is expected | She is a reliable project manager who meets every deadline. |
| punctual | arriving or doing something at the expected time | He is always punctual to client meetings. |
| proactive | taking action to make changes rather than waiting | Our proactive team proposed improvements to the process. |
| assertive | confidently expressing opinions or needs | Be assertive during negotiations to protect company interests. |
| empathetic | able to understand and share the feelings of others | An empathetic leader supports team well-being. |
| stubborn | refusing to change ideas or behavior | She can be stubborn, which sometimes slows decisions. |
| supportive | providing encouragement or practical help | Managers should be supportive when employees face challenges. |
| stingy | unwilling to give or share (opposite of generous) | The supplier was stingy with discounts during negotiations. |
Tip
Character adjectives can be used before a noun or after a linking verb. Pay attention to adjective/adverb forms when describing actions.
Use adjective after 'be' and adjectives before nouns.
Example
I hired a reliable assistant who organizes all my meetings.
Our team values proactive employees who suggest improvements.
He can be stubborn in negotiations, so we prepare several options.
She is supportive of junior staff and provides helpful feedback.
Tip
Watch for universal errors learners often make when using character vocabulary.
Focus on form (adjective vs adverb) and word order to avoid errors.
Quiz
Choose the adjective that best completes the sentence: "Maria is very _____; she always finishes reports on time and helps the team."
Hint: Think about dependability and consistency.
Correct!
‘Reliable’ describes someone who can be depended on to do tasks consistently and on time.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: reliable
‘Reliable’ describes someone who can be depended on to do tasks consistently and on time.
Quiz
Complete: The manager is _____; she listens to employee concerns and offers practical help.
Hint: Think about someone who gives help and encouragement.
Correct!
'Supportive' describes someone who provides encouragement and practical help to others.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: supportive
'Supportive' describes someone who provides encouragement and practical help to others.
Quiz
Choose the adjective that is opposite in meaning to 'generous':
Hint: Think about someone who rarely gives help or shares resources.
Correct!
'Stingy' means unwilling to give or share resources, the opposite of generous.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: stingy
'Stingy' means unwilling to give or share resources, the opposite of generous.
Vocabulary
able to be trusted to do what is expected
She is a reliable team member who meets all deadlines.
Vocabulary
arriving or doing something at the agreed or expected time
Our punctual consultant starts meetings on time.
Vocabulary
taking initiative and acting in anticipation of future problems or needs
Proactive employees propose solutions before problems escalate.
Vocabulary
confidently stating opinions or needs without being aggressive
Be assertive in client meetings to protect company interests.
Vocabulary
understanding and sharing the feelings of others
An empathetic manager listens to employees' concerns carefully.
Vocabulary
showing determination not to change your attitude or position
He can be stubborn during negotiations, which delays decisions.
Vocabulary
providing encouragement or practical help
A supportive manager helps staff develop professionally.
Vocabulary
unwilling to give or share; not generous
The client was stingy with feedback, giving only one brief comment.