300 DESCRIPTIVE WORDS FOR RICHER LANGUAGE Flashcards
AJUSTADO/APRETADO
We’re on a tig___ deadline.
Antonym: flexible
AJUSTADO/APRETADO
We’re on a TIGHT deadline.
Antonym: flexible
The deadline is flexible.
AJETREADO
It’s been a hec___ day.
Synonym: busy
Antonym: chilled/relaxed/quiet
AJETREADO
It’s been a HECTIC day.
Synonym: busy
Antonym: chilled/relaxed/quiet
Today has been pretty quiet. We don’t have a lot of work on at the moment.
CONCISA
We need a ___ description of each product.
Antonym: generic/general
CONCISA
We need a CONCISE description of each product.
Antonym: generic/general
It doesn’t have to be too detailed. Something generic will be fine.
SENCILLO
Don’t worry, it’s strai___, I’ll show you.
Synonym: simple
SENCILLO
Don’t worry, it’s STRAIGHTFORWARD, I’ll show you.
Synonym: simple
Antonym: complex/technical/tricky
It’s quite technical. Let me see if Rob can give you a hand.
INFALIBLE
It’s a foo___ solution that anybody can easily implement.
Synonym: extremely easy
INFALIBLE
It’s a FOOLPROOF solution that anybody can easily implement.
Synonym: extremely easy
INÚTIL / SIN SENTIDO
Definition: having little or no sense, use, or purpose.
Try not to get caught up in poi___ drama.
INÚTIL / SIN SENTIDO
Definition: having little or no sense, use, or purpose.
Try not to get caught up in POINTLESS drama.
MEJOR
Definition: in a more desirable or advantageous position
I think we’d be be___ o___ reverting back to the previous plan.
MEJOR
Definition: in a more desirable or advantageous position
I think we’d be BETTER OFF reverting back to the previous plan.
Antonym: worse off
We’re worse off this year because of the exchange rate. The euro is worth less and less.
DE POCOS INGRESOS
This service is more oriented towards lo___-in___ customers.
DE POCOS INGRESOS
This service is more oriented towards LOW-INCOME customers.
Antonym: high-income/medium-income
DURA
It’s a tou___ decision.
Synonym: difficult
DURA
It’s a TOUGH decision.
Synonym: difficult
DISPUESTO A
Would you be wi___ t___ travel as needed?
DISPUESTO A
Would you be WILLING TO travel as needed?
DE BAJO COSTO
Lebara provides lo___-co___ international telephone calls.
Synonym: cheap
DE BAJO COSTO
Lebara provides LOW-COST international telephone calls.
Synonym: cheap
CARO
Apple products are a bit too pri___.
Synonym: expensive
CARO
Apple products are a bit too PRICEY.
Synonym: expensive
CON SOBREPRECIO
Everything is so ov___-pri___ in that store. Have a look online instead.
Synonym: too expensive
CON SOBREPRECIO
Everything is so OVER-PRICED in that store. Have a look online instead.
Synonym: too expensive
ESTAFA/ENGAÑO/DEMASIADO CARO
€300? What a ri___-o___!
Definition: cheating someone by charging too much considering the true value of the item
ESTAFA/ENGAÑO/DEMASIADO CARO
€300? What a RIP-OFF!
Definition: cheating someone by charging too much considering the true value of the item
PREOCUPANTE
If this is Europe’s future, then yes, it’s very wo___.
PREOCUPANTE
If this is Europe’s future, then yes, it’s very WORRYING.
SABIA
Perhaps it’d be a wi___ idea to hold off for a few more days.
SABIA
Perhaps it’d be a WISE idea to hold off for a few more days.
PRECISO
Definition: correct in all details; exact.
It was named the most acc___ and trustworthy newspaper in the UK.
Synonym: true/correct/exact
PRECISO
Definition: correct in all details; exact.
It was named the most ACCURATE and trustworthy newspaper in the UK.
Synonym: true/correct/exact
Antonym: inaccurate
CONTENTO
I’m so ple___ with how it’s turned out. It looks great.
Synonym: happy
CONTENTO
I’m so PLEASED with how it’s turned out. It looks great.
Synonym: happy
Antonym: unpleased
DESAFIANTE
I enjoy doing things which are cha___.
DESAFIANTE
I enjoy doing things which are CHALLENGING.
Definition: able to remain unaffected or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
The people in the city are, generally speaking, very hard-working and resi___.
Synonym: strong
Definition: able to remain unaffected or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
The people in the city are, generally speaking, very hard-working and RESILIENT.
Synonym: strong
ALEATORIO
A winner is selected at ra___.
ALEATORIO
A winner is selected at RANDOM.
ENTUSIASTA
I’m not that ke___ o___ on infusions, I prefer black tea.
Synonym: to like
ENTUSIASTA
I’m not that KEEN ON on infusions, I prefer black tea.
Synonym: to like
MOLESTO/TRISTE
He was pretty ups___ about the mix up. He felt terrible.
Synonym: unhappy/sad
MOLESTO/TRISTE
He was pretty UPSET about the mix up. He felt terrible.
Synonym: unhappy/sad
DE APOYO
It’s a very friendly and sup___ atmosphere. Everyone chips in and helps each other out.
DE APOYO
It’s a very friendly and SUPPORTIVE atmosphere. Everyone chips in and helps each other out.
Antonym: unsupportive
INCESANTE/SIN PARAR
We’ve had two weeks of sol___ rain.
INCESANTE/SIN PARAR
We’ve had two weeks of SOLID rain.
OBLIGATORIO
A hard hat and steel-capped boots are com___.
Antonym: optional/up to user discretion
OBLIGATORIO
A hard hat and steel-capped boots are COMPULSORY.
Antonym: optional/up to user discretion
IRRESISTIBLE DE HACER/OBLIGATORIO
Have you been to Toledo? You have to go! It’s a mu___!
IRRESISTIBLE DE HACER/OBLIGATORIO
Have you been to Toledo? You have to go! It’s A MUST!
PRÁCTICO
Definition: involving direct involvement, participation or intervention.
I prefer work which is more han___-o___ and practical. I like to be in the action.
PRÁCTICO
Definition: involving direct involvement, participation or intervention.
I prefer work which is more HANDS-ON and practical. I like to be in the action.
EN MARCHA
The project is well unde___ and everything’s going well.
Synonym: in progress
EN MARCHA
The project is well UNDERWAY and everything’s going well.
Synonym: in progress
ACTUALIZADO
Some of the records aren’t u___-t___-da___.
ACTUALIZADO
Some of the records aren’t UP-TO-DATE.
RESTANTE / LOS QUE FALTAN
Let’s leave the rem___ tasks for tomorrow.
RESTANTE / LOS QUE FALTAN
Let’s leave the REMAINING tasks for tomorrow.
FACTIBLE
I expect that’s a fea___ option but let me check with the plumber first.
Synonym: possible
FACTIBLE
I expect that’s a FEASIBLE option but let me check with the plumber first.
Synonym: possible
APROPIADO
Is it sui___ for children?
APROPIADO
Is it SUITABLE for children?
Antonym: unsuitable
Definition: no longer employed because there is no more work available.
Making staff red___ would be the last resort.
Definition: no longer employed because there is no more work available.
Making staff REDUNDANT would be the last resort.
PROACTIVO
Definition: creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.
We need to be as pro___ as possible in identifying potential problems.
PROACTIVO
Definition: creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.
We need to be as PROACTIVE as possible in identifying potential problems.
A BORDO
Definition: to be convinced by an idea and in agreement with it
Dan is totally o___-bo___. He thinks it’s a great idea.
A BORDO
Definition: to be convinced by an idea and in agreement with it
Dan is totally ON-BOARD. He thinks it’s a great idea.
TRABAJADOR AUTÓNOMO
There isn’t as much of a security blanket for the se___-em___. If you’re ill, you simply don’t get paid.
TRABAJADOR AUTÓNOMO
There isn’t as much of a security blanket for the SELF-EMPLOYED. If you’re ill, you simply don’t get paid.
A LA VANGUARDIA
It’s cu___-ed___ technology, very impressive.
A LA VANGUARDIA
It’s CUTTING-EDGE technology, very impressive.
OBSOLETO
They’re out-dated. They’ve become ob___ now.
OBSOLETO
They’re out-dated. They’ve become OBSOLETE now.
HECHO A MANO
Each bracelet was ha___-ma___.
HECHO A MANO
Each bracelet was HAND-MADE.
DE CALIDAD INFERIOR
Definition: below the usual or required standard
The level of quality is subs___.
DE CALIDAD INFERIOR
Definition: below the usual or required standard
The level of quality is SUBSTANDARD.
DURADERO
It is extremely du___ because it resists corrosion.
DURADERO
It is extremely DURABLE because it resists corrosion.
NIVEL BÁSICO
Definition: at the lowest level in an employment hierarchy.
It’s an ent___-le___ position.
NIVEL BÁSICO
Definition: at the lowest level in an employment hierarchy.
It’s an ENTRY-LEVEL position.
EXCEPCIONAL
It should only be used in ex___ circumstances.
EXCEPCIONAL
It should only be used in EXCEPTIONAL circumstances.
SUBYACENTE
Definition: significant as a cause or basis of something but not necessarily manifest or obvious.
Treatment and prospects of recovery depend on the und___ cause.
SUBYACENTE
Definition: significant as a cause or basis of something but not necessarily manifest or obvious.
Treatment and prospects of recovery depend on the UNDERLYING cause.
ESTABLE
The numbers have been at a st___ 30-35% over the past 5 years.
ESTABLE
The numbers have been at a STABLE 30-35% over the past 5 years.
PICO / (temporada) ALTA / DE MAYOR DEMANDA
The system always runs more slowly during pe___ times.
PICO / (temporada) ALTA / DE MAYOR DEMANDA
The system always runs more slowly during PEAK times.
ESTANCADA
Definition: showing no activity; dull and sluggish.
We went through a period where sales were a bit sta___.
ESTANCADA
Definition: showing no activity; dull and sluggish.
We went through a period where sales were a bit STAGNANT.
Definition: to become completely exhausted through overwork
I just feel a bit bur___ o___, it’s been hectic here recently.
Definition: to become completely exhausted through overwork
I just feel a bit BURNT OUT, it’s been hectic here recently.
DESCORTÉS
He was very upset about the whole thing, but he wasn’t im___ in any way.
DESCORTÉS
He was very upset about the whole thing, but he wasn’t IMPOLITE in any way.
Antonym: polite
ABSURDO
What!? That’s abs___!
ABSURDO
What!? That’s ABSURD!
PROFUNDO
Definition: comprehensive and thorough
Our consultants have i___-dep___ knowledge of the market.
PROFUNDO
Definition: comprehensive and thorough
Our consultants have IN-DEPTH knowledge of the market.
ALEGRARSE
I’m gl___ you’re feeling better.
ALEGRARSE
I’m GLAD you’re feeling better.
AGRADECIDO
Thank you so much. I’m so gra___ for your time.
AGRADECIDO
Thank you so much. I’m so GRATEFUL for your time.
(tener) CONFIANZA
I’m pretty con___ it’ll work.
(tener) CONFIANZA
I’m pretty CONFIDENT that it’ll work.
MIEDOSO
I’m really af___ of heights.
MIEDOSO
I’m really AFRAID of heights.
ANSIOSO
I’ve been feeling an___ about it all week.
ANSIOSO
I’ve been feeling ANXIOUS about it all week.
ENCANTADA
She was absolutely del___ with the final result.
Synonym: extremely happy
ENCANTADA
She was absolutely DELIGHTED with the final result.
Synonym: extremely happy
DEPENDIENTE
This town is mostly de___ on tourists.
DEPENDIENTE
This town is mostly DEPENDENT on tourists.
LÓGICO
That seems l___, let’s give it a go.
LÓGICO
That seems LOGICAL, let’s give it a go.
Antonym: illogical
INCOHERENTE
This part is a little bit in___, is there another way we could rephrase it?
INCOHERENTE
This part is a little bit INCOHERENT, is there another way we could rephrase it?
Anyonym: coherent
EXCESIVA
Don’t apply e___ amounts of glue.
EXCESIVA
Don’t apply EXCESSIVE amounts of glue.
INTELIGENTE
It was a very cl___ marketing move.
INTELIGENTE
It was a very CLEVER marketing move.
LISTO
Definition: to have a very sharp intelligence
Pedro is a very sma___ guy.
Synonym: intelligent
LISTO
Definition: to have a very sharp intelligence
Pedro is a very SMART guy.
Synonym: intelligent
AMABLE
The flowers are lovely. That was so ki___ of you! Thank you!
AMABLE
The flowers are lovely. That was so KIND of you! Thank you!
TENDENCIOSA/PARCIAL
In my bi___ opinion, I think my design is definitely the best.
TENDENCIOSA/PARCIAL
In my BIASED opinion, I think my design is definitely the best.
QUEDAR/VENIR BIEN A
Definition: right for a particular person, purpose or situation
Certain types of plastic are better su___ to mass production than other.
QUEDAR/VENIR BIEN A
Definition: right for a particular person, purpose or situation
Certain types of plastic are better SUITED to mass production than other.
ORGULLOSO
I’m really pr___ of what this team has accomplished.
ORGULLOSO DE
I’m really PROUD of what this team has accomplished.
IRRELEVANTE
But anyway, that’s irr___. Going back to my point…
IRRELEVANTE
But anyway, that’s IRRELEVANT. Going back to my point…
ESPANTOSO/IMPACTANTE/TERRIBLE
The match was sh___. They played so badly!
ESPANTOSO/IMPACTANTE/TERRIBLE
The match was SHOCKING. They played so badly!
Note. ‘Shocking’ can be used in the traditional sense to mean ‘surprising’ or it can be used in an informal way to mean ‘terrible’.
PEDIR PERDÓN
There’s nothing to be so___ about, don’t worry!
PEDIR PERDÓN
There’s nothing to be SORRY about, don’t worry!
SIGNIFICANTE/IMPORTANTE
The graphics have had a maj___ overhaul.
SIGNIFICANTE/IMPORTANTE
The graphics have had a MAJOR overhaul.
CONCIENZUDO
Definition: wishing to do what is right, especially to do one’s work or duty well and thoroughly
He’s very hard-working and cons___. He’s a pleasure to work with.
CONCIENZUDO
Definition: wishing to do what is right, especially to do one’s work or duty well and thoroughly
He’s very hard-working and CONSCIENTIOUS. He’s a pleasure to work with.
UN TANTO
It’s som___ harder than it used to be.
Synonym: quite
UN TANTO
It’s SOMEWHAT harder than it used to be.
Synonym: quite
BASTANTE
It’s ra___ old, but it still works well.
Synonym: quite
BASTANTE
It’s RATHER old, but it still works well.
Synonym: quite
DESTINADO A
Definition: certain to do or have something.
There are bou___ to be mishaps every now and then.
DESTINADO A
Definition: certain to do or have something.
There are BOUND to be mishaps every now and then.
PERSONALIZADO
All of the events we organise are bes___.
Synonym: unique
PERSONALIZADO
All of the events we organise are BESPOKE.
Synonym: unique
DESFACHATADO/TRAVIESO
He asked you to pay for it? That was a bit che___!
DESFACHATADO/TRAVIESO
He asked you to pay for it? That was a bit CHEEKY!
ESCÉPTICO
Consumers are more sk___ than they used to be.
ESCÉPTICO
Consumers are more SKEPTICAL than they used to be.
PROFUNDO
How d___ is the tank?
PROFUNDO
How DEEP is the tank?
DISTINTA
Definition: recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type
There are 5 totally di___ categories.
DISTINTA
Definition: recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type
There are 5 DISTINCT categories.
ANSIOSO
Definition: wanting to do or have something very much.
He seemed pretty ea___ to buy.
Synonym: enthusiastic/keen
ANSIOSO
Definition: wanting to do or have something very much.
He seemed pretty EAGER to buy.
Synonym: enthusiastic/keen
ENORME
I wasn’t expecting it to be that big! It’s en___!
ENORME
I wasn’t expecting it to be that big! It’s ENORMOUS!
DIMINUTA
The island is ti___, only about 150 people live there.
Synonym: very small
DIMINUTA
The island is TINY, only about 150 people live there.
Synonym: very small
MUGRIENTE
The windows are fil___. We need to get them cleaned.
Synonym: very dirty
MUGRIENTE
The windows are FILTHY. We need to get them cleaned.
Synonym: very dirty
BELLO/PRECIOSO
What a lo___ day! Look at those blue skies!
Synonym: very nice
BELLO/PRECIOSO
What a LOVELY day! Look at those blue skies!
Synonym: very nice
FURIOSO
Rick was liv___. There was practically steam coming out of his ears.
Synonym: furious
FURIOSO
Rick was LIVID. There was practically steam coming out of his ears.
Synonym: furious
Note. In some cartoons, when a character is angry steam comes out of their ears. Hence the phrase above.
MASIVA/MUY GRANDE
The delay has caused a ma___ disruption.
Synonym: very big
MASIVA/MUY GRANDE
The delay has caused a MASSIVE disruption.
Synonym: very big
TOTALMENTE INCONSCIENTE
Definition: not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one.
Lots of people are obl___ to the history behind the event.
TOTALMENTE INCONSCIENTE
Definition: not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one.
Lots of people are OBLIVIOUS to the history behind the event.
DESAGRADABLE
It was a bit of an unpl___ experience but I can laugh about it now.
Synonym: not nice
DESAGRADABLE
It was a bit of an UNPLEASANT experience but I can laugh about it now.
Synonym: not nice
AFORTUNADAMENTE
Tha___, we were able to get hold of a replacement part right at the last minute.
AFORTUNADAMENTE
THANKFULLY, we were able to get hold of a replacement part right at the last minute.
CONSECUTIVO
We’ve had two co___ months of high growth.
CONSECUTIVO
We’ve had two CONSECUTIVE months of high growth.
BUENO/DECENTE
It’s a pretty de___ outcome, we were hoping for a bit more, but this is okay.
BUENO/DECENTE
It’s a pretty DECENT outcome, we were hoping for a bit more, but this is okay.
ACONSEJABLE
Hiring a car is ad___.
Synonym: recommended
ACONSEJABLE
Hiring a car is ADVISABLE.
Synonym: recommended
INALÁMBRICO
The headset is wir___.
INALÁMBRICO
The headset is WIRELESS.
REAL
The predicted number was 400 but the act___ number was much higher.
REAL
The predicted number was 400 but the ACTUAL number was much higher.
BIEN
So, Tuesday instead of Wednesday then?… Yes, that’s alr___. Don’t worry.
BIEN
So, Tuesday instead of Wednesday then?… Yes, that’s ALRIGHT. Don’t worry.
HACIA ATRÁS
It moves bac___ and forwards.
HACIA ATRÁS
It moves BACKWARDS and forwards.
AL REVÉS
Definition: with the upper part where the lower part should be
Your camera is up___ do___.
AL REVÉS
Definition: with the upper part where the lower part should be
Your camera is UPSIDE DOWN.
CONSERVADORA
Definition: an estimate that is purposely low for the sake of caution
That figure is just a cons___ estimate.
CONSERVADORA
Definition: an estimate that is purposely low for the sake of caution
That figure is just a CONSERVATIVE estimate.
CONVENIENTE
There must be a more co___ way of doing it.
CONVENIENTE
There must be a more CONVENIENT way of doing it.
CHÉVERE/GUAY/GENIAL
Friday? Yeah, co___. Sounds great.
CHÉVERE/GUAY/GENIAL
Friday? Yeah, COOL. Sounds great.
INCIERTO
The future is un___.
INCIERTO
The future is UNCERTAIN.
CONSIDERADO
Definition: showing consideration for the needs of other people
It was a very tho___ gesture, I really appreciated it.
CONSIDERADO
Definition: showing consideration for the needs of other people
It was a very THOUGHTFUL gesture, I really appreciated it.
RUIDOSO
Sorry, can you hear me okay? It’s a bit no___ where I am.
RUIDOSO
Sorry, can you hear me okay? It’s a bit NOISY where I am.
INDECISO
I’m still und___ but I’ll have to make a decision by Monday.
INDECISO
I’m still UNDECIDED but I’ll have to make a decision by Monday.
SENIOR/SUPERIOR/DE RESPONSABILIDAD
It’s a se___ position for an experienced programmer.
SENIOR/SUPERIOR/DE RESPONSABILIDAD
It’s a SENIOR position for an experienced programmer.
MAYOR DE EDAD
He’s an el___ man in his 80’s.
MAYOR DE EDAD
He’s an ELDERLY man in his 80’s.
MÁS TEMPRANO
Could we meet any ea___ than that? 9am, say?
MÁS TEMPRANO
Could we meet any EARLIER than that? 9am, say?
INADECUADO
Our most challenging problem is ina___ funding.
INADECUADO
Our most challenging problem is INADEQUATE funding.
APLICABLE
That’s only ap___ to large corporations, I believe.
APLICABLE
That’s only APPLICABLE to large corporations, I believe.
CAUTELOSO
It’s no wonder that people still feel cau___ about spending their money.
Synonym: careful
CAUTELOSO
It’s no wonder that people still feel CAUTIOUS about spending their money.
Synonym: careful
DESCONCERTANTE/CONFUSO
It’s quite puz___ to be honest. What a mystery!
Synonym: confusing
DESCONCERTANTE/CONFUSO
It’s quite PUZZLING to be honest. What a mystery!
Synonym: confusing
ACOGEDOR
Definition: giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation
I love that café, it’s so cos___ with it’s little sofa corners and low lighting.
ACOGEDOR
Definition: giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation.
I love that café, it’s so cos___ with it’s little sofa corners and low lighting.
CONSTANTE
Definition: acting or done in the same way over time
The new app is responsive across all devices and provides a consi___ user experience regardless of screen size.
CONSTANTE
Definition: acting or done in the same way over time
The new app is responsive across all devices and provides a CONSISTENT user experience regardless of screen size.
PRINCIPAL
Definition: the central or most important part of something
The co___ role of the my position is to monitor quality.
PRINCIPAL
Definition: the central or most important part of something
The CORE role of the my position is to monitor quality.
SOBRANTE
Definition: additional to what is required for ordinary use, not currently in use or occupied
Here you go, take this one. We’ve always got spa___.
Synonym: extra
SOBRANTE
Definition: additional to what is required for ordinary use, not currently in use or occupied
Here you go, take this one. We’ve always got SPARES.
Synonym: extra
DESEABLE
Proficiency in French is des___ but not compulsory.
DESEABLE
Proficiency in French is DESIRABLE but not compulsory.
CONFIDENCIAL
Co___ customer information is all encrypted.
CONFIDENCIAL
CONFIDENTIAL customer information is all encrypted.
BORROSA
The image is a bit bl___.
BORROSA
The image is a bit BLURRY.