Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits - HSPT Verbal Skills

The word “prudent” has perhaps received a bad sense in its standard usage by most English-speakers. One will at times speak of “prudent” people who know how to work things to their gain. For instance, someone might be called “prudent” for keeping silent about opinions instead of insulting someone who might give him or her a job; however, the word “prudent” is of much nobler origins, meaning discerning or even wise in practical action. For this reason, among the options provided, the best option is “judicious,” meaning judging well. This meaning will cover the more negative uses but likewise applies to the nobler notions of “prudence.”

The word "fatuous" is an adjective that means foolish or lacking wit. "Dull," which can mean lacking wit, shares the same definition and is therefore the best answer choice. Considering the other choices, "bright" in this context is an antonym of "fatuous" since it can mean intelligent. "Portly" means heavy or fat.

“Lax” means negligent, not giving enough attention to something, or not taking something seriously enough, so "negligent" is the best synonym amongst the answer choices. As for the other answer choices, “odious” means unpleasant, revolting, or disgusting; “prolific” means able to produce a large quantity of something quickly; “tedious” means dull and boring; and “remorseless” means not feeling guilty about one's actions.

“Diligent” means careful, hard-working, and taking care to do something well, so "careful" is the best synonym amongst the answer choices. “Approachable” means friendly and thus easily approached; “demonstrative” means demonstrating something or openly showing feelings or affection; “eloquent” means well-spoken; and “elegant” means having grace, sophistication, and good taste.

“Contemptuous” means showing scorn and hatred for something, so "scornful" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “remorseful” means full of guilt and sadness over something one did wrong; “docile” means calm and compliant; “impregnable” means unable to be captured or broken; and “surreptitious” means secret and sneaky.

Someone who is “stoic” is unemotional and unresponsive when faced with painful or difficult situations, so "unemotional" is the best answer. As for the other answer choices, “responsive” means reacting or done in response; “critical,” when referring to the significance of something, means highly important, though it can also mean pointing out the faults in something; “fortuitous” means owed to good-fortune or lucky; and “frivolous” means purposeless and not serious.

“Gregarious” means friendly and sociable, so "sociable" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “implacable” means unappeasable, unable to be placated, or not forgiving; “domineering” means controlling; “complementary” means something that works well with something else; and “supplementary” means additional.

Someone who is “magnanimous” is generous and charitable, or "benevolent." As for the other answer choices, “malevolent” means wicked and unkind; “colloquial” means conversational or using language unique to a certain region; “incoherent” means unable to be understood; and “submissive” means listening to others and doing what they want without arguing.

Whenever someone is "languishing," he or she does not have energy. The adjective "languid" describes a person who is at least acting like he or she does not have much energy. Sometimes it has the connotation of being lazy, though it can merely mean that a person is being sluggish or slow in his or her actions.

A person who is "impassioned" can also be described by the simpler adjective "passionate." Such a person displays great energy in his or her devotion to a given topic or activity. "Fervor" is an intense emotional state. When someone is described as being "fervid," he or she is passionate.

When someone is described as being "conscientious," this means that he or she has a desire to follow his or her own conscience when executing his or her duties and obligations. Such a person desires to do things correctly and ably—as opposed to someone who merely wishes to do "well enough" without worrying about doing a good job. We would also describe such a conscientious person as being "diligent."

A "verbose" person uses more words than are necessary to describe something. Instead of saying, "The sunset was beautiful," a verbose description would include every color of the sunset and how the colors changed over time. "Loquacious" means talkative, which is the most similar in meaning to "verbose." All of the other answers are also personality traits, but do not have the same meaning as "verbose" and "loquacious." In fact, "silent" is the antonym of "verbose.