Vocabulary for describing characters and/or actions

Shakespeare

100

Living in a fool's paradise

Suggests a state of illusory happiness or security (Romeo and Juliet).

200

The milk of human kindness

Refers to compassion and empathy (Macbeth).

• There was a distinct lack of the milk of human kindness in his dealings with others.

300

Brevity is the soul of wit

Describes someone who is concise and clever in their speech (Hamlet).

• He had a knack for getting straight to the point; for him, brevity was the soul of wit.

400

A man for all seasons

Describes someone who is adaptable and respected in various circumstances (often used in reference to Sir Thomas More, though the play is not strictly Shakespeare's, the sentiment aligns).

500

A green-eyed monster

Refers to jealousy (Othello).

• Jealousy, the green-eyed monster, began to consume his thoughts.

Positive Emotions

100

Rapturous

Filled with intense delight or enthusiasm. 

...a rapturous standing ovation...

200

Gratifying

satisfying

All students in the class had failed their common test. Their English teacher found it gratifying. 

300

Vindicated

the feeling of relief and satisfaction experienced when one is proven correct or cleared of blame, after being unjustly accused or doubted.

400

Rapt

Completely fascinated or absorbed by what one is seeing.

The children listened with rapt attention as Mr. Neil described his recipe for....

500

Sanguine

optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation.

Negative Emotions

100

Irate

Feeling or showing anger.

The customer was quite irate when his order was delayed.

200

Belligerent

Hostile and aggressive.

The man's belligerent tone immediately put everyone on edge.

300

Alienated

Feeling isolated and estranged

Being the only person who does not speak Chinese, Nick felt alienated from his peers.

400

Wistful

Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.

Crimson wistfully glanced at the photograph of her old friends.

500

Contemptuous

Expressing scorn or disdain.

The teacher's contemptuous gaze did little to put up a farce of impartiality. 

Personality

100

Congenial

Pleasing or liked on account of having similar qualities/interests

As fellow cat lovers, Corelyn and Emilia enjoyed a congenial friendship.

200

Equanimous

calm and composed

Despite the overwhelming nervousness, John remained equanimous throughout his performance.

300

Blithe

Showing casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper.

With blithe disregard for consequences, the boy skipped down the steep mountain path.

400

A shadow of his former self

Describes someone who has lost their vitality, strength, or former qualities (common literary trope).

• "After his illness, he was but a shadow of his former self, his energy and enthusiasm gone."

500

Placid

Calm and peaceful with little activity.

Not easily excited.

The ordinarily playful boy was uncharacteristically placid on the day of the competition.

Common Uncommon phrases

100

To go down the rabbit hole

To enter a bizarre or confusing situation or line of inquiry (from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland).

200

A Promethean spirit

Describes someone who is boldly creative, rebellious against authority, and willing to suffer for their knowledge or ideals (after the Greek Titan Prometheus).

300

Cross the Rubicon

Making an irreversible decision/passing the point of no return.

400

To meet one's Waterloo

To encounter a final and decisive defeat.

500

A good Samaritan

A charitable or helpful person, especially to a stranger in distress (from the biblical parable).