by PushtoLearn
Adjectives That Start with C
Table of Contents
- Adjectives that start with C Exercises and Flashcards
- List of Positive Adjectives That Start With C
- List of Negative Adjectives That Start With C
- List of Fun Adjectives That Start With C
- List of C Adjectives to Describe Someone
- List of Inspirational Adjectives That Start With C
- List of Descriptive Adjectives That Start With C
- Featured Adjectives Grouped by Topics
- Everyday Use of Adjectives Starting With C
- Common Mistakes
Adjectives that start with C Exercises and Flashcards
These exercises focus on Adjectives that start with C
List of Positive Adjectives That Start With C
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Calming |
Having a soothing or relaxing effect. |
The soft music had a calming influence on everyone. |
Capable |
Having the ability or qualities to achieve something. |
She is a capable leader who inspires her team. |
Captivating |
Holding attention through charm or beauty. |
Her captivating performance earned a standing ovation. |
Caring |
Displaying kindness and concern for others. |
He is a caring teacher who goes the extra mile for his students. |
Charismatic |
Exuding charm and magnetism. |
The speaker was so charismatic that the audience was mesmerized. |
Charitable |
Generous in giving to those in need. |
Her charitable acts have helped countless families. |
Charming |
Pleasantly attractive or delightful. |
The small town had a charming atmosphere. |
Cheeky |
Playfully bold or mischievous. |
His cheeky jokes always make us laugh. |
Cheerful |
Noticeably happy and optimistic. |
She always greets people with a cheerful smile. |
Cheery |
Bright and happy in disposition. |
The decorations created a cheery holiday vibe. |
Classic |
Timeless and of high quality. |
The car is a classic model from the 1960s. |
Classy |
Elegant and sophisticated. |
She wore a classy outfit to the gala. |
Clever |
Quick-witted or resourceful. |
His clever solution saved us a lot of time. |
Colorful |
Full of vibrant colors or lively qualities. |
The garden was filled with colorful flowers. |
Comfortable |
Providing ease or relaxation. |
The chair is so comfortable that I could sit in it all day. |
Comical |
Funny or amusing. |
His comical expressions always make us laugh. |
Confident |
Self-assured and certain. |
She walked into the room with a confident stride. |
Content |
In a state of satisfaction. |
He felt content with his life choices. |
Convincing |
Able to persuade someone to believe or do something. |
Her argument was so convincing that everyone agreed. |
Cool |
Fashionable or impressive. |
He has such a cool sense of style. |
Courageous |
Showing bravery and strength in difficult situations. |
The firefighter’s courageous actions saved lives. |
Cozy |
Comfortable, warm, and inviting. |
The cabin was small but incredibly cozy. |
Creative |
Imaginative and innovative. |
Her creative artwork impressed the entire gallery. |
Credible |
Believable or trustworthy. |
The witness provided a credible testimony. |
Cute |
Endearing and attractive in a charming way. |
The puppy is so cute that everyone wants to cuddle it. |

List of Negative Adjectives That Start With C
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Chauvinistic |
Excessively patriotic or prejudiced. |
His chauvinistic remarks offended many people. |
Cheerless |
Gloomy or lacking joy. |
The cheerless weather dampened everyone's mood. |
Close-minded |
Unwilling to consider new ideas. |
Her close-minded attitude made discussion difficult. |
Clownish |
Behaving in a silly or foolish manner. |
His clownish antics disrupted the serious meeting. |
Clueless |
Lacking knowledge or understanding. |
She seemed completely clueless about the rules. |
Clumsy |
Lacking grace or skill in movement. |
His clumsy attempts to apologize only made things worse. |
Cocky |
Overconfident and arrogant. |
His cocky attitude annoyed his teammates. |
Cold-hearted |
Lacking kindness or sympathy. |
Her cold-hearted behavior shocked everyone. |
Conceited |
Excessively proud of oneself. |
He was too conceited to listen to anyone's advice. |
Condescending |
Acting superior or patronizing. |
Her condescending tone upset her colleagues. |
Conflicting |
Inconsistent or contradictory. |
The witness provided conflicting statements. |
Confounded |
Extremely confused or perplexed. |
He was confounded by the unexpected results. |
Confusing |
Difficult to understand or unclear. |
The instructions were unnecessarily confusing. |
Contemptuous |
Showing disdain or disrespect. |
Her contemptuous glare silenced the room. |
Convulsive |
Involving uncontrollable movements or emotions. |
His convulsive sobbing alarmed everyone nearby. |
Corny |
Overused and lacking originality. |
The joke was too corny to be funny. |
Corrupt |
Dishonest or morally depraved. |
The corrupt official accepted bribes openly. |
Costly |
Expensive or causing great loss. |
The mistake proved to be costly for the company. |
Cowardly |
Lacking courage or bravery. |
His cowardly actions let his team down. |
Crabby |
Irritable or easily annoyed. |
She’s always crabby in the mornings before coffee. |
Crass |
Lacking sensitivity or refinement. |
His crass comments embarrassed everyone at the dinner. |
Craven |
Cowardly or lacking courage. |
The craven decision to flee showed his true character. |
Crazy |
Mentally unstable or wildly foolish. |
His crazy ideas were dismissed immediately. |
Creepy |
Causing unease or fear. |
The abandoned house had a creepy atmosphere. |
Criminal |
Relating to or guilty of a crime. |
His criminal behavior landed him in prison. |
Critical |
Inclined to find fault. |
She was overly critical of every minor mistake. |
Crude |
Lacking refinement or tact. |
His crude humor offended the audience. |
Cruel |
Willfully causing pain or harm. |
Her cruel words left him heartbroken. |
Crushed |
Feeling defeated or overwhelmed. |
He was crushed by the rejection. |
Cursed |
Under a spell or marked by misfortune. |
The family believed the land was cursed. |
List of Fun Adjectives That Start With C
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Cakey |
Having the texture or appearance of cake. |
The makeup looked a bit cakey under the lights. |
Candid |
Honest and straightforward. |
His candid answer surprised everyone in the room. |
Cardboardy |
Resembling cardboard in texture or quality. |
The cookies were overbaked and tasted cardboardy. |
Celestial |
Relating to the sky or heavens. |
The stars created a celestial view at night. |
Ceremonial |
Relating to formal or traditional events. |
She wore a ceremonial robe during the celebration. |
Chalky |
Having a dry or powdery texture. |
The candy had a strange, chalky aftertaste. |
Cheesy |
Overly sentimental or tacky. |
The romantic comedy was fun but a bit cheesy. |
Chewy |
Requiring a lot of chewing. |
These brownies are so gooey and chewy—delicious! |
Chic |
Stylish and fashionable. |
Her chic outfit turned heads at the party. |
Childlike |
Innocent or resembling a child. |
His childlike enthusiasm was contagious. |
Chock-full |
Completely full or overflowing. |
The basket was chock-full of fresh fruits. |
Choppy |
Rough or uneven in motion or appearance. |
The boat ride was choppy due to high winds. |
Chummy |
Friendly or sociable. |
They became quite chummy after just one meeting. |
Citrusy |
Having the flavor or aroma of citrus fruits. |
The lemonade had a wonderfully citrusy tang. |
Clammy |
Unpleasantly damp or sticky. |
His hands felt clammy before the big presentation. |
Classy |
Elegant and sophisticated. |
Her classy choice of decor impressed the guests. |
Cloistered |
Secluded or sheltered. |
The artist lived a cloistered life in the mountains. |
Clumsy |
Awkward in movement or behavior. |
His clumsy attempt to dance made everyone laugh. |
Cockamamie |
Ridiculous or nonsensical. |
That’s the most cockamamie idea I’ve ever heard! |
Comical |
Funny or amusing. |
His comical expressions always make us laugh. |
Computerized |
Controlled or operated by computers. |
The system is fully computerized for efficiency. |
Cosmic |
Vast or universal in scope. |
The film explored the cosmic mysteries of space. |
Cosmopolitan |
Sophisticated and worldly. |
She has a cosmopolitan taste in food and fashion. |
Cottony |
Soft and fluffy like cotton. |
The clouds looked soft and cottony in the sky. |
Craggy |
Rugged or uneven, often describing terrain. |
The craggy cliffs made for a dramatic coastline. |
Crinkly |
Wrinkled or creased. |
The paper had a crinkly texture that added character. |
Crystalline |
Clear or resembling crystal. |
The water in the lake was crystalline and pure. |
Cuddly |
Soft and inviting hugs. |
The stuffed animal was so cuddly that it became her favorite. |
Curly |
Having curls or curves. |
Her curly hair was the envy of all her friends. |
Cushy |
Comfortable or easy. |
He landed a cushy job with flexible hours. |
List of C Adjectives to Describe Someone
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Cadaverous |
Looking extremely thin or pale. |
His cadaverous appearance worried his friends. |
Cagey |
Reluctant to share information; secretive. |
She was cagey about her plans for the weekend. |
Callous |
Showing no empathy or concern for others. |
His callous remarks hurt everyone in the group. |
Callow |
Inexperienced or immature. |
The callow intern struggled to handle the pressure. |
Calm |
Peaceful and free from disturbance. |
He remained calm under pressure during the crisis. |
Calming |
Having a soothing or relaxing effect. |
Her calming presence made everyone feel at ease. |
Camera-shy |
Reluctant to be photographed. |
He’s so camera-shy that he avoids group photos. |
Camouflaged |
Hidden or blended into surroundings. |
Her intentions were cleverly camouflaged. |
Cantankerous |
Bad-tempered or argumentative. |
The cantankerous old man shouted at everyone. |
Captivating |
Attracting and holding attention. |
Her captivating story had the audience spellbound. |
Captive |
Held under control or influence. |
He was a captive audience during her performance. |
Carefree |
Without worry or responsibility. |
She led a carefree life, enjoying each moment. |
Careful |
Taking care to avoid mistakes or harm. |
She was very careful while carrying the fragile vase. |
Careless |
Lacking attention or responsibility. |
His careless mistake cost them the contract. |
Caring |
Displaying kindness and concern for others. |
He is a caring mentor who always supports his students. |
Casual |
Relaxed and unconcerned. |
His casual attitude helped ease the tension in the room. |
Catatonic |
Appearing lifeless or unresponsive. |
She remained in a catatonic state after the shocking news. |
Catty |
Spiteful or mean in remarks. |
Her catty comments about her colleague were unnecessary. |
Cautious |
Careful to avoid danger or mistakes. |
He took a cautious approach to the risky investment. |
Cavalier |
Showing a lack of concern or seriousness. |
His cavalier attitude annoyed his coworkers. |
Celebrated |
Widely known and praised. |
She’s a celebrated author with several bestsellers. |
Celestial |
Divine or heavenly. |
Her voice has a celestial quality that mesmerizes listeners. |
Centered |
Emotionally stable and focused. |
He remained centered despite the chaos around him. |
Certain |
Sure or confident about something. |
She felt certain about her decision to move forward. |
Challenging |
Demanding or testing one's abilities. |
He’s a challenging but rewarding professor. |
Charismatic |
Exuding charm and appeal. |
His charismatic personality makes him a natural leader. |
Charitable |
Generous in giving to those in need. |
Her charitable work has helped many families. |
Charmed |
Feeling fortunate or lucky. |
She felt charmed to have such amazing friends. |
Charming |
Pleasant and attractive. |
His charming smile made a lasting impression. |
Chaste |
Pure or virtuous. |
She led a simple and chaste lifestyle. |
Chatty |
Talkative in a friendly way. |
He’s always chatty at social gatherings. |
Chauvinistic |
Excessively patriotic or prejudiced. |
His chauvinistic views made him unpopular. |
Cheap |
Stingy or of low quality. |
He’s too cheap to tip the waiter fairly. |
Cheeky |
Playfully bold or mischievous. |
His cheeky humor always lightens the mood. |
Cheerful |
Noticeably happy and optimistic. |
She has such a cheerful demeanor that it’s contagious. |
Cheerless |
Gloomy or lacking joy. |
The room felt cheerless without any decorations. |
Cheery |
Bright and happy in mood. |
The cafe has a cheery atmosphere that makes you feel welcome. |
Cheesy |
Overly sentimental or tacky. |
His jokes are always cheesy but endearing. |
Chic |
Stylish and fashionable. |
She looked chic in her black evening gown. |
Childish |
Immature or silly. |
His childish behavior annoyed everyone in the room. |
Childlike |
Innocent and resembling a child. |
Her childlike wonder made her trip to the museum special. |
Chinese |
Relating to China or its people. |
He’s studying Chinese culture and language. |
Chiseled |
Having well-defined, sharp features. |
His chiseled jawline made him look like a movie star. |
Chivalrous |
Courteous and gallant, especially toward women. |
He’s always been a chivalrous gentleman. |
Choosy |
Picky or selective. |
She’s very choosy when it comes to food. |
Chubby |
Slightly overweight in a pleasant way. |
The chubby baby smiled adorably at everyone. |
Chummy |
Friendly and sociable. |
They’ve become quite chummy after working together. |
Chunky |
Bulky or thick in size. |
He wore a chunky sweater to keep warm. |
Churlish |
Rude or lacking civility. |
His churlish behavior upset the entire room. |
Civil |
Polite and respectful in behavior. |
Despite their disagreement, they remained civil. |
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Civilized |
Polite, well-mannered, and culturally advanced. |
She handled the disagreement in a civilized manner. |
Clammy |
Unpleasantly damp or sticky. |
His hands felt clammy before the big presentation. |
Clamorous |
Loud and demanding attention. |
The clamorous crowd shouted for answers. |
Clandestine |
Secretive or hidden. |
Their clandestine meeting raised suspicions. |
Classic |
Timeless and of recognized excellence. |
Her dress had a classic design that never goes out of style. |
Classy |
Elegant and sophisticated. |
She looked classy in her tailored suit. |
Clean |
Free from dirt or impurities. |
He keeps a clean and organized workspace. |
Clear-cut |
Easy to understand or unambiguous. |
The policy change was a clear-cut solution. |
Clear-headed |
Thinking logically and calmly. |
She made a clear-headed decision under pressure. |
Clever |
Quick-witted and resourceful. |
His clever remarks always add humor to the conversation. |
Clingy |
Overly dependent or emotionally attached. |
Her clingy behavior made him feel uncomfortable. |
Clinical |
Objective and unemotional. |
His explanation was clinical and lacked empathy. |
Clipped |
Short and abrupt in speech or manner. |
Her clipped response showed her irritation. |
Close |
Emotionally intimate or physically near. |
They have a close friendship that has lasted years. |
Close-minded |
Unwilling to consider new ideas. |
His close-minded attitude hindered progress in the discussion. |
Clownish |
Silly or foolish in behavior. |
His clownish antics made everyone laugh. |
Clueless |
Lacking knowledge or understanding. |
She seemed completely clueless about the situation. |
Clumsy |
Awkward or lacking coordination. |
He dropped the glass due to his clumsy grip. |
Cluttered |
Messy or disorganized. |
Her desk was so cluttered that she couldn’t find anything. |
Cocky |
Overconfident and arrogant. |
His cocky attitude annoyed his peers. |
Coercive |
Using force or threats to gain compliance. |
The manager’s coercive tactics upset the employees. |
Cohesive |
United or working together effectively. |
The team presented a cohesive plan to the board. |
Cold |
Lacking warmth or emotion. |
His cold stare made everyone uncomfortable. |
Coldhearted |
Unfeeling and lacking compassion. |
She was accused of being coldhearted for her decision. |
Collaborative |
Working well with others. |
Their collaborative effort resulted in success. |
Colombian |
Relating to Colombia or its culture. |
He enjoys Colombian coffee every morning. |
Colonial |
Relating to a colony or colonial period. |
The house had a charming colonial architecture. |
Colorful |
Full of vibrant colors or variety. |
His language was colorful but sometimes inappropriate. |
Colorless |
Lacking vibrancy or interest. |
The room looked colorless without decorations. |
Colossal |
Extremely large or massive. |
The company made a colossal mistake with their launch. |
Comforting |
Providing a sense of comfort or reassurance. |
Her words were comforting during the tough times. |
Comical |
Funny or amusing. |
His comical expressions always make us laugh. |
Commanding |
Authoritative and in control. |
She has a commanding presence in the boardroom. |
Commendable |
Worthy of praise or approval. |
Her commendable efforts earned her a promotion. |
Committed |
Dedicated or loyal to a cause or task. |
He’s fully committed to his work. |
Common |
Ordinary or frequently encountered. |
The practice is a common tradition in this region. |
Communicative |
Willing to share information or ideas. |
She’s very communicative and open to suggestions. |
Communist |
Relating to or supporting communism. |
The region adopted communist policies after the revolution. |
Compassionate |
Showing concern for others. |
Her compassionate nature makes her a great counselor. |
Compelling |
Evoking interest or attention. |
His speech was compelling and kept the audience engaged. |
Competent |
Capable and skilled. |
She’s a highly competent manager. |
Competitive |
Striving to outdo others. |
His competitive spirit drives him to succeed. |
Complacent |
Self-satisfied and unaware of potential dangers. |
His complacent attitude hindered his progress. |
Complex |
Consisting of many interconnected parts. |
Her character is complex and hard to understand. |
Compliant |
Willing to follow rules or requests. |
The company is fully compliant with the regulations. |
Complicated |
Difficult to understand or deal with. |
The situation became more complicated as details emerged. |
Compulsive |
Driven by an irresistible urge. |
His compulsive habits include constant checking of his phone. |
Concentrated |
Focused or intense. |
She gave a concentrated effort to complete the project. |
Concerned |
Worried or interested. |
He’s deeply concerned about the upcoming changes. |
Concise |
Brief and to the point. |
Her presentation was concise and well-organized. |
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Condescending |
Acting superior or patronizing. |
Her condescending attitude annoyed her coworkers. |
Confident |
Self-assured and certain in abilities. |
He is a confident speaker who captivates his audience. |
Conflicted |
Feeling uncertain or indecisive. |
She felt conflicted about choosing between the two options. |
Confounded |
Extremely confused or perplexed. |
He was confounded by the unexpected outcome of the project. |
Confused |
Lacking understanding or clarity. |
He looked confused after hearing the instructions. |
Confusing |
Difficult to understand or unclear. |
The instructions were so confusing that nobody could follow them. |
Connected |
Involved or linked with something or someone. |
She feels deeply connected to her community. |
Conscientious |
Diligent and careful in doing tasks. |
A conscientious employee ensures no detail is overlooked. |
Conservative |
Preferring traditional values or cautious in change. |
His conservative views on technology surprised the group. |
Considerate |
Thoughtful and mindful of others' needs. |
She’s very considerate when planning group activities. |
Consistent |
Steady and reliable over time. |
His performance has been consistent throughout the season. |
Consoling |
Providing comfort or support. |
She offered consoling words to her grieving friend. |
Conspicuous |
Easily noticeable or attracting attention. |
Her red dress made her conspicuous at the event. |
Contagious |
Spreading easily from one person to another. |
Her contagious laughter brightened everyone's mood. |
Contaminated |
Impure or polluted. |
The water supply was found to be contaminated. |
Contemplative |
Deep in thought or reflective. |
He spent the afternoon in a contemplative mood by the lake. |
Contemporary |
Modern or current in style or ideas. |
The gallery featured contemporary art. |
Contemptuous |
Showing disdain or disrespect. |
His contemptuous remarks offended his peers. |
Content |
Satisfied or happy with what one has. |
She feels content with her current job and lifestyle. |
Contentious |
Likely to cause disagreement or argument. |
The proposal became a contentious topic in the meeting. |
Contoured |
Shaped or outlined. |
Her face was beautifully contoured with makeup. |
Contradictory |
Inconsistent or opposing. |
The two witnesses gave contradictory statements. |
Contrite |
Feeling or expressing remorse. |
He was genuinely contrite after making the mistake. |
Controllable |
Capable of being directed or managed. |
The new system is more controllable than the old one. |
Controlling |
Overly bossy or domineering. |
Her controlling behavior frustrated her team. |
Controversial |
Causing disagreement or debate. |
The decision was highly controversial among the staff. |
Conventional |
Traditional or widely accepted. |
He has a conventional approach to solving problems. |
Conversational |
Friendly and engaging in tone or manner. |
She has a conversational style that puts people at ease. |
Convincing |
Persuasive and believable. |
Her argument was so convincing that everyone agreed. |
Cool |
Calm, composed, or fashionable. |
He’s always so cool under pressure. |
Cooperative |
Willing to work with others. |
The team was very cooperative during the project. |
Coordinated |
Well-organized or synchronized. |
The dancers were perfectly coordinated during their performance. |
Corny |
Overused or overly sentimental. |
His jokes are always corny, but they make us laugh. |
Correct |
Free from error or accurate. |
The teacher praised her for her correct answers. |
Corrupt |
Dishonest or unethical. |
The corrupt politician accepted bribes. |
Corruptive |
Causing moral decay or dishonesty. |
The influence of money can be corruptive in politics. |
Cosmopolitan |
Sophisticated and worldly. |
She has a cosmopolitan taste in art and food. |
Courageous |
Brave and bold in the face of danger. |
The firefighter was celebrated for his courageous actions. |
Courteous |
Polite and respectful. |
The waiter was very courteous and attentive. |
Cowardly |
Lacking courage or bravery. |
His cowardly retreat disappointed his peers. |
Coy |
Pretending to be shy or modest. |
She gave him a coy smile during the conversation. |
Crabby |
Easily annoyed or irritable. |
He’s always crabby in the mornings before coffee. |
Crafty |
Skilled at deception or clever. |
The fox is often portrayed as a crafty animal in fables. |
Cranky |
Bad-tempered or irritable. |
The baby was cranky because she needed a nap. |
Crass |
Lacking sensitivity or refinement. |
His crass comments embarrassed the entire group. |
Craven |
Cowardly or lacking in courage. |
His craven behavior during the crisis was disappointing. |
Crazy |
Wildly foolish or mentally unstable. |
Her crazy ideas often lead to exciting adventures. |
Creative |
Imaginative and innovative. |
She is a creative artist who always surprises us. |
Credible |
Believable and trustworthy. |
The witness gave a credible account of the events. |
Creepy |
Causing unease or fear. |
The abandoned house had a creepy atmosphere. |
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Crestfallen |
Feeling sad or disappointed. |
She was crestfallen after failing the exam. |
Criminal |
Relating to crime or unlawful behavior. |
His criminal past made it hard to find a job. |
Crippled |
Severely damaged or impaired. |
The business was crippled by the economic downturn. |
Critical |
Inclined to find fault or judge harshly. |
He gave a critical review of the new movie. |
Crooked |
Dishonest or bent out of shape. |
The politician was accused of being crooked. |
Cross |
Annoyed or angry. |
She was cross with him for being late again. |
Crotchety |
Bad-tempered or irritable. |
The crotchety neighbor yelled at the kids playing outside. |
Crude |
Lacking refinement or tact. |
His crude humor made some people uncomfortable. |
Cruel |
Willfully causing pain or suffering. |
The dictator was known for his cruel policies. |
Crummy |
Of poor quality or unpleasant. |
The hotel room was crummy and not worth the price. |
Cryptic |
Mysterious or having a hidden meaning. |
His cryptic message left everyone confused. |
Cuddly |
Soft and inviting hugs. |
The puppy was so cuddly that everyone wanted to hold it. |
Cultural |
Relating to the ideas, customs, or social behavior of a society. |
The festival showcased cultural diversity. |
Cultured |
Refined and well-educated. |
She’s a cultured individual with a love for the arts. |
Cunning |
Skillful in achieving goals through deceit. |
The villain’s cunning plan nearly succeeded. |
Curious |
Eager to learn or know something. |
The curious child asked many questions about the stars. |
Curly |
Having curls or waves in hair or texture. |
Her curly hair framed her face beautifully. |
Cursed |
Doomed or under a spell. |
The villagers believed the forest was cursed. |
Curved |
Having a rounded shape. |
The artist drew a curved line to represent the path. |
Curvy |
Having curves, often used to describe a figure. |
The dress highlighted her curvy silhouette. |
Customer-oriented |
Focused on satisfying customers' needs. |
The company is very customer-oriented in its approach. |
Cute |
Endearing and charming in appearance. |
The baby’s cute smile melted everyone’s hearts. |
Cutting Edge |
Innovative and advanced. |
This technology is truly cutting edge and ahead of its time. |
Cynical |
Distrustful of others' motives. |
His cynical view of the world made him difficult to work with. |
List of Inspirational Adjectives That Start With C
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Calm |
Free from disturbance or agitation. |
Her calm demeanor inspired confidence during the crisis. |
Captivated |
Deeply interested or mesmerized. |
The audience was captivated by the motivational speech. |
Carefree |
Free from worry or stress. |
Their carefree attitude reminds others to live in the moment. |
Celebrated |
Widely recognized and praised. |
He is a celebrated author whose works inspire millions. |
Celestial |
Relating to the heavens or divine beauty. |
The celestial view of the stars filled them with awe. |
Ceremonial |
Relating to formal or meaningful traditions. |
The ceremonial event marked a new beginning for the community. |
Certain |
Free from doubt or confident in a decision. |
She is certain that her efforts will lead to success. |
Chance |
Full of possibility and opportunity. |
It was a chance encounter that changed his life forever. |
Cheery |
Bright and optimistic in attitude. |
Her cheery outlook encouraged everyone to keep going. |
Cherished |
Highly valued or loved. |
The book is a cherished possession that brings her comfort. |
Choice |
Of high quality or carefully selected. |
His choice words inspired the entire team. |
Cinematic |
Dramatic and visually striking. |
The presentation had a cinematic quality that captured the audience's imagination. |
Classical |
Timeless and of enduring value. |
The classical symphony inspired a sense of harmony and beauty. |
Clear |
Easily understood or free of confusion. |
The message was clear, motivating everyone to take action. |
Comfortable |
Providing ease and reassurance. |
Her comfortable presence made the team feel secure in their abilities. |
Compelling |
Evoking interest, attention, or admiration. |
The story was so compelling that it left everyone inspired. |
Connected |
Feeling close to or in harmony with others. |
They felt connected to the cause and dedicated their efforts wholeheartedly. |
Continuous |
Uninterrupted and ongoing. |
Her continuous efforts to improve inspired her peers. |
Creative |
Showing originality and imagination. |
His creative ideas sparked innovation in the organization. |
Crucial |
Of great importance or significance. |
This is a crucial moment to make a difference in the world. |
List of Descriptive Adjectives That Start With C
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Cackling |
Making a harsh, loud laughing sound. |
The witch’s cackling laugh echoed through the forest. |
Cadaverous |
Extremely pale or thin, resembling a corpse. |
His cadaverous appearance worried his family. |
Cadent |
Rhythmic or flowing. |
The poem had a cadent structure that was soothing to read. |
Caged |
Confined or enclosed like in a cage. |
The bird looked sad and caged in its small enclosure. |
Cagey |
Secretive or reluctant to give information. |
She was cagey about her plans for the evening. |
Caked |
Covered with a thick layer of something. |
His boots were caked with mud after the hike. |
Cakey |
Having a texture similar to cake. |
The foundation made her skin look cakey in photographs. |
Calamitous |
Involving disaster or causing great harm. |
The earthquake had a calamitous effect on the region. |
Calculated |
Done with intent or planning. |
His response was measured and calculated. |
Calibrated |
Precisely adjusted for a specific purpose. |
The machine was calibrated to ensure accurate measurements. |
Californian |
Relating to California or its culture. |
The surfer had a distinct Californian vibe. |
Callous |
Insensitive and unfeeling. |
His callous attitude offended his coworkers. |
Callow |
Inexperienced and immature. |
The callow intern struggled with the new responsibilities. |
Calm |
Free from disturbance or stress. |
Her calm demeanor helped diffuse the tense situation. |
Calming |
Having a soothing or relaxing effect. |
The soft music was incredibly calming. |
Calorific |
Containing many calories or producing heat. |
This dessert is delicious but highly calorific. |
Camera-shy |
Reluctant to be photographed. |
The celebrity is surprisingly camera-shy in public. |
Camouflaged |
Hidden or blended into surroundings. |
The soldiers were well camouflaged in the dense jungle. |
Canary |
Bright yellow, like the bird. |
She wore a canary yellow dress to the party. |
Canceled |
Revoked or nullified. |
The flight was canceled due to bad weather. |
Cancerous |
Relating to or resembling cancer. |
The growth was determined to be cancerous. |
Candid |
Open, honest, and straightforward. |
He gave a candid explanation of his mistakes. |
Canine |
Relating to or resembling a dog. |
The canine features of the animal were striking. |
Cantankerous |
Bad-tempered and argumentative. |
The cantankerous old man scolded the children for playing too loudly. |
Capable |
Having the ability or qualities to succeed. |
She is a capable leader who inspires her team. |
Capital |
Excellent or of primary importance. |
This is a capital idea for the project. |
Capricious |
Impulsive or unpredictable. |
Her capricious nature made her difficult to work with. |
Captivated |
Deeply interested or mesmerized. |
The audience was captivated by the performance. |
Captivating |
Attracting and holding attention. |
Her captivating smile won everyone’s heart. |
Captive |
Held under control or influence. |
The captive audience listened intently to her speech. |
Caramel |
Golden-brown in color, like caramel. |
She dyed her hair a rich caramel shade. |
Cardboardy |
Resembling cardboard in texture or quality. |
The cookies were overbaked and tasted cardboardy. |
Carefree |
Without worry or stress. |
They enjoyed a carefree day at the beach. |
Careful |
Taking care to avoid mistakes or harm. |
Be careful with that glass—it’s fragile! |
Careless |
Lacking attention or responsibility. |
His careless actions caused the accident. |
Caring |
Displaying kindness and concern for others. |
She’s a very caring friend who always listens. |
Carnal |
Relating to physical, especially sexual, needs. |
The novel explored carnal desires in depth. |
Carnivorous |
Meat-eating or predatory. |
Tigers are carnivorous animals that hunt their prey. |
Carpeted |
Covered with carpet. |
The room was fully carpeted in soft, beige fabric. |
Carsick |
Feeling nauseous due to motion in a car. |
She became carsick during the long, winding drive. |
Casual |
Relaxed and informal. |
He prefers casual clothing over formal suits. |
Catastrophic |
Disastrous or causing great damage. |
The hurricane left catastrophic destruction in its wake. |
Catatonic |
Appearing lifeless or unresponsive. |
He remained in a catatonic state after the shock. |
Catchable |
Able to be caught. |
The ball was perfectly thrown and easily catchable. |
Catty |
Spiteful or mean-spirited. |
Her catty remarks upset her colleagues. |
Caustic |
Sarcastic in a scathing or bitter way. |
His caustic humor made people uncomfortable. |
Cautious |
Careful to avoid danger or mistakes. |
She is always cautious when driving in bad weather. |
Cavalier |
Showing a lack of concern or seriousness. |
His cavalier attitude irritated his coworkers. |
Cavernous |
Resembling a large, empty space. |
The hall felt cavernous with its high ceilings and bare walls. |
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Ceaseless |
Never-ending or continuous. |
Her ceaseless energy inspired the entire team. |
Celebrated |
Widely known and praised. |
He is a celebrated author in the literary world. |
Celestial |
Relating to the heavens or sky. |
The celestial beauty of the night sky was mesmerizing. |
Centered |
Emotionally or mentally balanced. |
He remained centered despite the chaos around him. |
Central |
Of primary importance or located in the center. |
The library is in a central location downtown. |
Ceramic |
Made of clay and hardened by heat. |
The ceramic vase was handcrafted by a local artist. |
Cerebral |
Relating to the brain or intellect. |
His arguments were highly cerebral and thought-provoking. |
Ceremonial |
Related to formal or traditional events. |
She wore a ceremonial gown for the inauguration. |
Certain |
Sure or confident about something. |
She was certain that her decision was the right one. |
Certifiable |
Officially recognized or insane (context-dependent). |
His achievements make him a certifiable expert. |
Certified |
Officially recognized or verified. |
She is a certified yoga instructor. |
Chagrined |
Embarrassed or humiliated. |
He felt chagrined after making the mistake in front of the crowd. |
Chalky |
Having a dry, powdery texture. |
The old walls had a chalky surface that needed repainting. |
Challenged |
Experiencing difficulty or obstacles. |
She felt challenged by the complex assignment. |
Challenging |
Demanding effort and determination. |
It was a challenging task, but she succeeded. |
Chance |
Accidental or random. |
It was a chance meeting that changed their lives. |
Changeable |
Capable of being changed or altered. |
The weather in the region is highly changeable. |
Changing |
Undergoing transformation. |
The changing seasons bring a variety of colors. |
Chanting |
Repeatedly singing or speaking words in rhythm. |
The crowd was chanting slogans during the protest. |
Charging |
Moving forward with force or energy. |
The charging bull startled the crowd at the rodeo. |
Charismatic |
Possessing charm and appeal. |
The leader’s charismatic personality won over the audience. |
Charitable |
Generous and helpful to those in need. |
Her charitable efforts have made a significant impact. |
Charmed |
Feeling fortunate or enchanted. |
He lived a charmed life full of opportunities. |
Charming |
Pleasantly attractive or delightful. |
The town had a charming atmosphere that drew tourists. |
Charred |
Burnt or blackened by fire. |
The edges of the toast were slightly charred. |
Chaste |
Pure and virtuous. |
She led a chaste and simple lifestyle. |
Chattering |
Talking rapidly or noisily. |
The students were chattering excitedly before the field trip. |
Chatting |
Engaging in informal conversation. |
They were chatting about their weekend plans. |
Chatty |
Talkative or prone to conversation. |
He’s a chatty person who loves sharing stories. |
Chauvinistic |
Excessively patriotic or prejudiced. |
His chauvinistic remarks offended many listeners. |
Cheap |
Low in cost or quality. |
The shoes looked cheap, but they were comfortable. |
Cheapest |
The least expensive. |
She bought the cheapest option available. |
Checkered |
Marked by varied events or patterns. |
He has a checkered past filled with ups and downs. |
Cheeky |
Playfully bold or mischievous. |
His cheeky grin made everyone laugh. |
Cheerful |
Noticeably happy and optimistic. |
She always has a cheerful smile on her face. |
Cheering |
Encouraging or uplifting. |
The cheering crowd boosted the athlete’s confidence. |
Cheerless |
Gloomy or lacking joy. |
The room felt cheerless without any decorations. |
Cheery |
Bright and happy in mood. |
The café has a cheery atmosphere that draws in customers. |
Cheesy |
Overly sentimental or tacky. |
The movie was so cheesy that it was hard not to laugh. |
Chemical |
Relating to or involving chemicals. |
The chemical smell in the lab was overwhelming. |
Cherish |
Holding something dear or valuable. |
They cherish the memories of their time together. |
Cherished |
Loved and valued greatly. |
Her grandmother’s locket is a cherished heirloom. |
Chewable |
Able to be chewed easily. |
The vitamins come in chewable tablets for kids. |
Chewy |
Requiring effort to chew. |
The cookies were soft and chewy, just the way she liked them. |
Chic |
Stylish and fashionable. |
She looked chic in her tailored dress. |
Chicken |
Cowardly or timid. |
He was too chicken to try the roller coaster. |
Chief |
Most important or highest in rank. |
Her chief responsibility is managing the budget. |
Childish |
Immature or silly. |
His childish behavior embarrassed his colleagues. |
Childlike |
Innocent or resembling a child. |
Her childlike wonder made the trip to the museum exciting. |
Chilling |
Frightening or causing fear. |
The chilling sound in the night startled the campers. |
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Chilly |
Cold or unfriendly in manner or temperature. |
The chilly wind made everyone shiver. |
Chinese |
Relating to China or its people. |
She enjoys Chinese cuisine. |
Chiseled |
Having well-defined, sharp features. |
His chiseled jawline made him look like a model. |
Chivalrous |
Courteous and gallant, especially toward women. |
He’s known for his chivalrous nature. |
Chock-full |
Completely full or overflowing. |
The box was chock-full of delicious snacks. |
Chocolate |
Having the color or flavor of chocolate. |
She wore a chocolate brown sweater. |
Choice |
Of superior quality or carefully selected. |
They serve choice cuts of meat at the restaurant. |
Choking |
Causing difficulty in breathing. |
The smoke was choking and made it hard to breathe. |
Choosy |
Picky or highly selective. |
She’s very choosy when it comes to her outfits. |
Choppy |
Uneven or rough in movement or texture. |
The boat ride was choppy due to the strong winds. |
Chrome |
Having a shiny metallic surface. |
The car’s chrome accents gave it a sleek look. |
Chronic |
Persisting for a long time or recurring. |
She suffers from chronic back pain. |
Chronological |
Arranged in the order of time. |
The events were listed in chronological order. |
Chubby |
Slightly overweight in a pleasant way. |
The chubby baby smiled at everyone in the room. |
Chuckling |
Laughing quietly or softly. |
He was chuckling at the funny joke. |
Chummy |
Friendly and sociable. |
They’ve been quite chummy since they started working together. |
Chunky |
Bulky or thick in size. |
He wore a chunky sweater on the cold day. |
Churlish |
Rude or lacking manners. |
His churlish behavior upset everyone at the party. |
Cinematic |
Dramatic or visually striking, like in films. |
The scene had a cinematic quality with its stunning visuals. |
Circling |
Moving around in a circular path. |
The eagle was circling above the forest. |
Circular |
Shaped like a circle. |
They sat at a circular table for the meeting. |
Circumstantial |
Dependent on specific conditions or details. |
The evidence was purely circumstantial. |
Citrus |
Relating to or resembling citrus fruits. |
The soap had a refreshing citrus scent. |
Citrusy |
Having the flavor or aroma of citrus. |
The drink had a citrusy tang. |
Civil |
Polite and courteous in manner. |
Despite the disagreement, they remained civil. |
Civilian |
Relating to or characteristic of non-military life. |
The civilian population was evacuated. |
Civilized |
Polite, well-mannered, and culturally advanced. |
The debate was conducted in a civilized manner. |
Clammy |
Damp, sticky, and unpleasant. |
His hands felt clammy from nervousness. |
Clamoring |
Loud and persistent in demand or protest. |
The crowd was clamoring for justice. |
Clamorous |
Making loud and confusing noise. |
The clamorous market was full of life and energy. |
Clandestine |
Secretive and hidden from view. |
They held a clandestine meeting late at night. |
Clanging |
Producing a loud, resonant metallic sound. |
The clanging of the pots startled the cat. |
Clapping |
Producing applause or claps. |
The audience was clapping loudly for the performer. |
Clashing |
In conflict or strikingly different. |
Their clashing personalities often led to arguments. |
Clasped |
Firmly held or fastened. |
Her hands were clasped tightly in prayer. |
Classic |
Timeless and universally recognized. |
The novel is considered a classic in literature. |
Classical |
Traditional or relating to classical music or art. |
The orchestra played a classical symphony. |
Classifiable |
Able to be categorized or classified. |
The documents were neatly classifiable into sections. |
Classified |
Kept secret or restricted. |
The report contained classified information. |
Classy |
Elegant and sophisticated. |
She looked very classy in her evening gown. |
Clean |
Free from dirt or mess. |
The kitchen was spotless and clean. |
Cleanable |
Able to be cleaned easily. |
The fabric is fully cleanable and stain-resistant. |
Cleansed |
Made pure or clean. |
He felt cleansed after the relaxing spa day. |
Clear |
Easily understood or free of obstructions. |
Her voice was clear and carried across the room. |
Clear-cut |
Obvious or sharply defined. |
The distinction between the two options was clear-cut. |
Cleared |
Free from obstacles or authorized. |
The path was cleared for hikers. |
Clear-headed |
Thinking logically and calmly. |
Despite the pressure, she remained clear-headed. |
Clever |
Quick-witted and resourceful. |
His clever solution impressed everyone in the meeting. |
Climatic |
Relating to the weather or climate. |
The climatic conditions were ideal for farming. |
Climbable |
Able to be climbed. |
The tree was climbable, making it perfect for kids. |
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Clinging |
Holding tightly or persistently. |
The child was clinging to her mother’s arm. |
Clingy |
Overly dependent or emotionally attached. |
Her clingy behavior made her friends uncomfortable. |
Clinical |
Objective and unemotional; related to clinics. |
His explanation was clinical and lacked warmth. |
Clipped |
Short and abrupt in manner or speech. |
Her clipped tone made it clear she was annoyed. |
Cliquish |
Exclusive or forming cliques. |
The group’s cliquish behavior made others feel unwelcome. |
Clogged |
Blocked or obstructed. |
The sink was clogged with food debris. |
Cloistered |
Secluded or sheltered from the outside world. |
The monk led a cloistered life in the mountains. |
Close |
Physically near or emotionally intimate. |
They have a very close friendship. |
Close-minded |
Unwilling to consider new ideas. |
His close-minded attitude limited his opportunities. |
Closable |
Able to be closed. |
The box is designed with a closable lid. |
Closed |
Not open or accessible. |
The store was closed for renovations. |
Cloudless |
Clear and free of clouds. |
The sky was cloudless, perfect for stargazing. |
Cloudy |
Covered with clouds or unclear. |
The weather was cloudy with a chance of rain. |
Clownish |
Foolish or silly in behavior. |
His clownish antics disrupted the serious meeting. |
Clueless |
Lacking knowledge or understanding. |
She seemed completely clueless about the situation. |
Clumsy |
Awkward or lacking coordination. |
His clumsy attempt to dance made everyone laugh. |
Cluttered |
Messy or disorganized. |
Her desk was so cluttered that she couldn’t find her papers. |
Coachable |
Willing and able to learn or improve. |
She’s very coachable, always eager to take feedback. |
Coarse |
Rough in texture or lacking refinement. |
The fabric felt coarse against his skin. |
Coastal |
Located near or relating to the coast. |
They enjoyed the coastal scenery during their vacation. |
Cockamamie |
Ridiculous or nonsensical. |
That’s the most cockamamie idea I’ve ever heard! |
Cocky |
Overconfident and arrogant. |
His cocky attitude annoyed everyone. |
Codified |
Arranged into a systematic code or plan. |
The rules were codified into a formal document. |
Coercive |
Using force or threats to compel action. |
The policy was criticized for its coercive tactics. |
Cognitive |
Relating to mental processes such as thinking. |
The study focused on cognitive development in children. |
Coherent |
Logical and consistent. |
Her argument was clear and coherent. |
Cohesive |
United or working together effectively. |
The team presented a cohesive plan to the board. |
Coincidental |
Happening by chance at the same time. |
Their meeting at the airport was purely coincidental. |
Cold |
Lacking warmth or emotion. |
His cold attitude made it difficult to approach him. |
Cold-hearted |
Unfeeling and lacking compassion. |
She was accused of being cold-hearted after firing the employee. |
Collaborative |
Working well with others. |
The project was a collaborative effort by the entire team. |
Collapsed |
Fallen or caved in. |
The building was collapsed after the earthquake. |
Collapsing |
In the process of falling or caving in. |
The bridge was collapsing under the weight of the truck. |
Collectable |
Worthy of being collected or kept. |
The limited-edition coins are highly collectable. |
Collegial |
Friendly and cooperative among colleagues. |
The team had a collegial atmosphere. |
Colloquial |
Informal or conversational in language. |
The book was written in a colloquial style that appealed to readers. |
Colombian |
Relating to Colombia or its culture. |
She enjoys Colombian coffee every morning. |
Colonial |
Relating to a colony or colonial period. |
The house had beautiful colonial architecture. |
Colorful |
Full of vivid colors or variety. |
The parade was a colorful celebration of culture. |
Colorless |
Lacking color or vibrancy. |
The room looked colorless without decorations. |
Colossal |
Extremely large or massive. |
The skyscraper was a colossal achievement in engineering. |
Combative |
Ready or eager to fight or argue. |
His combative attitude made negotiations difficult. |
Combined |
Brought together or united. |
The combined efforts of the group led to success. |
Comfortable |
Providing ease or relaxation. |
The couch was so comfortable that he fell asleep. |
Comforted |
Reassured or consoled. |
She felt comforted by her friend’s kind words. |
Comforting |
Providing comfort or reassurance. |
The comforting hug eased her worries. |
Comical |
Funny or amusing. |
His comical expressions always made people laugh. |
Commanding |
Authoritative and in control. |
She has a commanding presence in the boardroom. |
Commemorative |
Intended to honor or remember. |
They released a commemorative coin for the anniversary. |
Commendable |
Worthy of praise or recognition. |
Her commendable efforts helped the project succeed. |
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Conflicting |
Inconsistent or in disagreement. |
The witnesses provided conflicting accounts of the event. |
Conformable |
Agreeable or compliant with rules or conditions. |
The material is conformable to various shapes. |
Confounded |
Extremely confused or perplexed. |
He was confounded by the unexpected test results. |
Confused |
Lacking clarity or understanding. |
She looked confused after hearing the instructions. |
Confusing |
Difficult to understand or unclear. |
The directions were so confusing that no one followed them correctly. |
Congealed |
Turned from liquid to solid or semi-solid. |
The soup had congealed into a thick, gelatinous mass. |
Congenial |
Pleasant and friendly. |
The staff were incredibly congenial and helpful. |
Congenital |
Present from birth. |
She has a congenital heart condition. |
Congested |
Overcrowded or blocked. |
The highway was heavily congested during rush hour. |
Congressional |
Relating to a congress or legislative body. |
The congressional debate lasted for hours. |
Congruent |
In agreement or harmony. |
Their goals were congruent, making collaboration easy. |
Congruous |
Suitable or appropriate in context. |
The new policy is congruous with existing regulations. |
Conical |
Shaped like a cone. |
The mountain had a distinct conical peak. |
Connectable |
Able to be linked or joined. |
The device is connectable to various systems. |
Connected |
Linked or associated. |
She felt deeply connected to her heritage. |
Connecting |
Bringing things or people together. |
The connecting flight was delayed by two hours. |
Connective |
Serving to join or link. |
The connective tissue supports the structure of the body. |
Conscientious |
Diligent and careful in work or tasks. |
He’s a conscientious worker who pays attention to detail. |
Conscious |
Aware of and responsive to one’s surroundings. |
She is conscious of the impact of her actions. |
Consecutive |
Following one after the other. |
She won three consecutive matches in the tournament. |
Consensual |
Agreed upon by all parties involved. |
The decision was made through a consensual agreement. |
Consenting |
Giving permission or agreement. |
Both parties were consenting to the arrangement. |
Conservative |
Favoring traditional values or cautious in change. |
His conservative approach minimized risks. |
Considerable |
Large in amount or importance. |
She made a considerable effort to improve her skills. |
Considerate |
Thoughtful and mindful of others’ needs. |
He is always considerate of his colleagues’ time. |
Consistent |
Steady and reliable over time. |
Her performance has been consistent throughout the season. |
Consoling |
Providing comfort or reassurance. |
His consoling words helped her through a tough time. |
Conspicuous |
Easily noticeable or attracting attention. |
Her red dress made her conspicuous at the party. |
Conspiratorial |
Suggesting involvement in a secret plan. |
They exchanged conspiratorial glances during the meeting. |
Constant |
Unchanging or continuous. |
His support has been a constant source of strength for me. |
Constitutional |
Relating to a constitution or physical health. |
The law was deemed constitutional by the court. |
Constricted |
Tightened or restricted. |
The narrow alley felt constricted and difficult to navigate. |
Constrictive |
Limiting or restricting freedom or movement. |
The rules had a constrictive effect on creativity. |
Constructive |
Serving a useful or beneficial purpose. |
She gave constructive feedback that helped improve the project. |
Consumable |
Intended to be used up or consumed. |
The store sells consumable goods like snacks and drinks. |
Consummate |
Showing a high degree of skill or flair. |
He is a consummate professional in his field. |
Contagious |
Easily spread from person to person. |
Her laughter was so contagious that everyone joined in. |
Containable |
Able to be controlled or kept within limits. |
The fire was quickly deemed containable by the firefighters. |
Contaminated |
Impure or polluted. |
The water supply was contaminated by industrial waste. |
Contemplative |
Deep in thought or reflective. |
He spent the afternoon in a contemplative mood. |
Contemporary |
Modern or current in style or ideas. |
The gallery featured contemporary art exhibits. |
Contemptible |
Deserving of scorn or disrespect. |
His actions were contemptible and deeply upsetting. |
Contemptuous |
Showing disdain or disrespect. |
She gave him a contemptuous glare during the argument. |
Content |
Satisfied or at peace. |
He felt content with his achievements. |
Contented |
Happy and satisfied. |
She led a contented life in the countryside. |
Contentious |
Causing disagreement or argument. |
The policy has become a contentious issue. |
Contextual |
Relating to or dependent on context. |
The meaning of the word is contextual and varies in different situations. |
Continual |
Repeated or happening frequently. |
Her continual interruptions made it hard to focus. |
Continuing |
Ongoing or in progress. |
The continuing success of the campaign was celebrated. |
Continuous |
Without interruption or pause. |
The stream flowed in a continuous motion down the hill. |
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Contorted |
Twisted or bent out of shape. |
His face was contorted with pain. |
Contoured |
Shaped or outlined with precision. |
The artist painted the contoured landscape. |
Contractual |
Relating to a contract or agreement. |
Their relationship was defined by contractual obligations. |
Contradicting |
Opposing or inconsistent. |
The two statements were clearly contradicting. |
Contradictory |
Inconsistent or mutually opposed. |
His actions were contradictory to his words. |
Contrarian |
Opposing popular opinion or practice. |
Her contrarian views often sparked debates. |
Contrary |
Opposite in nature or direction. |
His behavior was contrary to what was expected. |
Contributive |
Helping to bring about a result. |
His ideas were contributive to the project’s success. |
Contrite |
Feeling or expressing remorse. |
He appeared contrite after realizing his mistake. |
Controllable |
Capable of being managed or directed. |
The new system is highly controllable. |
Controlling |
Overly bossy or domineering. |
Her controlling nature made teamwork difficult. |
Controversial |
Causing disagreement or debate. |
The new policy is highly controversial. |
Convenient |
Easy to use or suitable for a particular purpose. |
The location of the store is very convenient. |
Conventional |
Following traditional norms or standards. |
He prefers a conventional approach to problem-solving. |
Conversational |
Friendly or informal in tone. |
Her conversational style made everyone feel at ease. |
Convex |
Curved outward like the surface of a sphere. |
The mirror has a convex surface. |
Convinced |
Completely certain or persuaded. |
She was convinced that her decision was correct. |
Convincing |
Persuasive or believable. |
His argument was so convincing that everyone agreed. |
Convoluted |
Complicated or difficult to understand. |
The plot of the movie was too convoluted to follow. |
Convulsive |
Involving sudden, uncontrollable movements. |
He had a convulsive reaction to the shock. |
Cooing |
Making soft, murmuring sounds. |
The baby was cooing happily in her crib. |
Cooked |
Prepared by heating or cooking. |
The vegetables were perfectly cooked. |
Cool |
Calm, composed, or fashionable. |
He always stays cool under pressure. |
Cooperative |
Willing to work with others. |
The students were cooperative during the group activity. |
Coordinated |
Well-organized or synchronized. |
The dancers performed in a perfectly coordinated routine. |
Copious |
Abundant or plentiful. |
They received copious amounts of feedback on their proposal. |
Copper |
Having the reddish-brown color of copper. |
Her hair had a rich copper hue. |
Cordial |
Warm and friendly. |
They had a cordial conversation about their plans. |
Corner |
Relating to or forming a corner. |
The corner table was reserved for the couple. |
Cornered |
Trapped or in a difficult position. |
The cat felt cornered and hissed at the intruder. |
Corny |
Overused and lacking originality. |
His jokes were so corny that everyone rolled their eyes. |
Corporate |
Relating to a corporation or business. |
The event was sponsored by a major corporate brand. |
Corpulent |
Large or overweight. |
The king was described as a corpulent man with a hearty laugh. |
Correct |
Free from error or accurate. |
The answer to the math problem was correct. |
Correctable |
Able to be fixed or amended. |
Most of the errors in the report are correctable. |
Corrective |
Intended to fix or improve something. |
They implemented corrective measures to address the issue. |
Corresponding |
Matching or equivalent. |
The graph shows corresponding data for the two groups. |
Corrosive |
Causing damage through a chemical reaction. |
The acid was highly corrosive and required careful handling. |
Corrupt |
Dishonest or unethical. |
The official was accused of being corrupt. |
Corrupting |
Causing moral or ethical decay. |
Power has a corrupting influence on some leaders. |
Corruptive |
Tending to corrupt or degrade. |
The corruptive nature of money was a central theme in the novel. |
Cosmetic |
Relating to appearance or surface features. |
The changes made to the building were purely cosmetic. |
Cosmic |
Vast or relating to the universe. |
The telescope provided a glimpse into cosmic phenomena. |
Cosmopolitan |
Sophisticated and worldly. |
She has a cosmopolitan outlook on life. |
Costly |
Expensive or causing a great loss. |
The mistake proved to be costly for the company. |
Cotton |
Made of or resembling cotton. |
She wore a cotton dress to stay cool in the heat. |
Cottony |
Soft and fluffy like cotton. |
The clouds looked cottony against the blue sky. |
Coughing |
Making sudden, noisy expulsions of air from the lungs. |
The child was coughing all night due to a cold. |
Countless |
Too many to count. |
The project required countless hours of dedication. |
Courageous |
Brave and bold in the face of danger. |
The firefighter’s courageous actions saved lives. |
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Courteous |
Polite and respectful in manner. |
The waiter was very courteous to all the customers. |
Covered |
Enclosed or concealed by something. |
The table was covered with a red tablecloth. |
Covert |
Hidden or secretive. |
They planned a covert operation to retrieve the files. |
Coveted |
Greatly desired or envied. |
She won the coveted Best Actor award. |
Cowardly |
Lacking courage or bravery. |
His cowardly actions disappointed his friends. |
Cowering |
Cringing or recoiling in fear. |
The dog was cowering in the corner during the thunderstorm. |
Coy |
Pretending to be shy or modest. |
She gave a coy smile during the conversation. |
Cozy |
Comfortable, warm, and inviting. |
The cabin had a cozy atmosphere with its fireplace. |
Crabby |
Irritable or easily annoyed. |
He was feeling particularly crabby after missing his morning coffee. |
Cracked |
Broken or with fine lines on the surface. |
The cracked mirror reflected a distorted image. |
Crackling |
Making sharp, snapping sounds. |
The fire was crackling in the fireplace. |
Crafty |
Clever and deceitful in achieving goals. |
The fox is often portrayed as a crafty character in fables. |
Craggy |
Rugged or uneven, often describing terrain. |
The craggy cliffs made the hike challenging. |
Crammed |
Filled tightly with no space left. |
The room was crammed with books and papers. |
Cramped |
Small and confined in space. |
The apartment felt cramped with so many people inside. |
Cranky |
Bad-tempered or irritable. |
The baby was cranky because she needed a nap. |
Crashing |
Making loud, sudden noises. |
The sound of crashing waves filled the air. |
Crass |
Lacking sensitivity or refinement. |
His crass remarks offended everyone at the meeting. |
Craven |
Cowardly or lacking courage. |
His craven decision to avoid the challenge disappointed his team. |
Crawling |
Moving slowly, especially on hands and knees. |
The baby was crawling across the floor. |
Crazy |
Wildly foolish or mentally unstable. |
Her crazy ideas often led to unexpected adventures. |
Creaking |
Making a high-pitched sound when moving. |
The old door was creaking as it opened. |
Creaky |
Old and likely to make noises when moved. |
The creaky stairs echoed in the empty house. |
Cream |
Having the color or consistency of cream. |
She painted the walls a soft cream color. |
Creamy |
Smooth and rich in texture. |
The soup was deliciously creamy. |
Creative |
Imaginative and original. |
His creative ideas brought new life to the project. |
Credible |
Believable or trustworthy. |
Her explanation was detailed and credible. |
Creeping |
Moving slowly and stealthily. |
A spider was creeping along the windowsill. |
Creepy |
Causing unease or fear. |
The abandoned house had a creepy atmosphere. |
Crestfallen |
Feeling disappointed or dejected. |
She was crestfallen after hearing the bad news. |
Criminal |
Relating to or guilty of a crime. |
His criminal behavior shocked everyone. |
Crimson |
Deep red in color. |
The sunset painted the sky a rich crimson hue. |
Crinkly |
Having small wrinkles or folds. |
The gift wrap was crinkly and shiny. |
Crippled |
Severely damaged or impaired. |
The economy was crippled by the financial crisis. |
Crippling |
Causing severe damage or hardship. |
The storm dealt a crippling blow to the city’s infrastructure. |
Crisp |
Firm, fresh, or clean in appearance. |
The apple was deliciously crisp and sweet. |
Crispy |
Crunchy in texture. |
The bacon was perfectly crispy. |
Crisscross |
Marked with intersecting lines or paths. |
The map was full of crisscross roads and trails. |
Critical |
Expressing judgment or finding fault. |
The report was highly critical of the new policy. |
Critical-thinking |
Logical and analytical in approach. |
Critical-thinking skills are essential for solving complex problems. |
Criticized |
Judged unfavorably or negatively. |
The artist was heavily criticized for her controversial work. |
Crooked |
Bent or dishonest. |
The picture frame hung crooked on the wall. |
Cropped |
Cut short or reduced in length. |
She wore a cropped jacket over her dress. |
Cross |
Annoyed or irritated. |
She was cross with him for being late again. |
Crossed |
Intersected or overlapped. |
The wires were accidentally crossed, causing a short circuit. |
Crotchety |
Bad-tempered or irritable. |
The crotchety old man complained about the noise. |
Crowded |
Full of people or things. |
The train was crowded during rush hour. |
Crucial |
Extremely important or essential. |
It’s crucial to follow the safety guidelines. |
Crude |
Rough or unrefined in behavior or appearance. |
His crude remarks offended everyone in the room. |
Cruel |
Willfully causing pain or suffering. |
Her cruel actions left a lasting impact. |
Adjective |
Definition |
Example |
Crumbling |
Breaking apart into small pieces. |
The old castle was crumbling from neglect. |
Crumbly |
Easily breaking into small fragments. |
The cookies were soft and crumbly. |
Crummy |
Of poor quality or unpleasant. |
The hotel room was crummy and overpriced. |
Crumply |
Full of wrinkles or folds. |
The packaging was old and crumply. |
Crunchable |
Able to be crushed or eaten with a crunch. |
These crackers are deliciously crunchable. |
Crunching |
Making a crisp, cracking noise when pressed. |
The sound of crunching leaves filled the air. |
Crunchy |
Crisp and firm in texture. |
The salad was fresh and crunchy. |
Crushable |
Capable of being crushed. |
The aluminum can is lightweight and crushable. |
Crushed |
Broken or pressed into smaller pieces. |
The flowers were crushed underfoot. |
Crushing |
Overwhelming or devastating. |
The team suffered a crushing defeat in the finals. |
Crusty |
Having a hard outer surface. |
The bread had a warm, crusty exterior. |
Crying |
Shedding tears or calling out loudly. |
The crying baby needed attention. |
Cryptic |
Mysterious or having a hidden meaning. |
The message was written in cryptic symbols. |
Crystalline |
Clear or resembling crystal. |
The lake’s water was crystalline and inviting. |
Crystallized |
Formed into crystals or made clear. |
Her ideas became crystallized after much thought. |
Cuddly |
Soft, warm, and inviting hugs. |
The teddy bear was so cuddly that it became her favorite. |
Cultivated |
Refined and educated, or prepared for crops. |
He is a cultivated man with a love for the arts. |
Cultural |
Relating to culture or customs. |
The museum highlights the cultural heritage of the region. |
Cultured |
Sophisticated and well-educated. |
She is a cultured individual with an appreciation for classical music. |
Cumbersome |
Difficult to carry or handle due to size or weight. |
The package was large and cumbersome. |
Cumulative |
Increasing in quantity or effect over time. |
The cumulative effects of the medication took a toll on his health. |
Cunning |
Clever in achieving goals, often deceitfully. |
The thief used a cunning plan to escape. |
Culpable |
Deserving blame or guilt. |
The judge declared him culpable for the crime. |
Curable |
Able to be healed or remedied. |
The disease is rare but curable with early treatment. |
Curative |
Having healing properties. |
This herb is known for its curative effects on the body. |
Curious |
Eager to learn or know something. |
The curious child asked endless questions. |
Curly |
Having curls or waves in hair or texture. |
Her curly hair bounced as she walked. |
Current |
Happening or existing now. |
The current situation requires immediate attention. |
Cursed |
Doomed or under a spell. |
The family believed the house was cursed. |
Curt |
Brief and to the point, often rudely so. |
His curt reply ended the conversation abruptly. |
Curved |
Bent or rounded in shape. |
The curved path led to a hidden garden. |
Curvy |
Having curves or a rounded shape. |
She admired the curvy lines of the sculpture. |
Cushy |
Easy and comfortable. |
He landed a cushy job with flexible hours. |
Customary |
According to tradition or usual practices. |
It’s customary to shake hands when meeting someone new. |
Customer-oriented |
Focused on satisfying customers' needs. |
The business prides itself on being customer-oriented. |
Cut |
Divided into pieces or shaped by cutting. |
The cut flowers were arranged beautifully in a vase. |
Cute |
Endearing and charming in appearance. |
The puppy’s cute antics melted everyone’s hearts. |
Cutting |
Sharp or able to cut. |
The cutting edge of the blade was razor-sharp. |
Cutting Edge |
Highly innovative and advanced. |
The company is known for its cutting-edge technology. |
Cylindrical |
Shaped like a cylinder. |
The container had a cylindrical design. |
Cynical |
Distrustful of others’ motives. |
His cynical view of the world made him difficult to work with. |
Featured Adjectives Grouped by Topics
1. Personality Traits
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Positive: Caring, Cheerful, Charismatic.
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Negative: Cynical, Callous, Combative.
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Neutral: Curious, Critical, Calm.
2. Describing Appearance
-
Positive: Classy, Charming, Colorful.
-
Negative: Clumsy, Cold, Boring.
-
Neutral: Clear, Cool, Crowded.
3. Emotions and Feelings
-
Positive: Calm, Cheerful, Confident.
-
Negative: Cruel, Cynical, Cautious.
-
Neutral: Curious, Critical, Careful.
Everyday Use of Adjectives Starting With C
-
Positive: "Her charming demeanor made her a great host."
-
Negative: "His cynical remarks dampened the mood."
-
Neutral: "The clear skies made for a perfect day to hike."
Common Mistakes
1. Misusing “Calm” for “Carefree”
-
Mistake: "She seemed calm and unconcerned."
-
Correction: "She seemed carefree and unconcerned."
-
Tip: Use "calm" for peaceful states and "carefree" for lack of worries.
2. Confusing “Confident” with “Arrogant”
-
Mistake: "He’s confident and ignores advice."
-
Correction: "He’s arrogant and ignores advice."
-
Tip: Confidence is positive; arrogance is dismissive or boastful.
3. Overusing “Creative” for Non-Innovative Tasks
-
Mistake: "The accountant came up with a creative spreadsheet."
-
Correction: "The accountant came up with an efficient spreadsheet."
4. Using “Cheerful” for Formal Tone
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Mistake: "The report had a cheerful conclusion."
-
Correction: "The report had an optimistic conclusion."
5. Mixing “Critical” with “Cynical”
-
Mistake: "She’s cynical about every detail in the project."
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Correction: "She’s critical about every detail in the project."
Explore other adjectives: