Descriptive language

English

Definition

Words and phrases that create vivid mental pictures by appealing to the reader's senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Strong descriptive language uses specific nouns, active verbs, and precise adjectives rather than vague or generic words.

Examples

  • Instead of 'The food was good,' write 'The garlic bread was warm, crispy, and dripping with melted butter.'
  • 'The ancient oak's gnarled branches clawed at the gray sky' uses visual and tactile imagery
  • Using 'whispered,' 'thundered,' or 'croaked' instead of just 'said' adds auditory description

Related Terms

Sensory details Imagery and metaphor Word choice Figurative language

Study This Concept

Practice descriptive language with free review games in these units:

English 9 Unit 1: Narrative Writing