It would be impossible to live in a world without nouns. Many nouns like to be dressed up, or modified, and that's where adjectives come in. They're a fascinating and colorful bunch. We have the obvious descriptors like "nice" and "smart."
But, what about words like "any" and "every"? "Any" is a distributive adjective, used to single out the particular noun or pronoun they're about to modify. Let's take a look at this fascinating group of words, beginning with all the popular adjectives that start with A.
Adjectives have a very important role. They modify one of the most commonly used parts of speech: nouns. They provide further information, indicating characteristics like size, shape, color, and more. They answer questions like, "Which one?" "How many?" "Whose?" and "What kind?" So, with an adjective, the "friend" becomes the "acrimonious" friend.
There are hundreds of adjectives that begin with the letter A, so they won't all appear here. Try thinking up some of your own to add to this list. It can be fun to sit somewhere you can watch the world go by and think of as many new adjectives as you can. It refreshes your vocabulary, makes you more of a crossword pro, and helps you master off-the-cuff puns.
For some reason, alliteration, or the repetition of consonant sounds, is interesting to the ear. Assonance, or the repetition of vowel sounds, is also catchy. In order to help you implement these literary devices - and more - into your writing, let's begin a study of A adjectives.
Here are our top 50, chosen because they are used so commonly in everyday speech:
Adjective | Definition | Synonym |
able | to have the skills or strength to do a task | adept, apt, proficient |
absolute | something that is 100 percent complete with no exceptions | definite, assured, certain |
academic | relating to schooling, learning | collegiate, learned, scholastic |
acceptable | of a satisfactory or agreeable level | adequate, average, decent |
accessible | something that is easily reached or entered | convenient, handy, nearby |
accurate | correct, without error | errorless, correct, unquestionable |
acrimonious | when someone or something is bitter or harsh in manner or speech | sharp, rancorous, caustic |
active | having or engaging in movement | agile, mobile, dynamic |
actual | existing at the present time | authentic, bona fide, real |
adamant | a refusal to change; hard and unyielding | inflexible, resolute, fixed |
additional | extra or supplementary to what is already there | extra, more, supplemental |
administrative | involved in carrying out of duties and responsibilities | executive, managerial, official |
advanced | ahead in position, time, manner | ahead, foremost, progressive |
advantageous | creating favorable circumstances that increase the likelihood of success | beneficial, favorable, profitable |
aeronautical | relating to the science or understanding of flight | air, flight |
affordable | something you're financially capable of purchasing | economical, cheap, frugal |
afraid | to be filled with fear or regret | apprehensive, cowardly, fearful |
African | of or relating to Africa or its people, languages, or cultures | Afro, Nigerian, Zulu |
aggressive | prone to being competitive and makes strong attempts to win | ambitious, assertive, contentious |
agoraphobic | relating to the fear of open or public places | fearful, afraid, anxious |
alive | being active, full of life | active, animate, zestful |
alluvial | relating to or found in alluvium, sediment left by flowing water | earthy, geotic, temporal |
amazing | full of wonder or excitement | astonishing, astounding, marvelous |
ambidextrous | being able to use both hands with aptitude | equal-handed |
ambivalent | mixed or contradictory ideas about someone or something | uncertain, irresolute, conflicted |
American | a person or thing from the United States | patriot, Yankee, Yank |
amoral | without morals | uncivilized, unethical, corrupt |
ancient | old, often very old | aged, archaic, old |
androgenous | possessing both male and female qualities | bisexual, cross-sexual, trans-sexual |
angelic | someone exceptionally kind or beautiful | otherworldly, heavenly, ethereal |
annual | happening yearly | yearly, seasonal, yearlong |
anonymous | unknown, usually by choice | incognito, nameless, unidentified |
applicable | something appropriate or relevant | appropriate, apt, befitting |
appropriate | something that is suitable and proper | applicable, apropos, well-chosen |
ardent | a deep level of enthusiasm or passion | fervent, passionate, zealous |
astronomical | derived from astronomy, this denotes something really large | celestial, heavenly, planetary |
attractive | appealing, drawing attention | alluring, appealing, beautiful |
audio | anything relating to sound | phonic, aural, auditory |
auricular | relating to the ear or sense of hearing | audible, phonic, otic |
Australian | of or relating to Australia | Aussie |
automatic | done by habit | habitual, instinctive, natural |
avaricious | extremely greedy | grasping, covetous, mercenary |
available | ready for use | accessible, attainable, obtainable |
average | normal, typical | common, fair, median |
avuncular | relating to your uncle | counseling, helping, advising |
aware | to know, see or realize something | alert, alive, apprised, knowing |
awesome | impressive, inspiring admiration | wonderful, remarkable, impressive |
azure | something bright blue in color, resembling a cloudless sky | cerulean, sky blue, deep blue |
There are many adjectives that start with A. After all, A is the first letter in the alphabet and one of the most commonly used letters in the English language.
In America, you want to get straight "A's" on your report card. In England, you have to finish your "A" levels before completing your secondary education. The top dog is always the "alpha."
When playing cards, the card everyone wants to have in their hand is the one conspicuously marked with the letter A, the ace.
All sentient creatures are capable of experiencing a moment of understanding, also known as an "aha moment." In these moments, the brain lights up with activity, creating a positively euphoric moment. Coincidence? Indeed not, an A is always good.
Since adjectives are so colorful and common, there are many different types.
Adjectives are far more multifaceted than we realize. They're not just words like "pretty" and "nice." Check out this extensive article, Types of Adjectives, to learn more.
Ready to see these words modify noun after noun? Here are ten of the above adjectives in action:
Wasn't that fun? Were you able to pick up any new terms and commit them to memory? Why not keep that pad and paper handy and see if you can jot down a few more additions with this lengthy List of Common Adjective Words? Here's to your new and expanded vocabulary
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