Describing people: personality and character traits

impetuous

acts on a sudden idea without

thinking first (often negative)

impulsive

similar to impetuous, but can be

used in a more positive way

effusive

gives exaggerated expression of

pleasure, praise or gratitude

excitable

easily excited by things

pushy

always selfishly promoting your

own position or interests; informa

self-conscious

nervous or uncomfortable

because you know what people

think about you or your actions

well-balanced

calm and reasonable and showing

good judgement

taciturn

reserved or says very little

(generally negative)

diffident

lacks confidence

self-esteem

has a

low opinion of himself

reserved

not immediately sociable

aloof

unfriendly and not sociable

haughty

unfriendly and

thinks herself better than others

disdainful

does not believe others deserve respect

conceited

thinks herself

wonderful

modest

prefers not to exaggerate her own qualities

gullible

easily deceived

conscientious

always took his work very seriously

restless

not satisfied with what she is

doing now and wanting something new

obstinate

unwilling

to change, despite persuasion

pig-headed

similar to obstinate but stronger; informal