Positive words to describe someone: what to say at work, in a reference, to a friend and in a speech

Start with what you want to praise

Most lists of positive adjectives give you two hundred words in alphabetical order. That is hard to use. Instead, ask what you want to say about the person.

Pick one or two words from the row that matches your situation, then add a short example. The example is what makes praise believable: She is thorough: she checks every figure twice. The sections below show how this looks in different places.

At work: praise for a colleague, manager or employee

In a workplace message, praise skills and results. Avoid very personal words unless you know the person well.

• Reliable: You can count on him to deliver on time.
• Organised: She keeps every project on track.
• Proactive: He spots problems before they grow.
• Resourceful: She finds a way when the usual tools fail.
• Collaborative: He shares credit and helps others.
• Dedicated: She stayed to finish the launch with the team.
• Analytical: He explains the numbers clearly.

When you give feedback in a meeting, use a pattern: word + evidence + effect. For example: You were well prepared (word). You answered every question from the client without notes (evidence). That made the whole team look professional (effect). This takes ten seconds and is much stronger than "great job".

For phrases to use when you need a raise or a promotion, see how to ask for a raise, which has scripts you can say aloud.

In a reference letter or recommendation

A reference is read by a stranger who must decide quickly. Use strong, specific, professional words and always give an example.

Strong choices

Exceptional, outstanding, highly capable, dependable, a natural leader, sound judgement.

Weak choices to avoid

Nice, good, okay, hard-working (alone). These are polite but they do not help the reader choose between candidates.

A pattern that works

I have worked with Maria for three years. She is exceptionally dependable: she led our reporting during a staff shortage and met every deadline. Her colleagues also describe her as patient and approachable, which made her a natural mentor for new staff. I recommend her without reservation.

Notice what the writer does. The first word (dependable) gets an example. The second idea (approachable) gets a result. The last sentence is clear and does not hedge.

Here is a safe rule for non-native writers: choose three strong words, give one example for each and end with a clear recommendation. Keep the letter honest: a reader trusts a modest, specific reference more than a glowing, vague one.

For a friend, a partner or a family member

Personal praise should sound warm and natural. Shorter, simpler words beat formal ones.

• Kind: She's the kindest person I know.
• Thoughtful: It was so thoughtful of you to remember.
• Generous: He's always the first to help.
• Funny: You always make me laugh.
• Loyal: She's stood by me through everything.
• Down-to-earth: He's successful, but he's very down-to-earth.
• Easy to talk to: You're so easy to talk to.
• Genuine: She's genuine: what you see is what you get.

In speech, these words are often softened with really, so or such: You're such a good listener. In British English, people often understate: He's not bad at all can mean he is very good. Match the style of the person you speak to.

Praise a person for something they chose, not only for how they look or what they were born with. You worked really hard on that lands better than You're so lucky.

In a speech or a toast

A speech needs words that sound good aloud and a story that proves them. Three or four well-chosen words are enough.

• Generous and big-hearted work for a farewell or an award.
• Resilient and determined fit someone who faced hard times.
• Inspiring and visionary suit a leader, but only if you can name what they started.
• Humble is a high compliment for a person who does not seek attention.

Structure it like this:

1. Name the person and the occasion.
2. Give two or three qualities.
3. Tell a short story for the strongest quality.
4. End by thanking or wishing them well.

For example: If I had to choose one word for Ravi, it would be dependable. When our system failed at midnight before launch, he was the first person online. That is who he is.

Speak slowly, and stress the key word: If I had to choose one word… it would be de-PEND-able. The page on English intonation shows how to use pitch and pauses so the important word is heard.

Words with a careful meaning

Some positive words carry a hidden second meaning. Check these before you use them.

The lesson is simple: a word has a feeling as well as a meaning. When you describe a person for a stranger, choose words with a clean positive feeling. When you speak to a friend, you can be more playful.

For a longer list of personality words with example sentences, see words to describe a person.

Common mistakes when praising in English

Wrong: He is very humble boy.

Right: He is a very humble boy. Do not forget the article "a" before a singular noun.

Wrong: She is a respect person.

Right: She is a respected person, or She is respectful. Respect is a noun, respected and respectful are adjectives.

Wrong: You are so kindly.

Right: You are so kind. Kindly is an adverb (she kindly helped).

Wrong: He is a creativity man.

Right: He is a creative man. Choose the adjective, not the noun.

Two more habits help. First, prefer one exact word to three vague ones: thorough is better than good, nice and hardworking. Second, avoid ending with and so on. It says you ran out of examples. Finish the idea, then stop.