Adjective Stravaganza

Stop overusing words. Here’s 11 synonyms to enrich your vocabulary!

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The English language is vibrant and generous when it comes to describing things. Its adjectives can be precise, poetic, naive, gentle, nasty, humorous, and so much more. Yet, for whatever reason, speakers show a tendency to boil down their lexicon into a very narrow choice of words.

We have assembled a short list of common adjectives and some of the words that can be used to replace them. Depending on the situation, some will be more suitable than others, but all of them will serve to expand your vocabulary in interesting ways!

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One of the most overused adjectives in the English language is "nice". We use it for everything: Maybe you had a nice conversation, you live in a nice neighborhood, or you have a nice puppy.

Of course, a puppy can be nice. But it could also be charming, cute, precious, or even adorable. Your neighborhood could be pretty or lovely. Your conversation, captivating or absorbing. You get the idea.

Image: Jason Blackeye

A sunset is beautiful, yes. But a sunset can also very well be golden, gorgeous, spectacular, dramatic, red, magnificent, glowing, burning, dazzling, wonderful, fiery, even breathtaking or glorious. An event so exquisite deserves more than the ubiquitous "beautiful," don't you think?

Image: Drew Coffman

A very useful little word to describe things that are on the positive side of things, but not much further down the line. Not great, but definitely not bad.

Many things in life are, simply put, just good: A decent cup of coffee, a satisfactory day at work, an adequate microwave meal. These are all things that, if done right, are just good, and that's why we tend to over-utilize this humble adjective. However, many words could serve to replace it. Some we've just used here, but you can certainly think of some more.

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The word "expensive" is thrown around quite a lot, and has been for a while. For this very reason, the English language has more than a few synonyms worth its salt to express the same concept.

A pricey item can also be described as exorbitant, extravagant, fancy, lavish, upscale, posh, or steep. Contrary to what they describe, using any of these adjectives is 100% free.

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Another omnipresent descriptor that deserves a rest. And for good reason: the world is, in fact, a big place with plenty of big things worthy of conversation.

However, besides big, things can be called plenty of other things: huge, enormous, substantial, immense, gigantic, spacious, monumental, or even gargantuan if you are looking for the ultimate in matters of size.

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When talking about scale, it's all about nuance. Almost as ubiquitous as its big brother, "small" is another versatile word that, despite its usefulness, loses meaning without context.

Think of words like little, tiny, minuscule, compact, diminutive, microscopic, undersized, and minute. Every one of them offers some nuance and variation, while still expressing the core idea of smallness.

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A great many things in life are difficult and there is no shame in admitting to it. What is a shame is using the same word over and over again when we have such a rich vocabulary to express every nuance of the human experience.

Things can be difficult, but also challenging, demanding, complex, arduous, complicated, tricky, formidable, onerous, laborious, tough, or just hard.

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As many things in life are difficult, many others are outright easy. Whenever you find a straightforward solution to a problem, life gets a little simpler. Other words in the "easy" ballpark are uncomplicated, painless, smooth, undemanding, and breezy. You should try to incorporate them into your lexicon—it's effortless.

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One of those words that can be used to convey many different meanings, "hot" signifies high temperature, but it is also used to express urgency, high demand, beauty, and intensity.

Many synonyms can also be used to describe the spectrum of expressions that "hot" is used for. From the intense "sizzling" to the extreme "scorching" or "boiling", to "blistering" or even "burning", all these are waiting on the sidelines to replace the overused "hot."

Image: Spencer Backman

Another much-used adjective, the direct opposite of the one just mentioned, is "cold". Many things can be cold, from drinks to relationships to places to food and quite a few more. Yet, the word has a few relatives that are seldom used.

"Chilly" suggests a mild and discomforting cold, "frigid" conveys an intense cold, "icy" emphasizes the presence of ice, and "frosty" describes a coldness that is frost-covered. Also, "biting" implies a sharp wind, "freezing" means a temperature at freezing point, and "numb" conveys a lack of sensation.

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In a world of constant rush, running late is inevitable. The term itself signifies a point in time occurring after the expected hour. "You're late" is a much-heard phrase, usually uttered in mild anger.

But for such an ungrateful term, there are plenty of related terms at our disposal: tardy, delayed, belated, behind schedule, overdue, running behind, or behind time can all be used to replace the usual "late".

Planning your next adventure

Ultimate survival guide: The 10 essentials of hiking

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Walking in the outdoors is excellent for our physical and mental health. And in the United States we have wonderful landscapes to make the most of this unique sport. However, while hiking is a very popular activity, it is not always practiced properly. Whether you plan to visit a National Park, venture into the woods, or explore bear country, it's best to prepare accordingly. Here are 10 pro tips to keep in mind when going hiking.

Image: Sandra Seitamaa

If you've never hiked or camped before, don't worry, it's never too late! The best thing you can do is start slowly. First, find a path near your house and do small hikes every day. Once you realize how much you love getting your body moving, choose a place you've always wanted to visit. If nothing comes to mind, go through an atlas or a book on hiking to pick the perfect place for a new adventure.

Next, you can start proper training and even join a local hiking club to learn the ropes and meet new people. Finding a buddy to share the experience with can make all the difference, —trust us, conversation helps make training more enjoyable. Now that you're all set, it's time to get ready!

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Packing is probably the most important thing when you go hiking. It’s where all starts and doing it properly can make the whole trip a success or a failure. First, lay out everything you think you'll need and strategize from there. Big items go first, but remember, try to keep weight as low as possible. For example, look at the amount of clothing you plan to bring, then cut it in half. It's not a wilderness experience otherwise!

If space becomes a problem, you can get some compression sacks for slimming down puffy items, like sleeping bags or outerwear. You can also deflate dry-food packs with a pin and cover the hole with tape. Finally, put survival items in the front of the pack for fast emergency access.

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On the trail, adequate shoes make all the difference. Many people get blisters or other ailments just for choosing the wrong shoes. The best way to avoid these issues is to prepare. For starters, find shoes that are comfortable and right for your feet type. Don't order your next pair online, it’s better to visit a retail store and try on multiple pairs.

Socks are as important as shoes. Choose synthetic or wool socks that absorb moisture better for long days in the outdoors. The insoles that come in boots may not be a very good fit for your foot. The more cost-effective solution is to replace them with better ones. Also, always pack up some moleskin, duct tape, or other first-aid implements, just in case. Finally, remember to tie your boots correctly to prevent rubbing and you are good to go!

Image: Baihaki Hine

Setting up a campsite is not hard if you take some key steps. First, find a site 200 feet from a lake or a stream and choose durable surfaces whenever possible. Spend extra time searching out a sheltered location to avoid the wind. Also, look up to make sure no dead trees or branches threaten to fall on your site.

Once you’ve found the perfect spot, wait until the winds die down —often at sunset— to pitch your tent. If you can, orient the door to the east for early sun and place your tent so the smallest side faces the wind. Secure and anchor your tent properly with nylon cords and stakes and you’ll be ready to spend the night in the open.

Image: Iren Polishchuk

Where campfires are allowed, it's important to know how to build —and put out— flames properly. First of all, find fuel: an armload of twigs and sticks will get the fire going. Search for dry wood under driftwood piles. If necessary, shave off the wet bark.

The next step is to make a pit. Choose a safe place and dig a small pit surrounded by wind-breaking rocks. Place a firestarter —for example, cotton balls, egg cartons, or wine corks— on a bed of sticks leaving gaps for air to fuel the flames. Place a fist-size stack of wood shavings, twigs, and paper over your fire starter and light it up. Carefully supply larger sticks and blow on them gently to fan the flames.

Before leaving the campsite, remember to put out the fire. Use water and mix the ashes and embers with soil. Make sure it’s completely out: if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

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Like wine to the gods, water is the nectar of hikers. But, how to stay hydrated during long exercise hours in the outdoors? Start the day with plenty of liquid. While you sleep, you lose as much as 1.5 pounds of fluid through sweat and respiration. In the morning, replenish with 16 to 24 ounces of water.

While trekking, don’t wait till you are dead thirsty to drink water. Instead, sip 4 to 6 ounces of liquid every 20 minutes, it'll help you feel stronger. Also, since sweat is made up of sodium and potassium, it’s important to keep an eye on electrolytes. Try to alternate water with a sports drink or munch on salty snacks. If you start feeling dizzy, have a headache, or find it difficult to concentrate, you are probably dehydrated. Set up camp: A long rest, a good meal, and lots of water will get you back on track.

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If you are traveling from low to high elevation plan an extra day or two to allow your body to adjust. Avoid arriving directly to trailheads above 10,000 feet and instead plan a day hike at a lower elevation. The first couple of days try to moderate your effort. Since air is very dry at high altitudes, always stay hydrated and abstain from drinking alcohol.

Also, don't ascend more than 2,000 feet per day, and at night set camp below the highest elevation you've reached. If you develop symptoms of altitude sickness, like persistent headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, or loss of coordination, stay put. Go down if the symptoms don't improve within 24 hours.

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If your hiking trip is during the summer months, you’ll have to be extra careful with the high temperatures. Always have a backup plan for your water supply and bring hard candy to suck and keep your mouth moistured.

Try to protect your body from the sun's rays. Don't wear shorts or short sleeves. Cotton clothes retain moisture better than synthetics and will keep you cooler. Wear a full-brimmed hat and extra-dark sunglasses at all times. Use sunscreen on any exposed flesh, like your face and the backs of your hands, and reapply frequently.

Don't hike during the middle of the day, when temperatures reach their peak. In open country, go from shade to shade. Move for half an hour and rest for another half. You can even hike at night and make the most of a starry sky!

Image: Andy Holmes

Let’s face it, most of North America is bear country. It’s important to take precautions when hiking near their habitats to prevent unfortunate encounters. First of all, don’t hike alone. Bears are less likely to attack groups than individuals. Also, always make noise. Given the opportunity, most bears will avoid human contact.

Storing food properly and paying attention to the terrain can give you an advantage. But even if you stay vigilant the whole time, you may come across a grizzly or a black bear. Pack bear spray or a bear bell and keep them handy. If you find yourself face to face with a bear, give it a chance to hear you and flee before their protective instincts kick in. However, if you feel you are about to be attacked, find a high tree to climb or lie face down and play dead.

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Forget bears, the most common and dangerous risk when hiking is a river crossing. Here's how to do it safely. Since narrow spots are deeper and faster, always cross a river at its widest point. Check your map for forks, they contain less water and are potentially easier to cross.

If you have to cross a glacial river, do it early in the day. This way, you’ll avoid the higher runoff volume that comes with afternoon melting. In fast-moving waters, cross at a slight angle, heading downstream but facing upstream. If you fall, don't panic. Remove your pack if it prevents you from getting up. If the current takes you, flip on your back and calm down. When you reach calm water, swim back to shore.