What are some examples of vivid verbs?


Quick Answer

Vivid verbs are descriptive action words that are so vibrant and dramatic that they help a reader or listener visualize the word, including "swoop," "plunge," "pierce," "guffaw" and "crackle." They tend to be more interesting and specific than commonly used verbs.

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Full Answer

Vivid verbs can describe the actions of sounds, such as "crash" and "rustle," the actions of smells, such as "reek," "penetrate" and "permeate," and of movement, including "lumber," "scamper," "waddle," "careen" and "canter."

The frequently used verb "walk," for instance, can be replaced by the more vivid, appealing verbs "amble," "lurch," "peregrinate," "plod" and "transverse." Likewise, the overly used verb "went" can be changed to "skedaddled," "capered," "loped" and "ascended."

A way to devise a list of vivid verbs is to first write down 10 to 20 specific nouns in a column. The nouns should be completely unrelated to one another and without consideration of the following step. Fold the paper lengthwise so that the nouns are not visible. On the other side of the paper, list approximately 10 verbs that are specific to any given occupation. For instance, if choosing the occupation of chef, the verbs can include "dice," "chop," "slice," "baste" and "marinate." Try to concoct sentences blending the nouns with the verbs so that writing in a more descriptive manner becomes easier.

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