Speak better English with Harry - Episode 359
list of adjectives
Harry
English adjectives to describe attitude
Hi there, Harry here and welcome back to my podcast where I try to help you to get a better understanding of the English language. englishclass101
So what are we going to talk about today? Well, we’re going to talk about adjectives. In particular, we’re going to talk about adjectives to describe attitude.
People often say that people have an attitude problem, or they have a real attitude problem. And it means how they relate or deal with other people. So we’re going to look particularly at some adjectives describing attitude. And as always, I’ll give you an example.
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INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
thoughtful
Meaning: very considerate, they think of other people, and they do things or present things or help people in ways that other people might not
So a simple example would be a person who remembers when it is your birthday
Ah, you’re so thoughtful. It’s so nice of you to remember my birthday.
Jane is so thoughtful. She always asks how the kids are and what they’re up to.
critical
Meaning: if you have a criticising attitude, it means that you always pick fault with somebody, pick fault with what they say, pick fault with what they do, pick fault in what they have, without looking at the other side to balance the argument
Let’s try not to be overly critical with people. Let’s try to present a balanced opinion that will help people with their confidence.
Oh, he’s very, very critical. I wouldn’t bring that document to him. He’ll only come back to you saying that everything is wrong.
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disorganised
Meaning: lacking organisational skills
They don’t make appointments on time. They can’t find the documents. They don’t ring back people. They’re late for appointments.
He is so disorganised. When you go into his office, there are files and paper everywhere on his desk. It’s a wonder he can find the desk!
unreliable
Meaning: somebody cannot be relied upon; either because they won’t deliver on time or they won’t show up on time, or just generally they give bad advice
Jack arrived 20 minutes late and I nearly missed my flight. He is so unreliable!
He’s the most unreliable person I know. He comes, but he is always late. Or he rings at the last minute telling you that something came up and he has to do this.
English adjectives to describe attitude
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Now, the opposite of disorganised is well-organised.
well-organised
Meaning: having everything is in its place; orderly and efficient
My new boss is so well-organised. He calls a meeting on a Friday, it starts at 8:30 promptly. And if anybody’s late, they’re not admitted to the meeting. The meeting always ends no matter what at 9 am latest.
irresponsible
Meaning: not taking responsibility for your actions; not thinking about bad consequences of your actions
Young people have an irresponsible attitude towards COVID. They refuse to wear masks, wash their hands and stand less than the required two metres for social distancing.
English adjectives to describe attitude
sympathetic
Meaning: you are concerned for others, you feel bad for someone who is in a negative situation
Perhaps we could offer her flexible working hours? She is a single mother. We are deemed to be sympathetic.
She’s a really wonderful boss to have. She’s always extremely sympathetic. If one of the kids is sick, she knows that I have to leave early to get to the doctor.
competitive
Meaning: someone who likes to compete and surpass others
Well, being competitive is not necessarily negative, but being overly competitive can be. Okay?
Some bosses like it because competitive people are usually winners. Unfortunately, they might win at the cost of other people in terms of their attitudes.
Oh, I hate playing sports with Phil, he’s so competitive. He questions every point. It’s just a simple game of squash. I don’t think I’ll play with him again.
English adjectives to describe attitude
relaxed
Meaning: not being stressed, not being worried or tense
A relaxed attitude is a nice attitude to have, so long as it doesn’t go too far the other way and you’re a little bit laid back, in which case then you could be accused of being a little bit lazy or not caring so much.
Oh, he’s got a very relaxed attitude to life. He’s got a good work life balance. He works hard but he doesn’t work too long. He’s mindful of his family and always knows when they need something.
And then finally,
patronising
Meaning: pretending to be nice to people when you’re actually talking down to them and think that they’re stupid
Oh, don’t worry about it. What do you expect? You’re not really as well-trained as some of the others.
We have to be very careful not to show a patronising attitude to other people, because it comes across as being very arrogant. We have to be sincere, helpful and supportive.
Here we have English adjectives to describe attitude.
Let me give them to you again and just be careful with pronunciation:
- thoughtful
- critical
- disorganised
- unreliable
- well-organised
- irresponsible
- sympathetic
- competitive
- relaxed
- patronising
So all adjectives describe attitude. And as I said, if you want to contact me, well, then you can do so on www.englishlessonviaskype.com. I’m always happy to hear from you.
If there’s anybody out there, your friends, family, or colleagues who would like to have online English lessons, give them the details.
Thanks for listening, join me again soon. englishclass101
More information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
English idioms related to habits
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC.
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