Common Personality Adjectives: Understanding Traits

Personality can be challenging to describe because of its subjectivity. However, as a general definition, personality can be described as a combination of your thoughts, motives, feelings, ambitions, and other traits. One way to understand your personality is by looking at a few adjectives related to personality and what they might mean about someone with those traits. 

Common personality-related adjectives  

Below are a few common adjectives in alphabetical order that might be used to describe one's personality. 

Adaptable

If someone is adaptable, they may often adjust well to a new situation or event. One's adaptability may communicate a lot about them. Some people prefer being in their own bubble and may struggle to leave their comfort zone. It may take time for them to adjust if they are in a new situation. Others may be consistently ready for a new situation and adapt without struggle.

Affectionate

An affectionate person may want to show you how much they care by giving kindness, rewards, and openness. Someone who is unaffectionate may struggle to show their love. They may be physically and emotionally distant from others. 

Agreeable

An agreeable person may be civil with others and want to have as many friends or connections as possible. Some people are naturally agreeable, while others may use agreeableness to their advantage. 

Ambitious

An ambitious person may not be satisfied with a regular nine-to-five job. They may want to accomplish many goals and live consistently, trying to reach higher levels. Someone who is not ambitious may be content with what they have or struggle to find the motivation to pursue something more.

Brave

If someone is brave, they may stand firm against fear. Bravery can mean a soldier in a war or braving heights despite fear. Bravery can also mean getting up on a day when it's challenging to find motivation. Someone who isn't brave may struggle to face their challenges. 

Calm

A calm person may face an emotional situation with a lack of impulsivity or intensity. If they have challenging emotions, they may be able to control them easily. Being calm can help you make rational decisions. However, being too calm may make someone seem cold or disconnected in an emotional situation.

Charming

Some people may have natural charm. A charming person is often charismatic, well-liked, and trusted. However, some may use this advantage to manipulate others.

Creative

A creative-minded person may look for ways to show off their artistic skills. However, being creative does not necessarily mean "artistic." In some cases, it may mean you have an exciting solution to a life challenge. 

Discreet

A discreet person is someone who lives exclusively. Some may see a discreet person as hiding information or lying. However, a discreet person may not want others to know everything about them, defending themselves from others using their information against them or misunderstanding it. Someone who is not discreet may tell others about their thoughts, emotions, and challenges without a filter. 

Emotional

An emotional person may be angry, upset, happy, or experience another emotion quickly or impulsively. They may have interesting insights. However, some may believe they have to "walk on eggshells" with an emotional person not to set off their emotional responses. However, not showing enough emotion may make someone seem standoffish and like they have something to hide. An emotionally balanced person may understand the benefits of feeling your emotions and knowing when to control them. 

Funny

A funny person may try to make a joke out of everything, which could make others around them laugh. However, a person always trying to be funny may come off as inappropriate or unserious, especially if the joke is in poor taste. 

Generous

A generous person may give more than is needed or asked for. They may tip often, give presents, and consistently invite others into their life. In some cases, being "too generous" might mean giving to your own detriment or struggling to set boundaries. 

Honest

An honest person can tell you what they think with little to no filter attached. Honesty is often seen as a positive trait. However, some people may be honest to the point that they hurt the feelings of others. Although it can be helpful to tell the truth, sharing every detail of your thoughts or emotions with everyone may not be necessary. 

Intelligent

Someone intelligent can think critically and look at many sides of a situation. They may have high intelligence in several areas, such as mathematics, language, or creativity. Intelligence can be valuable, as it offers one a wealth of knowledge to support them in goal setting. 

Loyal

An example of a loyal person is someone who will try not to abandon you when you require support. They may remain faithful to their promises and stick around in challenging times. 

Someone who is not loyal may lie to their loved ones and struggle to commit. However, being overly loyal can be damaging, as well. If a friend is in the wrong, for example, being loyal to the point that you don't express your feelings or thoughts might lead to you being maltreated. 

Neat

A neat person may try to keep their room organized and appearance perfect. They may clean often and keep their items organized. However, being too neat may come with some challenges. Perfectionists may spend significant time attempting to make everything "perfect," while finding perfection may not be possible. 

Optimistic

Optimists are people who can see the bright side of any situation. They may look to the future and consider their growth when situations are difficult. However, being "too optimistic" may lead to difficulty seeing reality. A balance of optimism and realism is often helpful. 

Persistent

A persistent individual may commit to not giving up, regardless of the situation. An entrepreneur may continue pursuing their business despite life's challenges. Someone who wants to win a promotion may keep trying. However, persistence may be harmful if used to ignore the boundaries of others. For example, pushing someone to go on a date when they tell you "No" is unhealthy persistence. 

Quiet

Quiet people may not speak often or only speak when they have important thoughts to share. These individuals may enjoy being quiet or live with an underlying mental health challenge that causes social fears, such as social anxiety disorder.

Rational

A rational person may try to find the truth in any situation and look for a logical explanation for challenges. Being rational can be positive, and you may benefit from a rational person to help you in life. However, acting too rationally may prevent you from empathizing with someone acting irrationally. 

Self-confident

A self-confident person may believe in their skills and abilities. Confidence can help individuals come off as approachable, intelligent, and funny. While humility may help you relate to others, a decent amount of confidence can be a healthy and positive trait. 

Understanding

An understanding person may try to see your point in arguments or disagreements. They can be empathetic people who want to understand why others do what they do and try to put themselves in your shoes. A person who is not understanding may not give others time to explain their experiences. 

Willing

A willing person is open to trying, taking on a challenge, or opening up when afraid. Some people may not be willing and could shut themselves off to multiple opportunities. When you are willing, you show others and yourself that you can persevere, even in difficult situations. 

Professional support 

If you want to continue to explore your personality, consider talking to a counselor. Counseling can offer professional advice and support and remind you of the positive traits that make you who you are. 

For those who find in-person counseling inconvenient due to cost, time, convenience, long wait lists, or reduced conveniency, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may provide an effective resource for support. With online therapy, individuals can receive guidance from home, choosing between phone, video, or live chat sessions. In addition, online platforms are often more cost-effective.

Studies back up the various benefits of online therapy, with some showing online platforms can be more effective than in-person therapy in symptom reduction. Clients in one study found significant symptom reduction, improved quality of life, and increased convenience due to the internet-based option.