Vivid: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'vivid' when describing something that is strikingly clear or detailed, often used for descriptions that are especially powerful or real in the imagination.

• She has a vivid memory of her childhood
• The artist painted with vivid colors

Use 'lively' to describe something full of energy and enthusiasm, often used for people, places, or events.

• The party was lively and fun
• She has a lively personality

Use 'bright' when referring to something that has a lot of light or is very shiny. It can also refer to someone's intelligence or a cheerful emotion.

• The sun is very bright today
• She has a bright smile

Use 'vibrant' to talk about something full of energy, life, and color, suggesting a dynamic and exciting presence.

• The city is vibrant and full of life
• The painting is vibrant with bright colors

Use 'colorful' when describing something with many different colors or a variety of vivid hues. It can also describe an interesting or exciting person or event.

• The garden is full of colorful flowers
• The festival was a colorful event

Used to describe something that is very clear, detailed, and strong in color or imagery.

• The author provides a vivid description of the landscape.
• Her memories of the trip were still vivid in her mind.

Used to convey something highly strong or concentrated, often with emotional or physical force.

• The heat of the sun was intense during the noon.
• He felt an intense sense of relief after hearing the good news.

Best for describing something that is very noticeable and likely to attract attention.

• Her striking blue eyes captivated everyone in the room.
• The artist's new work is quite striking, drawing many visitors to the gallery.

Best used when talking about bright colors, strong shapes, or taking risks and being confident.

• He wore a bold red tie to the meeting.
• She made a bold decision to start her own business.

Appropriate for describing something that is clearly different or easy to distinguish from others.

• There are three distinct types of this species.
• Her accent was distinct, making it easy to recognize her origins.

Use this when describing something very bright, clear, or full of life. Often used to talk about memories, colors, and images.

• He has a vivid imagination
• The sunset was a vivid mix of orange and pink

Good for explaining something that is clearly understood or easy to follow. Usually used when someone is describing thoughts, writing, or speech.

• Her explanation was very lucid
• Despite his illness, he remained lucid

Best for describing something with a lot of detail, often used for illustrations, images, and sometimes for disturbing or explicit content. May carry a negative connotation if the context is about violence or unpleasant subjects.

• The book includes graphic descriptions of the battle
• The movie contained some graphic scenes

Ideal for when something is true to life or very close to reality. Often used to describe expectations, paintings, or portrayals in media.

• Her goals are realistic given her skills
• The movie was praised for its realistic special effects

Perfect for describing something that is detailed in a way that makes you feel like you can see or experience it vividly. Often used in storytelling and descriptive writing.

• His story was vividly detailed, making you feel like you were there
• The author’s vividly detailed descriptions brought the characters to life