There is no one word which can describe everyone around you. Since, people vary in terms of their personalities, attitudes, physical appearances; so do the words that are used to describe them.
It is important to have these words in your written as well as spoken vocabulary because the need to describe people around you is an everyday need. These words will help you to describe a person closest to his personality.
It is also very interesting to see how these words came into existence and how closely they link the habits or traits of a person with their personality/identity.
1. Have you ever come across a person who is excessively polite and fawning? You would have noticed that he is always ready to help you and will also go out of the way to make you happy. What do you call such a person?
a. Querulous
b. Obsequious
c. Supercilious
d. Obstreperous
Answer: Obsequious
Explanation: The word "Obsequious" has originated from the Latin word "obsequi" which means "to comply with". This word is used to describe a person who not only is polite but also enthusiastic about helping others. They always follow their customers and employers and make special attempts to make them satisfied. You would have definitely met a few people in your life who you can call as "Obsequious".
2. Do you know a person who is extremely rude and arrogant? You would have also noticed that he has a weird habit of raising his eyebrows in arrogance even at ordinary things. What do you call a person with such an obnoxious behaviour?
a. Supercilious
b. Querulous
c. Impecunious
d. Chivalrous
Answer: Supercilious
Explanation: In Latin, "cilium" means "eyelid" and "super" means "above". We all know that what lies above an eye is an eyebrow. Hence, the word Supercilious is used to describe a person who has a habit of raising his eyebrows in contempt and arrogance frequently. People around him are generally not fond of him.
3. Have you ever felt about a particular person that he/she is extremely harmless? You also have that confidence in him that he will never put you in trouble or interfere in your life. What do you call such an inoffensive person?
a. Obsequious
b. Querulous
c. Impecunious
d. Innocuous
Answer: Innocuous
Explanation: "Noceo" in Latin means "to injure". Hence, a person who does not have the capability to hurt you or interfere in your life and who is completely harmless is called "Innocuous". It may be really difficult to find such person but once you have found him, he will never cause you any fear.
4. Have you ever seen a person who is so thin that he looks sick all the time? He is extremely pale and gaunt, has wasted limbs and also dark circles underneath his eyes. What do you call such a person who practically resembles a corpse in appearance?
a. Cadaverous
b. Dolorous
c. Innocuous
d. Chivalrous
Answer: Cadaverous
Explanation: The word "Cadaverous" has its roots in the Latin word "Cado" which means "to fall". Hence, this word is used to describe a person who figuratively looks like a corpse. The person is thin, has sunken eyes and is extremely ill - looking.
5. It may be extremely difficult to make a person smile or laugh. You would observe that he/she is always grieving and you may not be able to do much about it. What do you call such a person who is very mournful and sad always?
a. Cadaverous
b. Bibulous
c. Impecunious
d. Dolorous
Answer: Dolorous
Explanation: The word "Dolorous" has its roots in the Latin word "doleo" which means to suffer or grieve. Hence, this word is used to describe a person who is in physical pain or extreme mental distress. He continuously looks as if he is suffering or grieving.
6. You must be knowing some who is generally found propping up the bar? He may be so fond of alcoholic drinks that not only is it difficult to keep him away from the bar but also to make him decide his last drink. What do you call such a person?
a. Bibulous
b. Innocuous
c. Dolorous
d. Cadaverous
Answer: Bibulous
Explanation: The word "Bibulous" has its roots in the Latin word "bibo" which means "to drink". Hence, this word is used to describe a person who has an over fondness for alcoholic drinks and is a very frequent visitor to the bars. These days you find lot of youngsters turning bibulous.
