Vocabulary Guide
Descriptive and Narrative Writing
Sensory Imagery
1. Sight (Visual Imagery)
Word/Phrase Meaning Example
Dazzling or splendid in The garden was resplendent with blooming
Resplendent
appearance dahlias and glowing lanterns.
Giving a threatening,
Sinister A sinister silhouette hovered in the mist.
menacing impression
Allowing light to pass Her skin appeared translucent under the
Translucent
through diffusely flickering candlelight.
Made up of shades of a The room had a monochromatic tone, drenched
Monochromatic
single color in cold greys.
The abandoned fairground had a surreal
Surreal Dreamlike, bizarre
stillness.
2. Sound (Auditory Imagery)
Word Meaning Example
Reflected or repeated
Echoed His footsteps echoed ominously in the empty hall.
sound
Shrill High-pitched and piercing A shrill scream pierced the silence.
Harmonious Tuneful, melodious Birds sang in a harmonious chorus at dawn.
The grating screech of metal on metal set my teeth on
Grating Harsh and unpleasant
edge.
3. Smell (Olfactory Imagery)
Word Meaning Example
Acrid Sharp, bitter smell The acrid stench of burning rubber filled the air.
, Heady Strong and intoxicating The heady scent of jasmine lingered in the courtyard.
Putrid Rotten, decaying smell The putrid odor from the bin was unbearable.
4. Touch (Tactile Imagery)
Word Meaning Example
Velvety Soft and smooth The dress felt velvety beneath my fingertips.
I brushed my hand against the jagged edge of the broken
Jagged Sharp, uneven
glass.
Containing small rough
Gritty Sand felt gritty between my toes.
particles
5. Taste (Gustatory Imagery)
Word Meaning Example
Savory Pleasant, salty or spicy The stew was rich, savory, and comforting.
Metallic Sharp or blood-like Fear left a metallic taste in my mouth.
Verbs and Adverbs to Elevate Action and Emotion
Verb Meaning Example
Rose or moved suddenly and
Surged Adrenaline surged through his veins.
powerfully
Spoke in a threatening,
Snarled “Get out,” he snarled through clenched teeth.
angry way
Bolted Ran away suddenly The deer bolted at the sound of the rifle.
Cowered Crouched in fear She cowered in the corner as the thunder roared.
Shuddered Trembled with fear/disgust I shuddered at the thought of what lay ahead.
Adverb Meaning Example
She stared unflinchingly into his
Unflinchingly Without showing fear
eyes.
Despondently In a hopeless or gloomy He walked away despondently,
way shoulders slumped.
Descriptive and Narrative Writing
Sensory Imagery
1. Sight (Visual Imagery)
Word/Phrase Meaning Example
Dazzling or splendid in The garden was resplendent with blooming
Resplendent
appearance dahlias and glowing lanterns.
Giving a threatening,
Sinister A sinister silhouette hovered in the mist.
menacing impression
Allowing light to pass Her skin appeared translucent under the
Translucent
through diffusely flickering candlelight.
Made up of shades of a The room had a monochromatic tone, drenched
Monochromatic
single color in cold greys.
The abandoned fairground had a surreal
Surreal Dreamlike, bizarre
stillness.
2. Sound (Auditory Imagery)
Word Meaning Example
Reflected or repeated
Echoed His footsteps echoed ominously in the empty hall.
sound
Shrill High-pitched and piercing A shrill scream pierced the silence.
Harmonious Tuneful, melodious Birds sang in a harmonious chorus at dawn.
The grating screech of metal on metal set my teeth on
Grating Harsh and unpleasant
edge.
3. Smell (Olfactory Imagery)
Word Meaning Example
Acrid Sharp, bitter smell The acrid stench of burning rubber filled the air.
, Heady Strong and intoxicating The heady scent of jasmine lingered in the courtyard.
Putrid Rotten, decaying smell The putrid odor from the bin was unbearable.
4. Touch (Tactile Imagery)
Word Meaning Example
Velvety Soft and smooth The dress felt velvety beneath my fingertips.
I brushed my hand against the jagged edge of the broken
Jagged Sharp, uneven
glass.
Containing small rough
Gritty Sand felt gritty between my toes.
particles
5. Taste (Gustatory Imagery)
Word Meaning Example
Savory Pleasant, salty or spicy The stew was rich, savory, and comforting.
Metallic Sharp or blood-like Fear left a metallic taste in my mouth.
Verbs and Adverbs to Elevate Action and Emotion
Verb Meaning Example
Rose or moved suddenly and
Surged Adrenaline surged through his veins.
powerfully
Spoke in a threatening,
Snarled “Get out,” he snarled through clenched teeth.
angry way
Bolted Ran away suddenly The deer bolted at the sound of the rifle.
Cowered Crouched in fear She cowered in the corner as the thunder roared.
Shuddered Trembled with fear/disgust I shuddered at the thought of what lay ahead.
Adverb Meaning Example
She stared unflinchingly into his
Unflinchingly Without showing fear
eyes.
Despondently In a hopeless or gloomy He walked away despondently,
way shoulders slumped.
