10 English words to use instead of boring “good”

There are a lot of synonyms in English that are used by native speakers. Each verb or adjective can be said differently so that speech does not seem boring and monotonous.

Moreover, each of the synonyms reveals slightly different semantic nuances. And their correct use speaks of the high level of the language even more than the correct use of Present Perfect Continuous.

Today we are talking about synonyms for the word “good” and how to use them correctly. Go.

In English, there are over 200 synonyms for the word “good”. You don’t need to learn all of them – many of them are outdated, others are too narrowly focused, and still others are successfully replaced by simpler versions and are suitable only for poetry and high prose.

Here we will only recall the common options that are actually used in ordinary speech.

Good is the 99th most common word in the English language. This is taking into account all articles, prepositions and spellings.

Great, magnificent, outstanding

Takes an honorable second place in terms of prevalence among the synonyms “good” and 161 among all English words.

In a historical context, it means great. That is, “Alexander the Great” is precisely “Alexander the Great”, not “Big” or “Magnificent”.

In common speech, “great” is used as a more emotional synonym for “good”.

You’re doing good. Keep going. – You’re doing well. Keep up the good work.

You doing great. Keep doing. – You’re doing great. Keep up the good work.

“Great” expresses more emotion. A kind of “good” squared. This is one of the reasons why Americans love him so much.

A great

At school and university, this is the highest mark. And the word itself is used primarily for value judgments. If you want to rate something 100 out of 100, then it is “excellent”.

This hotel features excellent staff, comfortable rooms and free breakfast. – This hotel has great staff, comfortable rooms and free breakfast.

The word emphasizes that you are making an assessment of something. Moreover, the mark is the highest.

But you shouldn’t use it to describe a person. “Excellent woman” sounds like you used a woman and then gave a rating. You may not be understood.

Not bad, normal, ok

If “great” and “excellent” give a higher emotional outlook than “good,” then it is not so with “fine”. Here the amount of emotions is even reduced.

“Fine” can be used as a slightly negative connotation for “good”. The word “okay” is the closest thing in Russian here. Not good enough to be great, but still not bad.

How is your dissertation?

Pretty fine.

Haven’t started yet?

Yeap.

How is your dissertation?

Pretty good.

Didn’t even start?

Yeah.

Nice, sweet, nice

But the word “nice” is just great for describing a person.

Good man! Is an obsolete English greeting. And in fact, it still remains a neutral address to a stranger, albeit already out of active use.

“Nice” just combines all the good qualities that can describe a person.

He was so nice! I fell in love! – He was so cute! I fell in love!

The word is not limited to the description of a person. In principle, they can characterize anything that can be pleasant. Nice sound, nice to the touch, cute animal – all this is also “nice”.

Delightful, admirable, admirable

This is a verbal adjective that comes from the word “admire” – to admire.

By and large, it is used as a complete synonym for “excellent”. The only difference is that it sounds less trite, because it is much less common. So as an opportunity to enrich your vocabulary and sound less corny – exactly what you need.

These dogs have admirable senses and are very good at following trails. – These dogs have delicious flair and very good at chasing scent.

Wonderful, amazing

This word has an interesting nuance – it can be used to express “pleasant surprise”.

If “excellent” simply shows the highest mark, then “wonderful” also allows you to convey surprise.

Imagine the situation: you walk into an ordinary university cafeteria and receive the delicious food of the gods on a tray, like in a restaurant with a Michelin star. This will be wonderful.

– Oh my god, this meal is wonderful. You should taste it. “My god, this dish is delicious. You should try it.

However, this word can also be used as a replacement for “great”. Many native speakers do just that.

Cool, trendy, cool

Slang word from the 90s, which today has already passed into the rank of ordinary and familiar.

It is emphatically informal. So at a social event or in a business conversation, you should not use it, but in a conversation with a friend – why not.

– Controlling stuff with your mind is pretty cool… – Managing things with your mind is pretty cool.

Stunning, mind-blowing

A very emotional word, but you need to be careful with it. The point is that “terrific” can mean both “amazingly good” and “terrible”. The word came from “terror”.

Therefore, its meaning depends largely on the context and intonation of the speaker. In the description of events and phenomena that are initially negative, it will only strengthen negative meanings.

– You’ve done terrific job! – You did an amazing job.

– Terrific explosion has destroyed the electrostation. – A terrible explosion destroyed the power plant.

Outstanding, exceptional

Another evaluative adjective with minor nuances. Because it expresses something so good that it goes far beyond ordinary perception. Only something very special and exceptional can be called “outstanding”.

For example, an athlete who won a college competition might be “excellent.” But Usain Bolt, who once again broke the world record, is only “outstanding” and nothing else.

Pele is one of the most outstanding football player ever. – Pele is one of the most outstanding football players in history.

Stunning

Several centuries ago, this word meant “terrifying” or “awe-inspiring” (from “awe” – fear, awe).

Over time, it has become an informal synonym for the word “good”, which means something so cool that it makes you shake with joy or admiration. It’s very emotional, so you need to use it with care.

You look awesome! This new dress suits you perfectly.

You look awesome! This new dress is perfect for you.

In fact, there are a lot of synonyms for the word “good” in English, and each of them is capable of conveying some particular shade. Many of them are already outdated and found only in classic books, but native speakers will definitely come up with new variations like “wicked”.

And what is the most colorful synonym for the word “good”? Write in the comments.

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