Improve Your Vocabulary: 23 words for talking about feeling good or bad

How many words do you know that mean 'happy'? What about 'sad'? In today's lesson you'll learn LOTS of different ways to describe how you're feeling. When you're learning a language, it's important to have a broad vocabulary. Whether you're writing an essay or you're speaking with your boss, using more interesting and expressive vocabulary will make your sentences clearer, and you'll sound more intelligent, too. Try using the adjectives in this lesson instead of ordinary ones at work, school, or in the writing and speaking sections of exams like the IELTS, TOEFL, or CAE. You'll also learn some common expressions and idioms that native speakers use to talk about their mood, like "over the moon", "happy bunny", and "down in the dumps".

TRANSCRIPT

Right, so let's have a look. Most people are going to use "happy" and "sad", those are probably the first words you learn when you want to describe emotions, but sometimes I hear people talking and having a conversation, and they just keep using the same "happy", "sad", and there's no variation. I mean, it's okay, but to have a broader vocabulary is good, especially if you're going to be using it in the IELTS, for example, in the speaking test, or in some essay writing, or any... Any exams you're doing, whether they're written or spoken. It's good to have a wider range of vocabulary. So, I've got some for you, here. So, look no further. Right.

So, "happy" and "glad". You may have heard "glad". "Oh, I'm so glad." If your friend tells you that they've just got a new job and they're really enjoying it, you can say: "Oh, I'm so glad to hear that." Or "pleased" is very similar. "I'm really pleased for you.", "Very pleased", "Very glad". Okay? So those are all, "happy", "glad", "pleased", they're all pretty much the same sort of meaning, sort of generally; positive and happy.

Then we come to some words that are a little bit more intense; they're stronger. Stronger words. "Delighted". If your friend has this new job, and you say: "Oh, I'm delighted." That's three syllables for one thing, so that makes it "delighted", that makes it more stronger. But also, it's a nice word to know. Also, if you get an invitation to a party, and you say: "Oh, I'd be delighted to come. Thank you." Or an invitation anywhere. "Oh, delighted." Unless, of course, you want to play it cool and not be too, you know. Okay, so you can use "delighted" in writing and in speaking. Okay.

The same with this word: "thrilled". There's the word "thrill", which is the noun. "What a thrill", and you can practice your: "th", "thra", "thra". It's difficult to say, because it's not just the "th", which is hard for some people, but there's an "r" as well, so it's: "thrilled", it's quite hard to say if you're not used to that kind of pronunciation. "Thrill" and "thrilled". "I'd be thrilled"-okay?-"to go to the party".

And, here's another, this is a very sophisticated word: "elated". It's not the sort of word, perhaps, that you would use in a sort of informal, casual conversation. "Elated" is quite a high, high status kind of word, but it's a good one in certain contexts. Okay. And "elation", the noun, "elation", but it's not used in sort of everyday life. Okay, "ecstatic" is a little bit like "elated". You've probably heard of the noun "ecstasy", okay? Which, unfortunately, is also now linked with a drug, which is probably unfortunate, but there we are. But that's the drug "ecstasy" produces a result of feeling ecstasy. So, ecstatic, but please don't try it; not a good idea. So, "ecstatic", it's a very extreme, extreme kind of word again. Extreme. Okay?

"Delirious" is another. Sometimes this is used in a medical sense by doctors. If someone is delirious, they may have a high temperature. If the doctor takes their temperature and it's way up, and maybe they've got a cold or a fever - delirious. You can be deliriously happy. That doesn't mean you have a temperature and a cold; it just means you're really, really, really happy. But, you can also be delirious with a fever, so it's that sort of extreme sense with that word. Okay?

"In a good mood" is: "Oh, we're back down to earth again. It was getting a little bit too exciting." We're back down to earth. If you say you're in a good mood, that's sort of normal. It's like saying: "happy", "glad", "pleased", "in a good mood".

[alexdclopes]

I'm so delighted with Madam Gill's classes. You're the best English teacher ever! My favourite English teacher! Cheers!!!

[Dysnomia]

Thank you very much madam. You are the teacher every student would dream to have at school!

[centrumphotography]

Dear Ms. Gill,
I've been listening to many English teachers, however, I'm still to meet one as good as you. Thank you so much for recording and sharing your knowledge with all of us in such a tactful and humble but inspiring manner. I loved the way you teach, I, specifically, loved the ecstasy comments. I had a big smile all over my face when I heard the comments. The world needs more kind people such you who are able to give great moral advice in such a loving and inspiring fashion. I'm grateful for people like you.
Thank you very much for pouring your heart into this videos.
Kind regards, Stan.

[manodecio]

Gill, I am learning English, I am 60 years old and I attend your classes.
Thank you, I feel very hopeful of achieving it, I am fascinated with your teaching technique.

[MyDanymax]

I'm delighted to have you here. The best teacher ever. Thank you.

[lourdeslozanodelamota]

I am an English teacher too. Your lessons are so inspiring. Thanks for sharing them :)

[leticiaanastacio]

Ahhhh I loved her to bits!!!! I'm a foreigner and I'm trying to study for IELTS and TOEFL and this amazing lady has helped me!!! Thank you. :))))

[eduardobrandao]

You are an extraordinary teatcher, almost I feel like saying you were born to teach!

[andrewathota]

The way she entered the class with a little jump and said, ” Hi, I'm Gill”
My heart just skipped a beat.

[alanzinskybolanossuarez]

You explain in detail but getting to the point. Good job

[pablomarceloperezcampos]

You are very clear to explain!! Very useful to me. Thank you

[circe]

When I listen your perfect English I feel "an happy bunny" and so I'm delighted to enjoy your lesson. I wish to you be always " over the moon". THANKS

[maestramichelab]

Madam Gill you're great! I'm a teacher in an italian primary school and I learn so much with you. You explain all clearly. Thank you very much for your lessons.

[davidfaria]

she´s the best teacher ever... i´m so glad to see your classes every day!!! thanks, teacher

[annamarianardini]

You are a fantastic theacher, thanks a lot!

[MTuxTan]

I'm in love with Gill! And her sense of humor is extremly good :)

[garibaldikhan]

I love a lot of things about you, Gill, the way you teach, you speak, you smile, you explain certain difficult words through contexts, and last but not least the way you write. Your hand writing is the clearest, the neatest, and the best that I have ever encountered.It's just like the one I found in lots of pics in various textbooks.

[gloriaanaruma]

My dear teacher, you are the best. Eu sou brasileira, o seu vídeo é postado somente em inglês, e apesar de tudo você ensina tão bem que eu entendo tudo o que diz, então você é uma pessoa talhada para ensinar porque eu entender você mesmo não sabendo inglês. Agradecida pela postagem, thank you very much

[annatemperini]

Listening to your lessons, on line, in the morning, as soon as I wake up and watching your expressions put me in a good mood.
With regard I say goodbye

[atergonomico]

This beautiful lady and Adam are my favorite teachers.