If you’re trying to evoke the experiences your characters are having in the minds of your readers, then they are many attention-grabbing words you can use, such as the following 10 descriptive words beginning with the Letter E.
1. Ecstatic
Definition
Relating to ecstasy; something or someone who is ecstatic is experiencing heightened emotions, generally positive ones.
Examples
“While he hadn’t been excited about going on the Ferris wheel at the fair, he was absolutely ecstatic at the prospect of going on the roller coaster.”
“The family was ecstatic when they learned that the offer they put in on the house was accepted.”
How It Adds Description
This is a good word to use if you have a character who is in a situation where they might be having some extreme emotions, especially positive ones. You can use it to describe the extreme happiness they may be feeling over something, for instance.
2. Eccentric
Definition
Different than the norm; straying from what is conventional.
Examples
“The eccentric scientist stayed in his lab all day and night working on unusual tests and experiments.”
“Many people avoided her because she was so odd, but he really enjoyed her eccentric personality and all the strange things she knew.”
How It Adds Description
You can use this word to show that something or someone is deviant from what others might consider normal. Most of the time when it’s used, it also implies a certain amount of whimsy. This makes it a good work to use for something or someone that is also a little quirky.
3. Eerie
Definition
Mysterious in a way that might set one’s nerves on edge; possibly something that is not of earth.
Examples
“Standing on the hills that night, the mist around them made the land seem that much more eerie.”
“As she walked, she heard an eerie wail from not far away.”
How It Adds Description
This word can make something feel ominous. If you’re writing a thriller or a horror, for instance, the word eerie can help to add a lot of atmosphere and make your readers feel more apprehensive as the story goes on.
4. Egregious
Definition
Very obvious, especially in a way that is considered bad.
Examples
“The most egregious example of the mistakes the lawyer made was when he failed to present a crucial piece of evidence to the jury.”
“While the book was generally well-written, there were a few egregious errors that made it impossible to enjoy overall.”
How It Adds Description
If something extreme is happening or your character has done something that is clearly very conspicuous usually in a way that’s bad, the word egregious can help to describe the effect that it’s having.
5. Elfish
Definition
Relating to an elf; something or someone that is elfish may seem fairy-like; a mischievous person.
Examples
“Her distinctive features gave her an elfish appearance.”
“He had an elfish way about him and loved to play pranks and practical jokes on his friends.”
How It Adds Description
Using this word is a great way to describe someone or something that may seem like they come from another, more magical world. It may be especially good to use in fantasy stories, but you can easily use it in other genres as well to make something appear otherworldly.
6. Elusive
Definition
Evasive or difficult to grasp; hard to define or identify.
Examples
“Everyone in town knew about the elusive wolf who wandered the hills nearby, but no one had managed to catch more than a fleeting glimpse of him.”
“He reread the letter at least a dozen times, but its meaning remained elusive.”
How It Adds Description
If one of your characters is having a difficult time catching or understanding something, then the word elusive is a great one to use in that situation. It may help to make something or someone feel more mysterious as well.
7. Enamored
Definition
Experiencing strong feelings of affection or love; someone who is enamored with something has an intense fascination with it.
Examples
“He was so enamored by her beauty and bravery that he felt he would have done anything for her.”
“For many years before she went to school she had been enamored by the stars, which was why she decided to become an astrophysicist.”
How It Adds Definition
When someone is enamored by something, it means more than just liking it. This is a great word to show that your character is especially entranced or loves something or someone very deeply.
8. Ethereal
Definition
Something that appears to come from another world; something that appears intangible and is usually very refined or delicate.
Examples
“The way she moved was ethereal. It was almost like her feet never even touched the ground.”
“The soft, different-colored lights gave the entire room an ethereal glow.”
How It Adds Description
If you are trying to describe a character or scene and want to give the sense that it’s almost otherworldly, this is a fantastic word to use. Your readers will get the sense that what you’re describing may be celestial or even magical.
9. Euphoric
Definition
Causing feelings of euphoria; experiencing great feelings of happiness.
Examples
“The euphoric feeling he got as he boarded the train knowing he would soon see his friend for the first time in many years almost brought him to tears.”
“The soccer team was absolutely euphoric at their win, and went out to celebrate afterward.”
How It Adds Description
When someone is euphoric, they are experiencing more than just happiness. Using this word in your story can indicate that a character is feeling extreme joy. If something very positive has just happened to them, you can use this word to indicate how excited they really are.
10. Exasperated
Definition
Experiencing frustration or irritation, usually very strongly.
Examples
“Feeling exasperated, she threw her arms in the air and sighed heavily.”
“He wasn’t sure he had ever seen anyone as exasperated as she seemed just then.”
How It Adds Description
If your characters are in a particularly challenging or frustrating situation, you can use the word exasperated to show just how extreme their feelings and reactions to the situation are. It will help your readers get a sense of how a situation or another character’s actions are affecting others in your story.