There are numerous descriptive words beginning with the Letter B that you can use in your stories. Scroll down to learn about 10 words starting with B, their meaning, examples of their use and how they can make your writing more interesting.
1. Baffling
Definition
Something that is so confusing that it is hard to explain or understand.
Examples
“With such a complex array of screens and dials, for anyone that was not the professor, the contraption would be baffling.”
“The whole situation was baffling. A dead body, no obvious cause of death that had been determined, and no DNA at the scene. Detective Wells had to carefully consider his next move.”
How it Adds Description
If you need to explain to your reader a situation that is going to be something that will need to be worked out over the course of your work, “baffling” is a great word choice. Similarly, it can help your reader to get an understanding of various characters’ strengths and weaknesses, by showing what they truly can’t get their heads around!
2. Belligerent
Definition
- Wanting to argue or fight.
- Actively fighting in a war.
Examples
“The relationship between Mrs. Groves and her AP calculus class could only be described as belligerent; both the teacher and her students were always at each other’s throats.”
“The council faced a difficult decision when it came to managing belligerent nations.”
How it Adds Description
If you have characters that are rivals or enemies, “belligerent” is a perfect descriptive choice to show their dynamic in your story. It’s also great for those characters who are always looking to pick a fight. If you are writing from the point of view of a government or official documentation, belligerent can be used not only to describe warring countries but as a noun for them, too!
3. Beholden
Definition
Feeling like you owe or are duty-bound to someone or something.
Examples
“After being saved from the dragon, the village felt beholden to the knight.”
“As the man was from another country, he was not beholden to the city rules.”
How it Adds Description
Using the word “beholden” to describe a debt will boost your writing. Thanks to the word “hold” inside it, “beholden” implies that someone or something has control or a tight grip over the subject, creating a powerful image for the reader.
4. Benevolent
Definition
Kind, helpful, or giving.
Examples
“Thanks to his benevolent deeds, he was a favorite to win Prom King this year.”
“Many consider the WWF to be a benevolent organization.”
How it Adds Description
Instead of just referring to someone or something as kind, or nice, the word “benevolent” will give you more bang for your buck. It shows the good and giving nature of someone quickly and easily.
5. Bloodthirsty
Definition
Wishing to enact or experience violence or killing.
Examples
“He made even grown men quake in their boots with his bloodthirsty reputation.”
“The rivalry between the two soccer teams was sure to lead to a bloodthirsty match.”
How it Adds Description
“Bloodthirsty” can help show how violent a person or situation is in your writing. It helps the reader to understand the true danger of a character or event. It can also show the determination of someone, who will stop at nothing to achieve their goal(s).
6. Bountiful
Definition
- Great or abundant in quantity.
- Generous and giving.
Examples
“The harvest this year was a bountiful one; the village would be able to survive the harsh winter ahead.”
“The goddess is bountiful in her blessings, so long as you do not anger her.”
How it Adds Description
If you need to describe a large number of positive things, then “bountiful” is a fantastic word choice. These could be tangible items, such as treasure or produce, or things that aren’t tangible, such as support, love, or advice.
7. Brash
Definition
- Overly confident to the point of disregarding the feelings of others.
- Over the top, loud and colorful.
Examples
“His brash approach to the task meant that he forgot to consult with the other members of the team.”
“Her outfit was brash in its design; she wanted all eyes on her.”
How it Adds Description
“Brash” is a fantastic word choice, as it has a dual purpose. Not only does it help to describe a character’s demeanor, but also how they interact with people, too! You can also use it to describe items, such as clothing, that are loud or garish.
8. Brazen
Definition
A negative action carried out in an obvious or confident manner, usually without shame or remorse.
Examples
“His brazen attempts to pass off the glass shards as diamonds were getting him nowhere.”
“The bandits lead a brazen assault on the keep.”
How it Adds Description
Often used for characters who are up to no good and don’t care who knows about it, “brazen” can also have a positive spin to it, too. For example, someone that is “brazen” exudes confidence and determination despite their actions. A character that is lovestruck with another might be brazen in their attempts to woo them, but it doesn’t mean they are a bad guy.
9. Brisk
Definition
- Energetic and quick.
- Fresh and clear.
Examples
“As the song began to get into full swing, she tried to keep up with her dance partner’s brisk footwork.”
“As she opened the door, a gust of brisk winter air whipped up to greet her, filling her with newfound purpose.”
How it Adds Description
“Brisk” even sounds quick when you say it out loud, making it perfect for quick movements carried out by characters or things in your story. The word can also imply professionalism or expertise in what someone is doing, as they are able to complete the action quickly. On the other hand, it can also suggest that a character doesn’t particularly care, for example, a “brisk goodbye” is going to have less feeling than a heartfelt one.
10. Bustling
Definition
Filled with movement and activity; busy.
Examples
“The marketplace was bustling with merchants from all over the world selling their wares.”
“If you want to get away from the bustling streets of Venice, try Chioggia for a quieter getaway that still has all the charm.”
How it Adds Description
If a location in your story is filled with action, such as a big city or a crowded event, “bustling” is the word for you! Conversely, it can also be used to create a contrast with an area that is eerily quiet and still.