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Writing Tips Oasis

Writing Tips Oasis - A website dedicated to helping writers to write and publish books.

How to Describe a Rainbow in a Story

By Isobel Coughlan

how to describe a rainbow in a story

Do you want to write a stunning rainbow? Weโ€™re here to help you! In this post, we demonstrate how to describe a rainbow in a story through using 10 wonderful adjectives.

 

1. Vibrant

Definition

Something with very clear and bright colors.

Examples

โ€œThe vibrant rainbow was blinding, and to look at it, sunglasses were a must.โ€

โ€œColor rained down from the vibrant rainbow, painting the nearby town and fields in every shade imaginable.โ€

How it Adds Descriptions

Rainbows are colorful wonders, and the word โ€œvibrantโ€ emphasizes the clarity of each hue. This adjective helps to create a strong image of the rainbow in your readerโ€™s mind, and it can also show your fictional world is a beautiful place. If a character deems a rainbow โ€œvibrant,โ€ theyโ€™re likely very impressed with its appearance.

 

2. Splendid

Definition

Something thatโ€™s extremely good.

Examples

โ€œShe gazed at the splendid rainbow and fell in love with its multicolored image.โ€

โ€œThe splendid rainbow lit up the sky, making all the village people smile and jump for joy.โ€

How it Adds Descriptions

โ€œSplendidโ€ is a word to show how good something is, and this implies your fictional rainbow is a pleasant experience. If a character calls the rainbow โ€œsplendid,โ€ it might bring them joy or make them feel inspired. A โ€œsplendidโ€ rainbow can also be a sign of good things to come for your characters.

 

3. Astonishing

Definition

Something thatโ€™s striking or surprising.

Examples

โ€œHe gasped in amazement at the astonishing rainbow. Its colors were unlike anything heโ€™d ever seen before in the real world.โ€

โ€œThe world wonโ€™t be fixed until another astonishing rainbow shows up. But thatโ€™s not likely for another thousand years.โ€

How it Adds Descriptions

Large or unusual rainbows can signal significant events in your books, and โ€œastonishingโ€ can show how amazing or surprising these rainbows are. โ€œAstonishingโ€ also conveys a sense that rainbows donโ€™t occur often, and when they do, characters are stunned. An โ€œastonishingโ€ rainbow could be linked to magic or mystery, as it doesnโ€™t fall within normal weather conditions.

 

4. Enormous

Definition

Something extraordinarily large in size.

Examples

โ€œHe always wished for an enormous rainbow, but the rainbows in his world were paltry and disappointing.โ€

โ€œThe enormous rainbow covered the sky and obscured the clouds. It was like the heavens were a kaleidoscope.โ€

How it Adds Descriptions

โ€œEnormousโ€ gives your reader the sense that the rainbow is larger than anything seen before. It can also show the characters are amazed by the scene, but โ€œenormousโ€ may also signal theyโ€™re unsure of the rainbow as itโ€™s different from past ones theyโ€™re seen. For example, an extra โ€œenormousโ€ rainbow could send anxious characters into a panic as it isnโ€™t a normal occurrence.

 

5. Insignificant

Definition

Something small and unimportant.

Examples

โ€œForget that little, insignificant rainbow. Weโ€™re moving onto bigger and better things now.โ€

โ€œThough the rainbow was insignificant in comparison to others, she still found beauty in its colorful arches.โ€

How it Adds Descriptions

The word โ€œinsignificantโ€ has negative connotations and shows somethingโ€™s not important or large. When used to describe a rainbow, this could imply it has faded colors or is barely visible. Your characters might be disappointed by an โ€œinsignificantโ€ rainbow, and many may ignore it due to its poor quality.

 

6. Bland

Definition

Something dull or unexciting.

Examples

โ€œThe bland rainbow was a sorry sight. You could barely make out the different colors, and it faded into the gray sky.โ€

โ€œForget that bland rainbow! Tomorrow there will be a bigger and better one, trust me.โ€

How it Adds Descriptions

While many rainbows are spectacular occurrences, some are dull or almost colorless. โ€œBlandโ€ can be used to show characters arenโ€™t impressed by the rainbow. โ€œBlandโ€ could also signify that your fictional land doesnโ€™t have the ability to produce bright rainbows, which gives the reader a deeper insight into the setting.

 

7. Towering

Definition

Something thatโ€™s very tall and looks over other buildings or structures.

Examples

โ€œThe towering rainbow was amazing to look at, but itโ€™s immense size made some of the villagers nervous.โ€

โ€œIsnโ€™t the towering rainbow gorgeous? I wish it could stay in the sky forever!โ€

How it Adds Descriptions

โ€œToweringโ€ gives a clear sense of the height and scale of your fictional rainbow. Characters might use โ€œtoweringโ€ to show theyโ€™re scared of the rainbowโ€™s height, but this could also imply theyโ€™re in awe of its size. A โ€œtoweringโ€ rainbow might also be a unique phenomenon, which signals something strange is happening in your fictional setting.

 

8. Peculiar

Definition

Something thatโ€™s strange or unusual in a negative sense.

Examples

โ€œHe watched the peculiar rainbow grow, and his stomach churned. Something wasnโ€™t right.โ€

โ€œThe peculiar rainbow was a bad omen and everyone knew it. They tried to ignore its bizarre shape, but it was obvious that something was wrong.โ€

How it Adds Descriptions

โ€œPeculiarโ€ is an excellent adjective to show your rainbow doesnโ€™t fit the standard description. Characters might be scared of a โ€œpeculiarโ€ rainbow, and superstitious ones may take it as a sign of bad things to come. You can also use a โ€œpeculiarโ€ rainbow or event to foreshadow future plot points.

 

9. Undisturbed

Definition

Something thatโ€™s not touched or affected by its surroundings.

Examples

โ€œThe undisturbed rainbow sat quietly amongst the chaos.โ€

โ€œNo matter the weather, the undisturbed rainbow remained steadfast in the sky.โ€

How it Adds Descriptions

The word โ€œundisturbedโ€ shows your rainbow is standing in the sky and not being affected by any characters, weather, or other external factors. Your characters might find this strange, but they may also enjoy the steady beauty of the โ€œundisturbedโ€ rainbow. โ€œUndisturbedโ€ may also show that your rainbow is a constant fixture in the sky.

 

10. Tranquil

Definition

Something thatโ€™s peaceful and calm.

Examples

โ€œHe wished for a tranquil rainbow and a cool wind to distract him and wash his worries away.โ€

โ€œThe tranquil rainbow was a magnificent sight. It brought peace to all who looked upon it.โ€

How it Adds Descriptions

Rainbows are beautiful occurrences, and โ€œtranquilโ€ shows theyโ€™re also peaceful and calming. If a character thinks a rainbow is โ€œtranquil,โ€ it implies theyโ€™re soothed by it. This could lead them to stay close to the rainbow to continue this calm feeling. A โ€œtranquilโ€ rainbow can also show your readers the setting is quiet and serene.

Filed Under: Grammar

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