Describing Emotional Responses: English Vocabulary List

providing a sense of satisfaction or reward

"The result is pleasing."

"The pleasing aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen and made everyone's mouth water immediately."

giving satisfaction and enjoyment

"The bath was pleasurable."

"Reading a good book by the fireplace is one of the most pleasurable activities on a cold winter night."

fulfilling a want or a requirement, and bringing a feeling of accomplishment or enjoyment

"The meal was satisfying."

"There is nothing more satisfying than completing a difficult project after weeks of hard work and dedication."

failing to attract attention or interest

"The topic is uninteresting."

"The uninteresting speaker droned on for an hour and the audience struggled to stay awake and alert."

causing a person to become filled with fear

"The experience was terrifying."

"The terrifying nightmare woke her up in the middle of the night screaming for her mother."

causing sadness, anger, or concern

"The news is upsetting."

"The upsetting news about her friend's illness made her cry for hours and cancel all her plans."

causing feelings of discomfort, sadness, or anxiety

"The situation is distressing."

"The distressing images on the news showed the damage caused by the powerful earthquake in the region."

causing someone to lose hope or courage

"The failure was disheartening."

"The disheartening loss in the final seconds of the game crushed the team's spirit completely and utterly."

providing a calming or comforting sensation that helps to relieve or lessen pain or discomfort

"The music is soothing."

"The soothing sound of the ocean waves helped her relax after a long and stressful week at work."