Describing Social Behaviours: English Vocabulary List

describing someone who is outgoing, sociable, and enjoys being around other people

"She is extroverted."

"The extroverted salesperson loved meeting new people and she could strike up a conversation with anyone she met on the street."

preferring solitude over socializing

"He is introverted."

"The introverted writer preferred to spend his evenings alone reading books rather than going to parties or social events with large crowds."

confident in expressing one's opinions, ideas, or needs in a clear, direct, and respectful manner

"You need to be assertive."

"The assertive young woman asked her boss for a raise confidently and she explained all of her accomplishments without any hesitation or fear."

reluctant to share feelings or problems

"She is reserved."

"The reserved man sat quietly in the corner and he did not say much during the entire party because he was shy."

easy to approach, and pleasant to talk to

"The host is affable."

"The affable host greeted every guest with a warm smile and a handshake and he made everyone feel welcome at the party."

unfriendly or reluctant to socializing

"She seems aloof."

"The aloof cat ignored everyone who tried to pet it and it simply walked away without looking back at the disappointed children."

friendly and easy to talk to, making others feel comfortable and welcome in one's presence

"The teacher is approachable."

"The professor was very approachable and students felt comfortable asking him questions after class because he was always kind and patient."

having the ability to understand and share the feelings, emotions, and experiences of others

"She is empathetic."

"The empathetic teacher noticed that one of her students was sad and she quietly asked him if everything was okay at home after class."

showing or having a likable and friendly personality

"She is very amiable."

"The amiable shopkeeper always greeted customers with a warm smile and helpful advice."

excessively self-centered and disregarding the interests and feelings of others

"He is egotistic."

"The egotistic athlete talked only about his own achievements during the interview and he never thanked his teammates for their support and hard work."

excessively bossy or controlling, often overpowering others with one's opinions and authority

"His mother is overbearing."

"The overbearing mother controlled every aspect of her daughter's life from what she wore to which friends she could spend time with."

distant due to one's unfriendly manner

"The manager is unapproachable."

"The manager seemed unapproachable so none of the employees felt comfortable telling him about the problems they were having with their new equipment."

not being involved in a situation or benefiting from it, thus able to act fairly

"The judge was disinterested."

"A truly disinterested observer can provide unbiased feedback on the situation without personal bias."