Describing Social Behaviours: English Vocabulary List

reluctant to speak to others, especially about one's thoughts and emotions

"He is reticent about his past."

"The reticent student never raised his hand in class and spoke only when the teacher called on him directly."

lacking in politeness, courtesy, or good manners

"It was ungracious of you to leave early."

"It was ungracious of you to leave the party without saying thank you to the host."

(of a person) straightforward in expressing thoughts or opinions

"She gave a forthright answer."

"He was forthright about his intentions and told her directly that he was not looking for a serious relationship at this time."

reserved, aloof, or distant in one's interactions with others, often conveying a sense of unfriendliness or coldness

"The new neighbor is standoffish."

"The new neighbor seemed standoffish at first but she was actually just shy and needed time to feel comfortable around new people."

being dishonest and betraying someone behind their back, without them knowing

"I don't like backstabbing friends."

"The backstabbing coworker pretended to be friendly while secretly sabotaging her colleagues to get ahead in her career at the company."

(of a person or organization) having a desire to promote the well-being of others, typically through charitable donations or actions

"The organization is philanthropic."

"The philanthropic organization raised millions of dollars to build clean water wells in remote villages across Africa and Asia."

excessively allowing oneself or others to have more than is necessary

"The parents are overindulgent."

"The overindulgent parents bought their child everything he wanted and he grew up spoiled and unable to handle disappointment or failure well."