Positive Human Traits: English Vocabulary List

thinking deeply about oneself and one's experiences, often resulting in new understandings or realizations

"He bought me a thoughtful gift."

"He bought her a thoughtful gift that showed he had been paying attention to her interests and hobbies throughout their time together as friends."

trying or wishing to gain great success, power, or wealth

"He is ambitious."

"The ambitious young lawyer worked eighty hours a week because she wanted to become a partner at the firm before she turned thirty."

able to do things as one wants without needing help from others

"He is quite independent."

"The independent teenager managed her own finances and made her own decisions about her future."

not boasting about one's abilities, achievements, or belongings

"He is modest about his success."

"He was modest about his achievements and never boasted about the awards he had won even though he had every reason to be proud."

not judging someone and forgiving toward them when they do something wrong or make a mistake

"My teacher is understanding."

"My teacher is very understanding and she always listens to our problems before deciding on a fair solution for everyone involved in the situation."

(of a person) having a willingness or readiness to help someone

"The neighbor is helpful."

"The helpful neighbor offered to water our plants while we were away on vacation so we did not have to worry about them dying."

(of a person) showing good judgment and acting by reason

"He is reasonable."

"She always makes reasonable decisions, never acting impulsively or without careful thought."

(of a person) able to make clear, firm decisions quickly, especially in challenging situations

"You need to be decisive."

"She was decisive and made up her mind quickly without second guessing herself which made her an effective leader during the crisis situation."