Powerful Words
Words that carry weight the moment you use them.
These words land. They are strong enough to change the temperature of a sentence, so they reward careful use: one of them usually does the work of a whole clause.
20 words
resolute
adjective
Firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and determination.
“stood resolute against the enemy”
tenacious
adjective
Determined to keep going and not give up.
“She was tenacious about finishing the marathon despite the rain.”
decisive
adjective
Determining or having the power to determine an outcome.
“cast the decisive vote”
profound
adjective
Showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth.
“the differences are profound”
galvanize
verb
To make people suddenly excited and ready to take action.
“The coach's speech galvanized the team for the second half.”
forceful
adjective
Characterized by or full of force or strength (often but not necessarily physical).
“a forceful speaker”
potent
adjective
Having a strong physiological or chemical effect.
“a potent toxin”
defiant
adjective
Boldly resisting authority or an opposing force.
“brought up to be aggressive and defiant”
determined
adjective
Having been learned or found or determined especially by investigation.
persistent
adjective
Retained; not shed.
“persistent leaves remain attached past maturity”
monumental
adjective
Relating or belonging to or serving as a monument.
“the use of the arch in monumental architecture”
imperative
adjective
Requiring attention or action.
“as nuclear weapons proliferate, preventing war becomes imperative”
intense
adjective
Possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree.
“intense heat”
dominant
adjective
Exercising influence or control.
“television plays a dominant role in molding public opinion”
robust
adjective
Sturdy and strong in form, constitution, or construction.
“a robust body”
crucial
adjective
Of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis.
“a crucial moment in his career”
assertive
adjective
Aggressively self-assured.
“an energetic assertive boy who was always ready to argue”
courageous
adjective
Possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching.
“Familiarity with danger makes a brave man braver but less daring"- Herman Melville”
bold
adjective
Fearless and daring.
“bold settlers on some foreign shore”
stubborn
adjective
Tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield.