vivid
VIH-vihd
Vivid (adj) means producing sharp, clear, powerful images or impressions. Example: “She gave a vivid description of the accident.”
adj
1
Producing sharp, clear, powerful images or impressions.
"She gave a vivid description of the accident."
"He still has vivid memories of his childhood home."
"The author's vivid writing made me feel I was standing in the market."
2
Very bright or intense in colour.
"The sunset turned a vivid orange."
"She painted the front door a vivid shade of green."
"The parrot's vivid blue and yellow feathers stood out against the grey sky."
How to use vivid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStrikingly clear and intense, whether describing a memory, description, or colour.
Common pairings
vivid imagination
vivid colours
vivid memory
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Word forms
- Plural
- vivids
- Comparative
- more vivid, vivider
- Superlative
- most vivid, vividest
Fill the gap
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She gave a _____ description of the accident.
Etymology
From Latin vividus, "animated, spirited," from vivere, "to live." The felt-tip marker sense comes from the Vivid Marker brand name becoming generic.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for vivid
See all rhymes for vivid →Frequently asked questions
What does “vivid” mean?
The word “vivid” means producing sharp, clear, powerful images or impressions. In plain terms, strikingly clear and intense, whether describing a memory, description, or colour.
How do you pronounce “vivid”?
“Vivid” is pronounced VIH-vihd (/ˈvɪvɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “vivid” in a sentence?
Here is “vivid” used in a sentence: “She gave a vivid description of the accident.”
What part of speech is “vivid”?
“Vivid” is an adjective.
Where does the word “vivid” come from?
The word “vivid” comes from Latin. From Latin vividus, "animated, spirited," from vivere, "to live." The felt-tip marker sense comes from the Vivid Marker brand name becoming generic.
Is “vivid” a common word?
“Vivid” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “vivid” have?
“Vivid” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: producing sharp, clear, powerful images or impressions.
What is the difference between 'vivid' and 'bright'?
'Bright' simply describes strong light or intense color, while 'vivid' adds the idea of producing a sharp, powerful impression, whether in color, imagery, or memory. A vivid dream, for instance, is one that feels clear and intense in the mind, a sense 'bright' cannot capture.
Can 'vivid' describe things other than colors?
Yes, 'vivid' is widely used for anything that produces sharp, clear, powerful impressions, including memories, dreams, descriptions, and imagination, not just colors. A 'vivid account' of an event, for example, means it was described in striking, lifelike detail.
What is the difference between a 'vivid' memory and a 'clear' memory?
A 'clear' memory simply means it is easy to recall without confusion, while a 'vivid' memory implies it feels especially sharp, intense, and almost lifelike in detail. Vividness suggests an added quality of emotional or sensory strength beyond mere clarity.
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