WordGarden.iovivid
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈɪvɪd/
US
- /ˈvɪvəd/
Meanings
Adjective
bright and intense in color or visual appearance
clear, detailed, and emotionally strong in the mind or in expression
Beyond the definition
Imagine biting into a perfectly ripe strawberry: the burst of sweetness, the deep red color, and the tiny seeds on your tongue. That experience feels vivid. The word describes something so clear, lively, and strong that it stays in your mind. A vivid dream can feel so real that, for a moment, you are not sure whether it really happened.
"Vivid" is not only about what you see; it can also describe a memory, a feeling, or a picture in your mind. A vivid memory stands out clearly, almost as if it happened yesterday. Writers often use vivid description to help readers really feel a story. Think of a painter using bold colors to make an image seem alive on the canvas.
The word "vivid" describes something bright, clear, and full of life. It suggests a strong effect on your senses or your imagination, not something faint or dull. A vivid color is rich and strong, like electric blue or a fiery orange sunset.
However, "vivid" is not limited to things you see. You can have a vivid memory, meaning one that is detailed and easy to recall, perhaps a childhood birthday party or an important moment in your life. In writing, a vivid description uses clear images and sensory details to build a strong picture in the reader's mind. For example: "The author painted a vivid portrait of the busy marketplace, filled with unusual smells and bright colors."
Historically, "vivid" comes from the Latin vivus, meaning "living," which helps explain its link to energy and life. The word can describe a physical thing, an experience, or a mental image that feels real and powerful. If something captures your attention, feels easy to picture, and leaves a strong impression, it is vivid. It is about more than seeing clearly; it is about experiencing something in a way that feels immediate and alive.
Examples
- 1
Color
The flowers look especially vivid in the morning sun.
- 2
Memory
I still have vivid memories of my first day at school.
- 3
Detailed description
She described the storm in such vivid detail that I could almost see it.
- 4
Storytelling
The novel paints a vivid picture of life in a small village.
- Phrasepaint a vivid picture
describe something so clearly that people can imagine it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Imagination
As a child, he had a very vivid imagination.
- 6
Dream
The nightmare felt so vivid that she checked the room when she woke up.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- vividadjective