vivid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vivid" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is strikingly bright, intense, or clear, often in relation to imagery or descriptions. Example: "The artist's use of color created a vivid landscape that captivated the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His satellite tags had provided vivid new information of the remarkable distances travelled by these unpredictable predators during their brief lives.

The Guardian

But one of the characteristics of the south Wales mining community is a vivid sense of humour".

The Guardian - Film

"Combining text with vivid imagery and high-quality video, they have woven their narrative into a compelling and immersive multimedia reconstruction," read the judgment.

The Guardian

His first forays into art were collages and cut-ups of magazines, which he still makes and exhibits from time to time, cultural references spliced together to form vivid and unsettling wholes.

The Guardian - Music

A vivid personality and at times an influential figure in intellectual and political life, he observed enough of the rules of the game to maintain a comfortable, although far from lavish, lifestyle.

The Guardian

And a programme on the Northern Ireland hunger strikes that had a rather vivid contribution from Ian Paisley was mangled for fear of it projecting a nasty image of Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

A new burlesque played at the Court Theatre on Wednesday night owes an attraction, which is said to have been cordially appreciated by the audience, to the circumstance of its including vivid caricatures of Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Lowe, and Mr. Ayrton among the characters represented.

The Guardian

We like to pretend that we're in awe of these huge creatures, so much bigger and stronger than us; so much more vivid, more real.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While their growing eminence may or may not presage a new era of European dominance, their swelling popularity reveals the power of their thumb-twitching pastime — and how eager golf fans are for vivid personalities.

The New York Times - Sports

Her first solo credit came with Holiday Camp (1947), a vivid depiction of postwar working-class people at play.

The Guardian - Film

All in all, it paints a vivid picture of a person with expensive tastes and the means to sate them.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vivid" to describe memories, descriptions, or images that are particularly clear, detailed, and impactful. Choose it when you want to emphasize the intensity and lifelike quality of something.

Common error

Avoid using "vivid" to describe something that is commonplace or lacks significant detail. Reserve it for instances where the clarity and intensity are truly noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "vivid" primarily functions to modify nouns, enhancing their description by emphasizing clarity, intensity, or lifelike qualities. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes something strikingly bright, intense, or clear, often related to imagery or descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vivid" is a versatile adjective used to describe something clear, intense, or lifelike. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used in English, particularly in the context of imagery and descriptions. The term is most frequently encountered in news and media sources and is considered to have a neutral formality level. To maximize impact, use "vivid" when you want to create a strong and memorable impression, but avoid overusing it in mundane contexts. Alternatives include "lifelike", "bright", and "intense".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lifelike

Focuses on the realistic quality of a representation.

bright

Emphasizes the visual intensity and clarity of something.

intense

Highlights the strength and depth of a feeling or experience.

colorful

Specifically relates to the presence of many colors or a rich color palette.

graphic

Describes something presented in a clear and detailed manner.

striking

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and impressiveness of something.

explicit

Implies something is very clear and detailed.

memorable

Indicates that something is easily remembered due to its intensity or clarity.

sharp

Emphasizes the clarity and distinctness of an image or impression.

clear

Focuses on the absence of ambiguity and the ease of understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "vivid" in a sentence?

You can use "vivid" to describe memories (e.g., "I have "vivid memories" of that summer"), descriptions (e.g., "The author painted a "vivid picture" of the scene"), or images (e.g., "The photograph had "vivid colors"").

What words can I use instead of "vivid"?

Alternatives to "vivid" include "lifelike", "bright", "intense", "colorful", or "graphic". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to use "vivid" to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, you can use "vivid" to describe abstract concepts, especially when you want to emphasize their clarity and impact. For example, you might describe someone's imagination as "vivid" or an account of an event as a "vivid" portrayal of the truth.

What is the difference between "vivid" and "graphic"?

While both "vivid" and "graphic" suggest clarity and detail, "vivid" often implies a lifelike quality and sensory richness. "Graphic", on the other hand, can sometimes refer to explicit or even disturbing details, whereas "vivid" typically has a more positive connotation.