Adjectives play a crucial role in our communication, adding nuance and detail to our descriptions.
With the abundance of options starting with the letter “o,” it is no wonder they are a staple in English.
From “obedient” to “overwhelming,” the “o” adjectives offer a diverse range of expressions to choose from.
The Most Common Adjectives That Start With The letter O
“Obedient” is an adjective that means willing to follow the instructions or orders of others.
An obedient person or animal complies with rules and obeys commands.
The word describes something easy to control or manage.
For example, one might say, “My dog is very obedient and always comes when I call him.” or “The child was obedient and did exactly as he was told.”
“Objective” is an adjective that refers to something neutral, impartial, and based on fact.
It can describe a person not influenced by personal feelings, opinions, or prejudices and makes decisions based on verifiable evidence.
In this sense, an objective person is seen as impartial, fair, and unbiased.
For example, an objective news report presents facts and events without personal interpretation or commentary, allowing readers or viewers to form their own opinions.
An objective evaluation of a situation would involve considering all the relevant facts and evidence before deciding or reaching a conclusion.
In a broader sense, the term “objective” refers to a goal or aim someone is trying to achieve.
In this context, an objective is a clear and specific target a person or organization sets out to reach.
For example, a company might aim to increase its profits by a certain percentage over the next year.
“Oblong” is an adjective used to describe a shape that is longer than wide, with parallel sides and two rounded ends.
The term is commonly used to describe a two-dimensional shape, such as a rectangle that has been stretched so that its sides are no longer of equal length.
However, an oblong shape also defines a three-dimensional object, such as a cylinder or a box, that has similar proportions.
For example, one might say, “The tablecloth was oblong, fitting perfectly over the elongated table.” or “The oblong pool was the perfect shape for lap swimming.”
The term “oblong” is often used interchangeably with “oval,” though strictly speaking, an oval shape is more rounded at the ends and less angular than an oblong shape.
“Obvious” is an adjective that means easy to see, understand, or notice.
Something obvious is readily apparent and requires little thought or effort to recognize.
The term is often used to describe self-evident things, such as facts, truths, or logical conclusions.
For example, one might say, “The solution to the problem was obvious once all the facts were presented.” or “It was obvious from the expressions on their faces that they were not enjoying the movie.”
In this sense, “obvious” describes something clear and not hidden or obscure.
The term “obvious” can sometimes describe something overly simplified or exaggerated.
For example, one might say, “The advertising campaign made the obvious point that the product was the best on the market.”
In this context, “obvious” can suggest something is too straightforward to be effective.
“Occasional” is an adjective that means happening or sometimes done but not regularly or consistently.
Something occasional is not a constant or permanent occurrence but takes place only at certain times or under certain circumstances.
The term describes events, actions, or occurrences that are not part of a regular pattern or schedule.
For example, one might say, “She had an occasional headache but otherwise felt fine.” or “The band played occasional gigs at local bars and clubs.”
In this sense, “occasional” describes something infrequent or irregular.
In a broader sense, “occasional” can also describe something that is not intended to be permanent or long-lasting.
For example, one might say, “She had an occasional job as a freelance writer.”
In this context, “occasional” suggests that the job is not a full-time or permanent position but rather a temporary or intermittent one.
“Odd” is a word used to describe something that deviates from the norm or is not typical.
When used to describe a person or thing, “odd” can indicate that they are unusual, peculiar, or quirky in some way.
For example, one might say, “He had an odd sense of humor that not everyone appreciated.” or “The house had an odd design, with rooms that were shaped like triangles.”
In this sense, “odd” describes something that is not common or is not what one would expect.
“Odd” also describes something unequal or not evenly divided in a different context.
For example, one might say, “She had an odd number of apples in her basket.”
In this context, “odd” describes a quantity that cannot be divided equally.
Finally, “odd” can describe something slightly strange or peculiar.
For example, one might say, “It was an odd coincidence that they both ended up at the same party on the same night.”
In this context, “odd” is used to describe something surprising or unexpected in a small way.
“Offensive” is an adjective that means causing offense or causing someone to feel insulted, hurt, or upset.
Something offensive is considered rude, disrespectful, or inappropriate and often goes against accepted norms of behavior or societal values.
The term describes speech, actions, or other forms of expression intended to harm, insult, or demean others.
For example, one might say, “The comments made by the politician were offensive to many people and caused widespread outrage.” or “The advertisement was deemed offensive and was quickly pulled from broadcast.”
In this sense, “offensive” is used to describe something seen as inappropriate or that causes harm to others.
In a different context, “offensive” describes something intended to attack or harm others, such as in a military context.
For example, one might say, “The offensive was launched early in the morning and quickly gained ground.”
In this context, “offensive” describes an action or operation to attack or overcome an enemy.
“Old” is an adjective used to describe something that has existed for a long time.
The term describes a person, place, thing, or idea and is usually used compared to the current time or the age of other things.
For example, one might say, “She is 80 years old.” or “The building is over 200 years old.”
In this sense, “old” describes a person’s age or thing concerning the present.
In a different context, “old” describes something outdated.
For example, one might say, “The computer was old and slow and needed to be replaced.”
In this sense, “old” describes something no longer considered helpful, relevant, or modern.
Finally, “old” also describes something familiar or well-known.
For example, one might say, “The song was an old favorite of hers.”
In this context, “old” describes something well-known, established, or has a long history.
“Outgoing” is an adjective used to describe a person’s personality or behavior.
When used to describe a person, “outgoing” usually means that they are friendly, pleasant, and enjoy being around other people.
In addition, outgoing people are often seen as extroverted, confident, and energetic, and they tend to make friends easily and enjoy being the center of attention.
For example, one might say, “She was very outgoing and always had something to say to everyone she met.” or “He was an outgoing person who loved to dance and have a good time.”
In this sense, “outgoing” describes an energetic, confident person who enjoys socializing.
In a different context, “outgoing” describes something that is leaving or departing.
For example, one might say, “The outgoing flight was delayed due to bad weather.”
In this sense, “outgoing” describes something on its way out or leaving a place.
“Outrageous” is an adjective that describes something extreme, excessive, or beyond what is considered acceptable or reasonable.
When describing a person, thing, or situation, “outrageous” means shocking, audacious, or provocative.
For example, one might say, “The price of the ticket was outrageous. I couldn’t believe it.” or “Her behavior at the party was outrageous. She was dancing on tables and making a scene.”
In this sense, “outrageous” describes something beyond expected or appropriate.
In a different context, “outrageous” can also describe something hilarious or amusing in a silly or unexpected way.
For example, one might say, “The clown’s antics were outrageous. He had the entire audience laughing.”
In this sense, “outrageous” is used to describe something playful or humorous extremely.
“Overwhelming” is an adjective to describe something very intense, consequential or too much to handle.
When used to describe a situation, emotion, or experience, “overwhelming” means too strong or too much to cope with or understand.
For example, one might say, “The amount of work was overwhelming. I didn’t know where to start.” or “The love she felt for him was overwhelming. She could barely contain her emotions.”
In this sense, “overwhelming” describes something too intense or too much to handle.
In a different context, “overwhelming” describes something significant in scale or compelling in its impact.
For example, one might say, “The victory was overwhelming. The other team didn’t stand a chance.”
In this sense, “overwhelming” describes something too strong or too great to overcome or resist.
“Outstanding” is an adjective to describe something excellent, remarkable, or exceptional. When describing a person, thing, or achievement, “outstanding” usually means that it is unique in quality or performance and stands out above others in its class.
For example, one might say, “Her performance in the play was outstanding. She received a standing ovation.” or “The company has an outstanding reputation for providing high-quality products.”
In this sense, “outstanding” is related to something exceptional in its quality or performance that is recognized as superior to others.
In a different context, “outstanding” defines a debt or a bill that has not been paid.
For example, one might say, “The company had an outstanding balance on their loan.”
In this sense, “outstanding” describes a debt or bill that has not yet been paid, and that is still owed to the lender.
“Overjoyed” is an adjective that describes a feeling of great happiness or delight.
It is often used to describe someone thrilled about something and feels a strong sense of joy and excitement.
For example, one might say, “I was overjoyed to hear that my friend got the job she wanted,” or “The children were overjoyed to receive their gifts on Christmas morning.”
The word “overjoyed” also describes a more intense or excessive feeling of happiness than simply being “joyful.”
It suggests a sense of being overwhelmed with joy and conveys a strong emotional reaction.
“Ordinary” describes something typical, expected, or within the usual limits of experience.
It is often contrasted with something exceptional, extraordinary, or unusual.
For example, an ordinary person might have a regular job, a modest home, and a few close friends.
In contrast, an extraordinary person might be a celebrity, a billionaire, or a world leader.
More Adjectives That Start With O
Obscure
Oily
Occupied
Odorous
Official
Old-fashioned
Open
Opposite
Optional
Organic
Ornamental
Overcooked
Over sized
Original
Opulent
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