English vocabulary by topic
Feelings & Emotions Vocabulary
Explain how you feel in a particular moment, from everyday happiness to relief, frustration and apprehension. These emotion words describe changing states and reactions. Someone can feel nervous before a presentation and relieved afterwards without their personality changing.
20 words and phrases · A2–C1 teaching levels · 5 quiz questions
How to use this vocabulary naturally
Choose intensity carefully: pleased is milder than thrilled, and annoyed is milder than furious. Learn feel relieved, worried about and disappointed with in context. For lasting traits such as generous or dependable, use the separate personality guide.
Vocabulary by level
Levels are approximate teaching guides for the meanings shown, not official CEFR word classifications. Start where you feel comfortable and practise each word in your own sentence.
A2 — Everyday essentials
happy
A2adjective
feeling pleasure or satisfaction
Example: I felt happy when my neighbour remembered my birthday.
sad
A2adjective
feeling unhappy or sorrowful
Example: She felt sad when her friend moved away.
worried
A2adjective
feeling concerned that something bad may happen
Example: I was worried about missing the last bus.
excited
A2adjective
feeling enthusiastic about something happening or expected
Example: The children were excited about their first camping trip.
bored
A2adjective
feeling uninterested because nothing holds your attention
Example: I felt bored while waiting in the empty hall.
B1 — Build your range
nervous
B1adjective
feeling anxious about something you are about to do
Example: He felt nervous before speaking into the microphone.
pleased
B1adjective
feeling happy or satisfied about something
Example: We were pleased with the team's progress.
disappointed
B1adjective
unhappy because something was worse than expected
Example: I was disappointed when the concert was cancelled.
lonely
B1adjective
unhappy because you lack the company or connection you want
Example: She felt lonely during her first week in a new city.
proud
B1adjective
feeling satisfaction about an achievement or someone you value
Example: His parents were proud of the garden he had created.
annoyed
B1adjective
slightly angry about something irritating
Example: I felt annoyed when the printer stopped again.
grateful
B1adjective
feeling thankful for help or kindness
Example: We were grateful for the lift home in the rain.
B2 — More precise language
relieved
B2adjective
no longer worried because a problem or danger has passed
Example: I was relieved to find my keys in my coat.
frustrated
B2adjective
upset because something prevents progress or success
Example: She felt frustrated by the repeated connection failures.
overwhelmed
B2adjective
feeling unable to cope with too much activity or emotion
Example: I felt overwhelmed by the number of messages awaiting replies.
thrilled
B2adjective
extremely pleased and excited
Example: They were thrilled to hear their song on the radio.
furious
B2adjective
extremely angry
Example: He was furious when someone damaged his bicycle.
embarrassed
B2adjective
feeling uncomfortable about a mistake or awkward situation
Example: I felt embarrassed when I called the teacher by the wrong name.
C1 — Extend your expression
apprehensive
C1adjective
worried that something in the future may go badly
Example: She was apprehensive about presenting to such a large audience.
resentful
C1adjective
feeling bitter or angry because you believe you were treated unfairly
Example: He felt resentful after his contribution was ignored.
Common mistakes and better choices
Check: I am boring during long waits.
Use: I am bored during long waits.
Bored describes your feeling; boring describes what causes that feeling.
Check: I was very embarrassing after my mistake.
Use: I was very embarrassed after my mistake.
Embarrassed describes the person feeling discomfort. Embarrassing describes the situation.
Check: I am nervous for the interview.
Use: I am nervous about the interview.
Use nervous about when naming the event that causes your anxiety.
IELTS speaking examples
These original practice prompts are not official test questions or scored answers. Adapt the language to your own experience. The Part 2 extract is an opening to expand into a longer response.
Part 1
How do you feel before an important event?
I usually feel nervous at first, especially if I have to speak. Once I start, I become less worried. Afterwards, I often feel relieved and pleased that I tried.
Practise: Show a sequence of temporary feelings instead of describing your character.
Part 2 — sample opening
Describe a time when you felt proud.
I felt proud when I finished organising a neighbourhood book exchange. At first, I was overwhelmed by the planning and disappointed by the low response. On the day, many families arrived, and I was thrilled to see children choosing books together.
Practise: Continue with your role, the difficulties and what made the result meaningful.
Part 3
Why can changes make people feel anxious?
People may feel apprehensive when they cannot predict what will happen. Even a positive change can feel overwhelming if several things happen at once. Clear information and practical support can help people feel less worried.
Practise: The answer discusses emotional reactions, not permanent personality traits.
Check your understanding
Five-question vocabulary quiz
Choose one answer for each question. Your first choice is scored; read the explanation before moving on.
0 of 5 answered · 0 correct