vivid
She had vivid memories of her childhood.
Her memories were so clear and detailed that they felt real.
Producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind.
The artist used vivid colors to paint the sunset.
The colors were so bright and clear that the painting felt alive.
His description of the dream was so vivid that I could almost see it.
The description was so detailed and clear that it felt real.
Of light, color, or an image: very bright or intense.
The sky was a vivid blue with no clouds in sight.
The blue color was extremely bright and clear.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'very vivid'
Instead of saying 'very vivid,' use more precise synonyms like 'striking,' 'intense,' or 'graphic' to avoid redundancy.
Gold Rule
Use 'vivid' for sensory clarity
Reserve 'vivid' for descriptions that evoke strong mental images or emotions. It is not typically used for physical brightness alone (e.g., 'a vivid light' is less common than 'a bright light').
Word Origin
From Latin *vividus* (alive, animated), from *vivere* (to live). Entered English in the late 17th century with the meaning 'full of life' before evolving to describe clarity and intensity of perception.
Usage Notes
Commonly used to describe memories, dreams, colors, or descriptions that are exceptionally clear and detailed. Often implies a sense of liveliness or intensity.