vivid
VIV-id
ˈvɪvɪd
Producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind; (of a color) intensely bright.
A vivid memory is one that feels like it is happening right now; it is high-definition and emotionally charged.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'vividus,' meaning 'full of life.' A vivid memory is one that is 'alive' in your mind.
Word relationships
- graphic: Graphic often implies a level of detail that might be shocking or unpleasant.
- vague: Vague memories are unclear, hazy, and lacking in detail.
Commonly confused with
- lucid: Lucid means clear and easy to understand (often regarding thought); vivid means bright and intense (often regarding imagery).
Word family
- vividly (adverb): In a way that produces powerful feelings or strong, clear images.
- vividness (noun): The quality of being vivid.
Collocations
- vivid imagination
- vivid memory
- vivid description
- vivid colors
Example sentences
- "The memory of it was as vivid as if it had happened yesterday." Personal memory
- "She had a vivid dream about flying over a city made of glass." Creative writing
Memory hook
Vivid = Video. Clear like a high-quality video. Bright and alive.
When not to use
Don't use it for dull or hazy memories.
Fun facts
- Vivid dreams often occur during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep.
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.