Some of my favorite adjectives that start with E are:

• Ethereal – Suggesting something so delicate and light, it seems not of this world.
• Ebullient – Overflowing with enthusiasm and excitement; bubbly.
• Effervescent – Vivacious and lively, often used to describe someone’s personality or the quality of a drink.
• Eloquent – Having the power of fluent, forceful, and appropriate expression; effectively conveying meaning or feeling.
• Enigmatic – Full of mystery and difficult to understand, evoking curiosity and intrigue.
• Euphoric – Intensely happy or confident; a state of blissful happiness.
• Exquisite – Extremely beautiful and delicate; refined and perfect in a manner that is admired.
• Empathetic – Showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another, reflecting deep emotional intelligence.
• Energetic – Exhibiting or involving great activity or vitality.
• Eclectic – Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources, suggesting openness and appreciation for variety.

Below is a long list of adjectives, words, and superlatives that begin with E. These words have been divided into categories.

My All-Time Favorite Adjectives that Start with “E”

• Eager (keen or enthusiastic to do something)
• Earnest (serious and sincere in intention)
• Earthy (resembling or suggestive of earth or soil)
• Easygoing (relaxed and tolerant in approach)
• Ebullient (cheerful and full of energy)
• Eccentric (unconventional and slightly strange)
• Eclectic (deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources)
• Economic (relating to economics or the economy)
• Edgy (tense, nervous, or irritable)
• Educated (having been educated)
• Effervescent (vivacious and enthusiastic)
• Efficient (achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense)
• Egotistical (excessively conceited or absorbed in oneself)
• Elaborate (involving many carefully arranged parts or details)
• Elastic (able to encompass variety and change; flexible and adaptable)
• Elated (make (someone) ecstatically happy)
• Elderly (old or aging)
• Electric (excitingly tense or thrilling)
• Elegant (pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner)
• Elementary (relating to the basic, essential or fundamental part of something)
• Eloquent (fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing)
• Elusive (difficult to find, catch, or achieve)
• Embarrassed (feeling or showing embarrassment)
• Eminent (famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession)
• Emotional (relating to a person’s emotions)
• Empathetic (showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another)
• Empirical (based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic)
• Empty (containing nothing; not filled or occupied)
• Enchanted (filled with delight; charmed)
• Encouraging (giving someone support or confidence; supportive)
• Endearing (inspiring love or affection)
• Endless (having or seeming to have no end or limit)
• Energetic (showing or involving great activity or vitality)
• Engaging (charming and attractive)
• Enigmatic (difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious)
• Enormous (very large in size, quantity, or extent)
• Enthusiastic (having or showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval)
• Enticing (attractive or tempting; alluring)
• Entrepreneurial (characterized by the taking of financial risks in the hope of profit; enterprising)
• Enumerable (able to be counted or listed)
• Environmental (relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its condition)
• Ephemeral (lasting for a very short time)
• Epic (heroic or grand in scale or character)
• Episodic (containing or consisting of a series of loosely connected parts or events)
• Equable (not easily disturbed or angered; calm and even-tempered)
• Equal (being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value)
• Equitable (fair and impartial)
• Equivalent (equal in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.)
• Erasable (able to be erased or removed)
• Erect (rigidly upright or straight)
• Erratic (not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable)
• Essential (absolutely necessary; extremely important)
• Established (recognized and accepted)
• Esthetic (concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty; alternative spelling of aesthetic)
• Ethereal (extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world)
• Euphoric (characterized by or feeling intense excitement and happiness)
• Evanescent (soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing)
• Evasive (tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by responding only indirectly)
• Even (flat and smooth; level)
• Eventful (marked by interesting or exciting events)
• Evergreen (retaining freshness or interest; perennial)
• Evident (plain or obvious; clearly seen or understood)
• Evil (profoundly immoral and wicked)
• Evocative (bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind)
• Exact (not approximated in any way; precise)
• Exalted (held in high regard)
• Exasperating (intensely irritating; infuriating)
• Excellent (extremely good; outstanding)
• Exceptional (unusual; not typical)
• Excessive (more than is necessary, normal, or desirable; immoderate)
• Excitable (easily excited by things)
• Excited (very enthusiastic and eager)
• Exclusive (restricted or limited to the person, group, or area concerned)
• Exemplary (serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind)
• Exhausted (drained of one’s physical or mental resources; very tired)
• Exhilarating (making one feel very happy, animated, or elated; thrilling)
• Expansive (covering a wide area in terms of space or scope; extensive or wide-ranging)
• Expectant (having or showing an excited feeling that something is about to happen, especially something pleasant and interesting)
• Experimental (based on untested ideas or techniques and not yet established or finalized)
• Expert (having or involving a great deal of knowledge or skill in a particular area)
• Explicit (stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt)
• Explosive (liable to lead to sudden change or violence)
• Exquisite (extremely beautiful and, typically, delicate)
• Extensive (covering or affecting a large area)
• External (belonging to or forming the outer surface or structure of something)
• Extinct (no longer in existence; that has ended or died out)
• Extraordinary (very unusual or remarkable)
• Extravagant (lacking restraint in spending money or using resources)
• Exuberant (filled with or characterized by a lively energy and excitement)
• Exultant (triumphantly happy)
• Eye-catching (immediately appealing or noticeable; striking)
• Eerie (strange and frightening)
• Efficient (being effective without wasting time or effort or expense)
• Elastic (capable of returning to original shape after being stretched or compressed)
• Earnest (showing sincere and intense conviction)
• Evasive (tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by means of vague or ambiguous language)
• Ecstatic (feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement)
• Edible (fit to be eaten)
• Elusive (difficult to catch or to hold; hard to explain or understand)
• Empathic (showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another; synonymous with empathetic)

This list provides a broad spectrum of adjectives starting with “E,” showcasing the richness of the English language in describing nouns with precision, emotion, and clarity. 

By Semantics

We can group adjectives based on their meanings. This is one of the most common and useful approaches. For example, emotions (e.g., ecstatic, elated, embarrassed), sizes (e.g., enormous, extensive), qualities (e.g., elegant, efficient, effective), and conditions (e.g., exhausted, energetic). 

Let’s break down the adjectives by semantics into four categories as mentioned: emotions, sizes, qualities, and conditions. Here are example adjectives for each category:

Emotions

• Ecstatic – feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement.
• Elated – very happy or proud; jubilant; in high spirits.
• Embarrassed – feeling awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed.
• Envious – feeling or showing envy.
• Euphoric – characterized by or feeling intense excitement and happiness.
• Excited – very enthusiastic and eager.
• Exasperated – intensely irritated and frustrated.
• Empathetic – showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
• Enraged – very angry; furious.
• Eager – wanting to do or have something very much.
• Earnest – resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction.
• Edgy – tense, nervous, or irritable.
• Emotional – relating to a person’s emotions.
• Empowered – given the authority or power to do something or feeling confident in one’s ability.
• Enthralled – captured the fascinated attention of.

Sizes

• Enormous – very large in size, quantity, or extent.
• Extensive – covering or affecting a large area.
• Epic – heroic or grand in scale or character.
• Expansive – covering a wide area in terms of space or scope; extensive or wide-ranging.
• Elongated – unusually long in relation to its width.
• Eminent – prominent, distinguished, of high rank.
• Excessive – more than is necessary, normal, or desirable; immoderate.
• Enlarged – made larger; increased in size.
• Enclosed – surrounded or closed off on all sides.
• Exiguous – very small in size or amount.
• Elevated – situated or placed higher than the surrounding area.
• Endless – having or seeming to have no end or limit.
• Equatorial – near or relating to the equator, implying large in circumference.
• Ethereal – extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world, suggesting subtle presence.
• Extravagant – lacking restraint in spending money or using resources; also implies larger-than-life in some contexts.

Qualities

• Elegant – pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.
• Efficient – being effective without wasting time or effort or expense.
• Effective – successful in producing a desired or intended result.
• Ethereal – extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.
• Exquisite – extremely beautiful and, typically, delicate.
• Empirical – based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
• Eclectic – deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
• Endearing – inspiring love or affection.
• Eloquent – fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.
• Enigmatic – difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.
• Exemplary – serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind.
• Energetic – showing or involving great activity or vitality.
• Enterprising – having or showing initiative and resourcefulness.
• Educated – having been educated; showing a high level of education or learning.
• Equitable – fair and impartial.

Conditions

• Exhausted – drained of one’s physical or mental resources; very tired.
• Energetic – possessing or exhibiting energy, especially in abundance; vigorous.
• Enfeebled – weakened; made feeble.
• Enriched – improved or enhanced in quality or value.
• Entangled – involved in difficulties or complicated circumstances from which it is difficult to escape.
• Enflamed – made to burn or become inflamed.
• Engulfed – completely enclosed or swallowed up.
• Enervated – caused to feel drained of energy or vitality; weakened.
• Enlightened – having or showing a rational, modern, and well-informed outlook.
• Encumbered – restricted or burdened in such a way that free action or movement is difficult.
• Endemic – regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.
• Eradicated – destroyed completely; put an end to.
• Evanescent – soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing.
• Exonerated – (of an official body) absolved from blame for a fault or wrongdoing, especially after due consideration of the case.
• Exuberant – filled with or characterized by a lively energy and excitement.

These lists offer a variety of adjectives within each semantic category, demonstrating the richness and versatility of adjectives starting with “E” to describe a wide array of nouns in different contexts. 

By Degree of Intensity

Some adjectives can be categorized according to how strong or weak the quality they describe is. For instance, “enormous” suggests a larger size than “extensive,” and “ecstatic” implies a higher level of happiness than “eager.” 

Focusing on adjectives that start with “E” and categorizing them by degree of intensity involves identifying words that can express varying levels of a quality, trait, or condition. Here are adjectives for each of the categories, arranged from lower to higher degrees of intensity:

Temperature

• Eskimo (colloquially referring to very cold environments, lowest)
• Eerie (suggesting an unnatural or ghostly coldness)
• Early-morning (suggesting the chill of the early day)
• Encrusted (suggesting coldness that causes freezing and covering with ice)
• Eolithic (pertaining to the earliest period of the Stone Age, implying extreme historical coldness)
• Exothermic (releasing heat but can be perceived as relatively less warm in comparison to its surroundings)
• Equable (steady; not prone to extreme variations, moderate)
• Ebullient (enthusiastically lively, warm)
• Effervescent (vivaciously bubbly or lively, suggesting warmth)
• Emollient (softening or soothing, especially to the skin, suggesting gentle warmth)
• Energetic (implying a vigorous warmth)
• Exhilarating (giving a feeling of spirited and lively warmth or excitement)
• Explosive (sudden and dramatic increase in temperature or intensity)
• Enflamed (very hot, as in inflamed, or metaphorically passionate)
• Eruptive (extremely hot, as in volcanic eruptions, highest)

Emotional Intensity

• Easygoing (relaxed, low intensity)
• Earnest (showing sincere and intense conviction, slightly more intense)
• Eager (keen interest or desire, moderate intensity)
• Elated (very happy or proud, high intensity)
• Ecstatic (overwhelming joy, very high intensity)
• Empathetic (showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another, nuanced intensity)
• Enamored (filled with love and delight, high intensity)
• Enraptured (filled with delight, higher than elated)
• Exhilarated (thrilled or excited, very high intensity)
• Enthralled (captured the fascinated attention, intense focus)
• Euphoric (intense happiness and excitement, very high intensity)
• Enraged (very angry, high emotional intensity)
• Embittered (feeling bitter and resentful, intense negative emotion)
• Exasperated (intensely irritated and frustrated, high negative intensity)
• Exultant (triumphantly happy, very high positive intensity)

Brightness

• Eclipsed (obscured, low brightness)
• Enigmatic (mysterious, dimly lit)
• Ethereal (delicately light, gentle brightness)
• Even (balanced light, moderate brightness)
• Effulgent (shining brightly, higher intensity)
• Enlightened (bright with knowledge or spirituality, metaphorically bright)
• Ebullient (sparkling; lively, metaphorically bright)
• Eminent (standing out, metaphorically bright)
• Eblouissant (French for dazzling, very bright)
• Exuberant (lively and cheerful brightness)
• Exalted (held in high regard, metaphorically bright)
• Eclatant (French for brilliant, very high brightness)
• Electrified (excited, very bright, metaphorically)
• Excited (energized, metaphorically bright)
• Exploding (bursting out, metaphorically the brightest)

These lists offer a nuanced view of how adjectives, especially those starting with “E,” can convey degrees of intensity across different domains, from physical properties like temperature and brightness to abstract qualities like emotional intensity.

By Syntactic Behavior

Adjectives can be classified based on how they function in a sentence. This includes attributive adjectives that directly modify a noun (e.g., “an exciting game”) and predicative adjectives that come after a linking verb (e.g., “feel exhausted”).

Adjectives starting with “E” can indeed vary in their syntactic behavior, with some more commonly used in attributive positions (directly before a noun) and others more typically found in predicative positions (following a linking verb). However, it’s important to note that many adjectives can function in both roles, but for the purpose of this exercise, we’ll focus on their more common usages based on the attributes they describe or the contexts they are often found in.

Attributive Adjectives

These adjectives usually modify a noun directly and are placed before the noun in a sentence.

• Economic (relating to the economy or economics)
• Educational (pertaining to education or schools)
• Efficient (functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort)
• Elaborate (involving many carefully arranged parts or details; intricate)
• Elderly (old or aging)
• Electronic (involving, using, or relating to computers or technology)
• Elegant (pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner)
• Embroidered (decorated with patterns sewn on with thread)
• Emerald (of a rich green color)
• Emotional (relating to a person’s emotions)
• Endangered (in danger of extinction)
• Energetic (showing or involving great activity or vitality)
• Enormous (very large in size, quantity, or extent)
• Entertaining (providing amusement or enjoyment)
• Ethical (relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these)

Predicative Adjectives

These adjectives are typically used to describe the subject of the sentence and follow linking verbs such as “be,” “seem,” “become,” “look,” “feel,” etc.

• Ecstatic (feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement)
• Elated (make (someone) ecstatically happy)
• Embarrassed (feeling or showing embarrassment)
• Empowered (make (someone) stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights)
• Encumbered (restrict or burden in such a way that free action or movement is difficult)
• Enlightened (having or showing a rational, modern, and well-informed outlook)
• Enraged (very angry; furious)
• Enriched (improve or enhance the quality or value of)
• Enthralled (capture the fascinated attention of)
• Entitled (believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment)
• Envied (desired by many people for its perceived advantages or superiority)
• Equal (being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value)
• Exhausted (drained of one’s physical or mental resources; very tired)
• Exhilarated (make (someone) feel very happy, animated, or elated)
• Exonerated (absolve (someone) from blame for a fault or wrongdoing, especially after due consideration of the case)

While many “E” adjectives can technically serve in both attributive and predicative positions, these examples highlight their common or notable uses in English syntax, providing insight into their flexibility and the nuances of their deployment in sentences. 

By Comparability

Organize adjectives based on whether they can be used in comparative and superlative forms. Some adjectives, like “enormous,” naturally lend themselves to comparison (more enormous, most enormous), while others, such as “extinct,” do not.

Adjectives that start with “E” can indeed vary in their ability to form comparatives and superlatives, reflecting different degrees of a quality or characteristic. Below, I’ll provide examples of “E” adjectives that are regularly comparable (i.e., can form comparative and superlative degrees) and those that are considered non-comparable due to their absolute or inherent qualities.

Regularly Comparable Adjectives

These adjectives can be modified to express different degrees of comparison, typically by adding “-er” and “-est” or using “more” and “most” for adjectives with more than two syllables.

• Early – earlier, earliest (time)
• Easy – easier, easiest (difficulty)
• Economic – more economic, most economic (efficiency/cost)
• Effective – more effective, most effective (efficacy)
• Efficient – more efficient, most efficient (productivity)
• Elastic – more elastic, most elastic (flexibility)
• Elegant – more elegant, most elegant (style or grace)
• Eloquent – more eloquent, most eloquent (expressiveness)
• Emotional – more emotional, most emotional (intensity of feelings)
• Empty – emptier, emptiest (lack of content)
• Enthusiastic – more enthusiastic, most enthusiastic (level of enthusiasm)
• Expensive – more expensive, most expensive (cost)
• Experienced – more experienced, most experienced (level of experience)
• Extensive – more extensive, most extensive (scope or size)
• Extraordinary – more extraordinary, most extraordinary (degree of uniqueness)

Non-comparable Adjectives

These adjectives describe absolute states, qualities, or conditions, making them unsuitable for comparative or superlative forms because something cannot be “more” or “the most” in these terms.

• Eternal (infinite in duration; without beginning or end)
• Exact (precisely accurate and correct)
• Exempt (free from an obligation or liability imposed on others)
• Extinct (no longer existing or living)
• Equal (being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value)
• Essential (absolutely necessary; extremely important)
• Exquisite (extremely beautiful and delicate)
• Exclusive (excluding or not admitting other things)
• Extraneous (irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with)
• Endemic (regularly found among particular people or in a certain area)
• Exemplary (serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind)
• Erroneous (wrong; incorrect)
• Euphoric (characterized by or feeling intense excitement and happiness)
• Evasive (tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation)
• Ethereal (extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world)

These lists demonstrate how “E” adjectives can be organized based on their comparability, offering insight into the flexible use of adjectives in expressing nuances and degrees of various qualities.

By Usage in Speech and Writing

Differentiate adjectives based on their formality, frequency, or specificity. Some adjectives might be more commonly used in formal writing (e.g., “exemplary”), while others might be more colloquial (e.g., “edgy”).

Let’s break down the adjectives starting with “E” into three distinct categories as requested: formal, colloquial, and highly specific. This classification will help illustrate their appropriate contexts in speech and writing.

Formal Adjectives

These are often used in academic, professional, or literary contexts for a precise, sophisticated tone.

• Efficacious – effective; capable of producing the intended result.
• Egregious – outstandingly bad; shocking.
• Exemplary – serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind.
• Ephemeral – lasting for a very short time.
• Equitable – fair and impartial.
• Erudite – having or showing great knowledge or learning.
• Esoteric – intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
• Exorbitant – (of a price or demand) unreasonably high.
• Expedient – (of an action) convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral.
• Expeditious – done with speed and efficiency.
• Extant – (especially of a document) still in existence; surviving.
• Extraneous – irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with.
• Exemplify – to serve as a typical example of.
• Exiguous – very small in size or amount.
• Elucidate – make (something) clear; explain.

Colloquial Adjectives

These are more common in everyday conversation and informal writing.

• Edgy – tense, nervous, or irritable; cutting-edge.
• Epic – very impressive and awesome.
• Eerie – weird and scary.
• Easygoing – relaxed and casual.
• Effervescent – vivacious and enthusiastic.
• Elated – extremely happy and excited.
• Enthused – filled with enthusiasm; very interested.
• Exhausted – extremely tired.
• Eclectic – deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
• Earnest – sincere and intense conviction.
• Eccentric – unconventional and slightly strange.
• Euphoric – feeling intense excitement and happiness.
• Enamored – filled with a feeling of love for.
• Evasive – deliberately vague or ambiguous.
• Empowered – given power and confidence.

Highly Specific Adjectives

These adjectives are often used in particular contexts or fields to convey precise or technical information.

• Endemic – regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.
• Entropic – relating to or denoting entropy.
• Epigenetic – relating to or arising from nongenetic influences on gene expression.
• Ectothermic – relating to an animal that is dependent on external sources of body heat.
• Eudiometric – relating to the measurement of the quality of air.
• Exothermic – (of a reaction or process) accompanied by the release of heat.
• Eolian – relating to or caused by the wind.
• Ethnographic – relating to the scientific description of peoples and cultures with their customs, habits, and mutual differences.
• Exergonic – (of a chemical reaction) accompanied by the release of energy.
• Euphonic – pleasing to the ear.
• Exoplanetary – relating to planets outside our solar system.
• Epistemological – relating to the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope.
• Eutrophic – relating to or being in a condition of eutrophy, or a body of water rich in nutrients and so supporting a dense plant population, the decomposition of which kills animal life by depriving it of oxygen.
• Extemporaneous – spoken or done without preparation.
• Evanescent – soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing.

These lists highlight how the use of adjectives starting with “E” can vary significantly based on the context, ranging from formal and sophisticated to casual and colloquial, and extending into highly specific domains requiring expert knowledge.

By Origin

Categorize adjectives based on their linguistic roots, such as those derived from Latin (e.g., “explicit”), Greek (e.g., “ephemeral”), or other languages. This can be particularly interesting for etymological studies or for understanding the influence of different languages on English.

Categorizing adjectives by their linguistic origin offers fascinating insights into the etymology of English words and reflects the diverse influences on the language. Here are adjectives beginning with “E,” grouped by their origins from Latin, Greek, and other languages, to illustrate the rich tapestry of English vocabulary.

Latin Origin

• Explicit – fully and clearly expressed, leaving nothing implied.
• Exquisite – extremely beautiful and delicate.
• Exuberant – filled with or characterized by a lively energy and enthusiasm.
• Eminent – (of a person) famous and respected within a particular sphere.
• Eradicate – destroy completely; put an end to.
• Eloquent – fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.
• Efficient – being effective without wasting time or effort.
• Exemplary – serving as a desirable model; very good.
• Exorbitant – (of a price or amount charged) unreasonably high.
• Extemporaneous – spoken or done without preparation.
• Eccentric – (of a person or their behavior) unconventional and slightly strange.
• Equitable – fair and impartial.
• Evasive – tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation.
• Exultant – triumphantly happy.
• Expedient – (of an action) convenient and practical although possibly improper or immoral.

Greek Origin

• Ephemeral – lasting for a very short time.
• Empathetic – showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
• Euphoric – characterized by or feeling intense excitement and happiness.
• Ethical – relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.
• Ecclesiastical – relating to the Christian Church or its clergy.
• Epidemic – (of a disease) widespread across a community at a particular time.
• Epistemological – relating to the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope.
• Erotic – relating to or tending to arouse sexual desire or excitement.
• Eccentric – not placed centrally or not having its axis or other part placed centrally.
• Eolithic – relating to the earliest period of the Stone Age.
• Euphemistic – using or of the nature of a euphemism.
• Esoteric – intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
• Energetic – showing or involving great activity or vitality.
• Eclectic – deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
• Empirical – based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.

Other Languages

• Ecru (French) – the light beige color of unbleached linen.
• Ersatz (German) – serving as a substitute; synthetic; artificial.
• Elan (French) – energy, style, and enthusiasm.
• Embarcadero (Spanish) – a landing place, especially on an inland waterway.
• Ennui (French) – a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.
• Eisteddfod (Welsh) – a festival of literature, music, and performance.
• Embargo (Spanish) – an official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country.
• Entrepreneur (French) – a person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.
• Esprit (French) – the quality of being lively, vivacious, or witty.
• Espresso (Italian) – a type of strong black coffee made by forcing steam through ground coffee beans.
• Estancia (Spanish) – a large South American ranch.
• Etagere (French) – a piece of furniture with a series of open shelves for displaying small objects.
• Exposé (French) – a report of the facts about something, especially a journalistic report that reveals something scandalous.
• Edelweiss (German) – a small white Alpine flower.
• Ensemble (French) – a group of items viewed as a whole rather than individually.

These lists underscore the diversity of sources that have contributed to the English language, each bringing its own unique set of sounds, meanings, and cultural connotations.

By Sensory Domain

Group adjectives by the sense they appeal to, such as sight (e.g., “emerald”), sound (e.g., “echoing”), touch (e.g., “elastic”), taste (e.g., “earthy”), or smell (e.g., “effluent”).

Organizing adjectives starting with “E” by the sensory domain they appeal to offers a creative way to categorize and understand how these words can evoke specific sensory experiences. Here are adjectives for each sense: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

Sight

• Emerald – relating to the bright green color of emerald.
• Ethereal – extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.
• Eclipsed – obscured by shadow, particularly used to describe partial or total obscurity of celestial bodies but can metaphorically refer to anything made less visible or prominent.
• Effulgent – shining brightly; radiant.
• Enigmatic – mysterious and difficult to interpret or understand, often appealing to the visual mystery.
• Ebullient – sparkling; overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement; bright and bubbly.
• Eerie – weird and unsettling in appearance; likely to inspire fear.
• Elegant – pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance.
• Elusive – difficult to catch or define visually.
• Exotic – originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country; appealing to the sense of sight with unusual beauty.
• Expansive – covering a wide area in terms of space or scope; suggesting vast visual scenes.
• Ephemeral – lasting for a very short time, suggesting fleeting visual beauty.
• Eclatant – brilliant, splendid, shining brightly.
• Evident – clearly seen or understood; obvious to the eye.
• Extravagant – lacking restraint in spending money or using resources; also, elaborate or showy in appearance.

Sound

• Echoing – producing an echo; reverberating sounds.
• Euphonic – pleasing to the ear.
• Ear-splitting – extremely loud and harsh.
• Euphonious – sounding good and harmonious.
• Ebullient – enthusiastic, often conveying a sense of lively sound.
• Eerie – suggesting an unsettling or mysterious sound.
• Elated – making high-spirited and joyful noises.
• Exclamatory – expressing a sudden or strong emotion; loud or emphatic.
• Eloquent – fluent or persuasive in speaking; sonorous.
• Evasive – ambiguous sounds, often giving an impression of avoidance.
• Enthralling – capturing and holding one’s attention entirely; often used for captivating sounds.
• Energetic – vigorous and active, often related to lively sounds.
• Estatic – showing or feeling overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement, often associated with uplifting sounds.
• Explosive – sudden and loud, like an explosion.
• Enticing – attractive or tempting; often used for sounds that allure or invite.

Touch

• Elastic – able to resume its normal shape spontaneously after contraction, dilatation, or distortion.
• Ethereal – extremely delicate and light, almost to the point of being intangible.
• Eroded – worn away by friction or gradual destruction.
• Exfoliated – relating to skin or materials that have been peeled or shed.
• Emollient – having the quality of softening or soothing, especially to the skin.
• Ebullient – boiling or agitated as if boiling; also, vibrant or lively in a way that might be felt as palpable energy.
• Effervescent – giving off bubbles; fizzy, which can be felt when touching liquid.
• Excruciating – intensely painful.
• Elastic – capable of returning to its original shape after being stretched or compressed.
• Edgy – having a sharp or pointed edge; also, tense in a way that can almost be felt physically.
• Enveloping – completely enclosing or surrounding something.
• Energized – giving a sensation of energy or vitality.
• Exquisite – extremely beautiful and delicate; can also refer to a finely tuned sense of touch.
• Elevated – raised up, which can refer to textures that are not flat.
• Eroded – worn away, often giving a distinct tactile sensation.

Taste

• Earthy – resembling or suggestive of earth or soil; often used to describe wines or foods with a taste of terroir.
• Ethereal – extremely delicate or refined, almost to the point of being intangible but still perceptible in taste.
• Exquisite – extremely beautiful and, typically, delicate; often used to describe finely balanced flavors.
• Effervescent – giving off bubbles; fizzy in taste.
• Embittered – having a bitter taste or character.
• Edible – fit to be eaten; not poisonous.
• Enriched – having added nutrients or flavors.
• Exotic – originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country; often used for unfamiliar but intriguing tastes.
• Epicurean – devoted to sensual pleasure, especially in food and drink; refined or discriminating tastes.
• Euphoric – inducing feelings of intense happiness, which can be applied metaphorically to tastes that are exceptionally pleasing.
• Earthen – made of or resembling earth or soil, similar to earthy but with a more direct implication of natural materials.
• Energizing – giving a feeling of energy, vitality, or vigor, often used for foods that are refreshing or revitalizing.
• Effluent – flowing out or forth; in the context of taste, it might be used metaphorically for flavors that seem to spread or flow.
• Enticing – attractive or tempting; appealing to the taste in a strong and pleasant way.
• Enveloping – completely enclosing or surrounding, which can describe a taste that fully encompasses the palate.

Smell

• Earthy – reminiscent of wet soil or rain on dry earth; grounded, musty smell.
• Effusive – expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner; often used for strong, pleasant smells.
• Ethereal – extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not of this world; can refer to a subtle, almost spiritual aroma.
• Exotic – originating from a distant foreign country; often used for unfamiliar, intriguing smells.
• Effluent – liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea; often has a negative connotation, but in some contexts, it might refer to strong, pungent smells.
• Embalmed – preserved from decay, originally with spices; can refer to a rich, spiced smell.
• Euphoric – intensely happy or confident; can be used for smells that elevate mood.
• Enveloping – capable of completely surrounding or enclosing, often used for pervasive smells.
• Emanating – (of something abstract but perceptible) issue or spread out from (a source).
• Evocative – bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind; smells that trigger specific associations.
• Exhilarating – making one feel very happy, animated, or elated; refreshing or invigorating smells.
• Enigmatic – difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious smells.
• Erosive – (metaphorically) smells that can be intense and perhaps wearing in their persistence.
• Epicurean – relating to the appreciation of fine food and drink; smells that are richly satisfying.
• Elegiac – expressing sorrow or lamentation; can be used for smells that evoke nostalgia or sadness.

These categories and examples demonstrate the diverse ways adjectives can appeal to and describe our sensory experiences, enhancing our ability to communicate the richness of the physical world.