Adjectives might seem like the easiest part of speech. After all, they’re just words that describe nouns, right? But even the most fluent speakers often misuse them—subtly, habitually, and without ever realizing it.
English is full of tricky rules, hidden meanings, and exceptions that can make simple words unexpectedly complex. In this article, we’ll break down seven adjectives you’re probably using incorrectly, explain why they’re often misunderstood, and show you how to use them right. Whether you’re an English learner, a writer, a student, or just someone who loves language, this guide will sharpen your skills and change how you think about some very familiar words.
Let’s dive in.
1. “Literally” — When You Really Don’t Mean It
The Misuse:
People say literally to emphasize feelings, exaggerations, or jokes:
- I was literally dying of laughter.
- He was so mad, he literally exploded.
But unless you’re describing something that actually happened in real life (no exaggeration), you’re using it incorrectly.
The Correct Use:
Literally means exactly as stated; without exaggeration or metaphor:
- He literally ran ten miles in the snow.
- The floor was literally covered in ants.
Why It’s Misused:
Pop culture, social media, and everyday speech have made “literally” a dramatic intensifier. It sounds strong—but ironically, using it incorrectly weakens your credibility, especially in writing.
Pro Tip:
If you’re using “literally” to be funny, that’s okay in informal speech—but in formal writing or serious discussion, save it for when you truly mean it.
2. “Ironic” — You Keep Using That Word…
The Misuse:
Many use ironic to describe anything that’s odd, unfortunate, or coincidental:
- It’s ironic that it rained on my wedding day.
- He got fired from a stress management company. How ironic.
But that’s not irony. That’s just bad luck.
The Correct Use:
Ironic refers to a situation that’s the opposite of what you’d expect, often in a way that’s humorous or revealing:
- A fire station burns down.
- The traffic cop gets his license suspended for unpaid tickets.
Why It’s Misused:
Irony is a nuanced concept, and thanks to pop songs (looking at you, Alanis Morissette), its meaning has become blurred.
Pro Tip:
Want to test it? Ask: “Is the outcome the opposite of what we would reasonably expect?” If not, it’s probably not irony.
3. “Unique” — There’s No Such Thing as ‘Very Unique’
The Misuse:
- Her style is very unique.
- This dish is quite unique.
These sound fine—but they’re technically incorrect.
The Correct Use:
Unique means one of a kind. Something can’t be more or less unique—either it is, or it isn’t:
Why It’s Misused:
We’re used to modifying adjectives—very tall, somewhat expensive, etc. So it feels natural to say very unique. But grammatically, uniqueness is an absolute quality.
Pro Tip:
Use synonyms like unusual, distinctive, or original if you want to express degrees of difference.
4. “Jealous” vs. “Envious” — Close, but Not the Same
The Misuse:
People often say they’re jealous of someone’s success:
- I’m so jealous of your promotion!
But that’s not what jealous really means.
The Correct Use:
- Jealous means fearful of losing something you already have (like a relationship).
- Envious means wanting something someone else has.
Correct usage:
- She was jealous of anyone who talked to her boyfriend.
- I was envious of his beautiful garden.
Why It’s Misused:
In everyday conversation, jealous is used as a casual substitute for envious. But if you want to be precise—especially in writing—there’s a difference.
Pro Tip:
Use envious when talking about admiration or longing. Reserve jealous for possessive feelings.
5. “Nauseous” — You Might Be Making Others Feel Sick
The Misuse:
- I feel nauseous.
This is common—but not quite correct.
The Correct Use:
Traditionally, nauseous means causing nausea (like a smell or a motion), not feeling it:
- The nauseous fumes made me sick.
- I feel nauseated after that ride.
Why It’s Misused:
Language evolves. Today, most people use nauseous to mean feeling sick, and dictionaries have begun accepting that usage. But in formal writing or medical contexts, the traditional distinction still matters.
Pro Tip:
If you’re aiming for clarity and correctness, say nauseated when describing how you feel—and reserve nauseous for what causes the sickness.
6. “Disinterested” vs. “Uninterested” — Not Interchangeable
The Misuse:
- He was disinterested in the meeting.
This might seem fine—but it’s likely incorrect.
The Correct Use:
- Disinterested means impartial or unbiased.
- Uninterested means not interested.
So:
- We want a disinterested judge to decide the case.
- She was uninterested in watching the game.
Why It’s Misused:
These two words sound similar and seem like synonyms. But they carry very different meanings, especially in legal or professional contexts.
Pro Tip:
If you mean bored, use uninterested. If you mean neutral, use disinterested.
7. “Historic” vs. “Historical” — A Tiny Difference, Big Impact
The Misuse:
- The museum had many historic artifacts.
Sounds right? It might not be.
The Correct Use:
- Historic refers to something important in history.
- Historical simply means relating to history.
Examples:
- The moon landing was a historic event.
- He wrote a historical novel about ancient Egypt.
Why It’s Misused:
The words are close in form and meaning, so people treat them interchangeably. But using historic for something unimportant can seem exaggerated or incorrect.
Pro Tip:
Use historic for milestones (battles, speeches), and historical for general references (documents, periods, fiction).
Final Thoughts: Language Is Always Evolving—But Clarity Still Matters
You might be thinking, “Does it really matter if I say ‘very unique’ or use ‘jealous’ instead of ‘envious’?” In casual speech, probably not. But in writing, public speaking, education, or any context where clarity and accuracy matter, the correct use of adjectives elevates your language.
Using these seven adjectives correctly shows more than grammar knowledge—it shows precision, credibility, and respect for language. Whether you’re helping students, drafting emails, writing articles, or just trying to sound more polished, these subtle shifts make a big difference.
So the next time you’re tempted to say you’re literally going to die from excitement, remember: You’re probably not. But if you just learned something new—that’s a reason to feel genuinely impressed.
Want to test yourself?
Here’s a mini challenge—rewrite these incorrect sentences using the correct adjective:
- “She’s very unique in her fashion choices.”
- “I’m disinterested in football.”
- “His new book is a historic fiction set in Rome.”
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