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Tip: Speaking Task 5: pick one option and stay with it. Comparing both is fine, switching sides isn't.
Tip: Speaking Task 5: pick one option and stay with it. Comparing both is fine, switching sides isn't.
Words for describing bizarre images, strange shapes, specific textures, and unusual materials over the phone.
/bɪˈzɑːr/
Very strange or unusual, especially so as to cause interest or amusement.
The absolute best CLB 9 word to start your description. Replaces 'very weird'.
/pɪˈkjuːliər/
Strange or odd; unusual.
A slightly more formal version of bizarre or weird.
/ˌʌnkənˈvɛnʃənəl/
Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.
Replaces 'not normal' or 'different from the usual'.
/səˈriːəl/
Having the qualities of surrealism; bizarre, mixing fact and fantasy.
Use when an image looks like a dream or something impossible.
/ˈæbstrækt/
Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence; (of art) not representing external reality.
Use if the painting or object doesn't look like anything real.
/rɪˈzɛmbəl/
Have qualities or features, especially those of appearance, in common with (someone or something); look or seem like.
The definitive CLB 9 replacement for 'looks like'.
/əˈprɒksɪmət/
Close to the actual, but not completely accurate or exact.
Use when you can't be exactly sure of the shape or size.
/ˈɪntrɪkət/
Very complicated or detailed.
Replaces 'lots of small details'.
/ɪˈlæbərət/
Involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed and complicated in design and planning.
Similar to intricate, but usually implies 'very fancy or complex'.
/sɪˈmɛtrɪkəl/
Made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis.
Replaces 'the same on both sides'.
/ˌeɪsɪˈmɛtrɪkəl/
Having parts that fail to correspond to one another in shape, size, or arrangement; lacking symmetry.
Replaces 'uneven' or 'weirdly shaped on one side'.
/sɪˈlɪndrɪkəl/
Having straight parallel sides and a circular or oval cross-section; in the shape or form of a cylinder.
Replaces 'shaped like a tube'.
/ˈsfɪrɪkəl/
Shaped like a sphere.
Replaces 'shaped like a ball'.
/rɛkˈtæŋɡjʊlər/
Having the shape of a rectangle.
Replaces 'shaped like a rectangle'.
/traɪˈæŋɡjʊlər/
Shaped like a triangle.
Replaces 'shaped like a triangle'.
/hɛkˈsæɡənəl/
Having six straight sides and angles.
Replaces 'shaped like a hexagon'.
/doʊm/
A rounded vault forming the roof of a building or structure, typically with a circular base.
Replaces 'half-circle roof'.
/ˈtɛkstʃər/
The feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or a substance.
Replaces 'how it feels'.
/məˈtælɪk/
Relating to or resembling metal or metals.
Replaces 'looks like metal'.
/trænsˈluːsənt/
(Of a substance) allowing light, but not detailed shapes, to pass through; semitransparent.
Replaces 'see-through but cloudy'.