# soulful

/ˈsoʊɫfəɫ/ (US) · /sˈəʊlfəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/soulful
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

full of deep, honest feeling. You use this to describe music, eyes, or voices that show a lot of emotion.

For teachers: expressing deep, sincere, or intense emotion. Often used to describe artistic performances or physical features that suggest a profound inner life.

## Examples

- The singer has a very soulful voice.
- She looked at him with soulful eyes that seemed to tell a story of long-forgotten sadness.
- The saxophonist delivered a soulful solo that resonated through the dim club, capturing the bittersweet essence of the blues with every note.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after linking verbs like 'sound' or 'look'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.