Describe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
describe
[dษชหskraษชb ]
Definitions
in language
To give an account of something in words.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| describe |
This word is used when giving a detailed account of something, explaining features, qualities, or characteristics. It's often used in both spoken and written contexts.
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| narrate |
This word is used for telling a story or describing a sequence of events. It's often associated with storytelling, whether written or spoken.
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| depict |
This word is suitable when you are representing or illustrating something, often through art, literature or visual means. It carries a creative connotation.
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| portray |
This is used when describing someone's character or actions, often in a creative or artistic setting. It can also involve acting or describing personalities.
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Examples of usage
- He described the scene in great detail.
- Can you describe what you saw?
- She described the taste of the food as delicious.
in appearance
To represent or give an account of in words.
Synonyms
characterize, depict, illustrate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| describe |
Use 'describe' when providing an objective or detailed account of something, often to explain or clarify.
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| depict |
Use 'depict' when creating a visual portrayal or representation of something, often through art or detailed description.
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| illustrate |
Use 'illustrate' to make something clear or understandable by providing examples, images, or diagrams.
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| characterize |
Use 'characterize' to explain the distinguishing features or qualities of someone or something, often to highlight key attributes.
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Examples of usage
- The painting describes a beautiful landscape.
- The novel describes the protagonist's journey.
- The document describes the process step by step.
in character
To embody or exemplify in essence.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| describe |
Use when you want to give detailed information about someone or something.
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| exemplify |
Use when you want to show or illustrate something by providing an example.
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| embody |
Use when you want to indicate that someone or something clearly expresses a particular quality or idea.
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| personify |
Use when attributing human qualities or personality to something non-human or when describing someone who is a perfect example of a certain quality.
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Examples of usage
- His actions describe his true nature.
- The organization's values describe its mission.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Linguistics
- In linguistic analysis, describing is essential for understanding meanings and contexts of words.
- Descriptive language plays a significant role in creative writing, helping to paint vivid pictures for readers.
- Grammar emphasizes descriptive language for clarity in communication, ensuring readers grasp the intended message.
Psychology
- Describing experiences can improve memory retention by engaging different cognitive processes.
- Psychologists find that people who describe their emotions are more likely to understand and process them effectively.
- Descriptive writing is linked to emotional intelligence; those skilled at it tend to be more empathetic.
Education
- In language arts, students learn to describe items, events, and feelings to enhance their writing skills.
- Teachers often encourage students to use descriptive language to improve their storytelling abilities.
- Describing concepts in simple terms is a key strategy for effective teaching, making complex ideas easier to grasp.
Art
- In visual arts, description helps convey the artist's intention and the deeper meaning behind a work.
- Art critiques often rely heavily on descriptive language to interpret the emotional response evoked by artwork.
- Descriptive techniques in art can guide viewers through the narrative or theme being expressed.
Origin of 'describe'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin 'describere', which means 'to write down' or 'to mark out'.
- Its roots can be traced back to the combination of 'de-', meaning 'down', and 'scribere', meaning 'to write'.
- This word has evolved through languages such as Old French before entering English.
The word 'describe' originated from the Latin word 'describere', which means 'to write down'. Over time, it evolved to encompass not just writing, but also verbal accounts and representations. The concept of describing has been essential in communication and expression, allowing individuals to convey experiences, appearances, and characteristics to others in a detailed manner.
See also: describable, describing, description, descriptive, descriptor.