Described: meaning, definitions and examples

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described

 

[dɪ'skraɪbd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

action, past tense

Described is the past tense of the verb describe, which means to give an account of something in words. When you describe something, you provide details that convey its appearance, character, or qualities. This could involve explaining how something looks, feels, sounds, or behaves. Describing is often used in storytelling, scientific reporting, and everyday conversation.

Synonyms

depicted, explained, illustrated, portrayed.

Examples of usage

  • She described her vacation in detail.
  • The teacher described the project requirements.
  • He described the painting to the class.
  • She described the challenges they faced during the journey.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'describe' originates from the Latin word 'describere', meaning 'to write down' or 'to draw out'.
  • It emerged in the English language around the late 14th century, initially used in the context of writing.
  • Similar words in other languages, like 'describir' in Spanish and 'décrire' in French, also trace back to the same Latin root.

Literature

  • In storytelling, descriptions bring settings and characters to life, allowing readers to visualize scenes vividly.
  • Descriptive writing is a key technique used by authors to evoke emotions and create a strong sense of place.
  • Famous descriptive techniques include similes and metaphors, which compare things to enhance understanding.

Psychology

  • Describing experiences can aid in memory retention, helping people recall details more accurately over time.
  • Narrative therapy uses descriptions of past events to help individuals understand their experiences and emotions better.
  • Studies show that providing detailed descriptions can influence perceptions and judgments of events.

Communication

  • Effective communication often relies on the ability to describe ideas clearly, which enhances understanding in conversations.
  • In educational settings, teachers use descriptions to explain concepts to students in an engaging way.
  • Non-verbal descriptions, such as body language and facial expressions, also convey meaning in interactions.

Art

  • Artists often describe their techniques to help viewers appreciate their creative process.
  • The term 'descriptive art' refers to artworks that aim to depict scenes or subjects in detail.
  • Art critics frequently use descriptions to analyze the elements of a piece, influencing public perception and appreciation.

Translations

Translations of the word "described" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descrito

🇮🇳 वर्णित

🇩🇪 beschrieben

🇮🇩 digambarkan

🇺🇦 описаний

🇵🇱 opisany

🇯🇵 記述された

🇫🇷 décrit

🇪🇸 descrito

🇹🇷 tanımlanan

🇰🇷 설명된

🇸🇦 موصوف

🇨🇿 popisovaný

🇸🇰 opísaný

🇨🇳 描述的

🇸🇮 opisan

🇮🇸 lýst

🇰🇿 сипатталған

🇬🇪 აღწერილი

🇦🇿 təsvir edilmiş

🇲🇽 descrito

Word Frequency Rank

With position #377, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.