describe
dih-SKRYB
/dɪˈskraɪb/
To give a detailed account in words of someone or something.
Implies providing enough detail so that another person can form a mental picture.
The story behind the word. Literally 'to write down'. The prefix 'de-' means 'down', so to describe something was to record its details down on paper for others to see.
Word relationships
- depict: Depict often implies a visual representation, like a painting, while describe is strictly verbal.
- portray: Portray is often used for characters in stories or plays, whereas describe is more general.
- obscure: To obscure is to make something unclear, while to describe is to make it clear through words.
Commonly confused with
- define: To define is to state the exact meaning of a word; to describe is to list its qualities.
Word family
- description (noun): a spoken or written representation.
- descriptive (adjective): serving to describe.
Collocations
- vividly describe
- accurately describe
- describe in detail
- fail to describe
Idioms & expressions
- beyond description
Example sentences
- "I will describe the room as it appeared to me on that cold December night." Classic Literature
- "The biologist was asked to describe the unique patterns on the butterfly's wings." Scientific Observation
Memory hook
To Describe is to write the Details down. Write it down in detail.
When not to use
Avoid using 'describe' when you are actually 'explaining' a concept; describing is about appearance and characteristics.
Fun facts
- The word 'description' was once used in legal contexts to mean a 'sketch' or 'map'.
Related words
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