describe
verb (transitive)
UK/dɪˈskraɪb/US/dɪˈskraɪb/
To give a detailed account in words of something, including all the relevant characteristics, qualities, or events.
Example Sentences
Can you describe the suspect's appearance to the police?
She described her vacation in vivid detail, painting a picture of the beautiful landscapes and enjoyable activities.
The teacher asked the students to describe the main character of the novel.
He described the process step by step to ensure everyone understood how to complete the task.
The witness was able to describe the events that took place during the robbery.
In her speech, she described the challenges faced by the community and the efforts to overcome them.
He described the intricate design of the building, highlighting its unique architectural features.
The documentary describes the life cycle of a butterfly, from egg to adult.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Explain or depict something by giving details about it.This verb communicates a portrayal of something, often with enough specifics for someone else to visualize or understand it. You might say, “She described the scenery so vividly, I could imagine it,” to highlight how details paint a picture in the listener’s mind. In formal contexts—like academic or technical writing—you could describe processes, diagrams, or methodologies, clarifying each step. In day-to-day speech, you may use “describe” when explaining a friend’s personality traits, recounting a location’s atmosphere, or summarizing the plot of a movie. Typically, you pair it with a direct object (what is being described) and, if appropriate, an indirect object or additional details: “Describe the suspect to the police,” or “He described the plan in detail.” Whether you’re illustrating attributes, clarifying how something works, or offering a storyline overview, “describe” underscores sharing enough information so others grasp the essence or visualize the topic. The level of specificity—like employing figurative language or a matter-of-fact tone—depends on context, audience, and purpose. Including relevant senses (like sight, sound, or texture) can enhance the portrayal, ensuring clarity and engagement.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid overusing “describe,” synonyms can subtly shift the nuance. “Depict” often suits more vivid or artistic portrayals, like describing scenes or artwork. “Portray” might emphasize interpretation—especially in writing or performing contexts. “Explain” indicates more factual or instructive detail, while “illustrate” or “elaborate on” can imply adding examples or visuals. For quick references, “outline” suggests a concise, high-level summary. Each alternative zooms in on how deep or creative the explanation is. Meanwhile, “detail,” “relay,” or “give an account of” might highlight thoroughness, making them valuable for more comprehensive contexts. Selecting which verb best serves your narrative or analytic goal—whether you want thorough detail, a broad sketch, or a colorful depiction—helps you maintain precision and variety in language, avoiding repetitive references to “describe.”
Writing
In writing, “describe” can anchor vivid passages, from scenic settings in fiction to methodical explanations in technical manuals. When describing, be sure to balance breadth and depth—highlighting the most relevant or striking aspects. For instance, in a novel, describing a character can evoke personality or mood: “She described his confident stride and the faint lines of worry around his eyes.” In academic text, you might say, “The paper describes the experimental setup,” prompting an in-depth breakdown. If overusing “describe,” weave in synonyms like “depict,” “illustrate,” or “portray” to keep readers engaged. Also, vary sentence structures—using direct references (“They described the system architecture…”) versus more active language or transitions (“The authors illustrate how each component interacts…”). Showcasing all necessary details—like shape, color, function, emotional tone—helps the reader envision or grasp precisely what you intend. Whether summoning mental images, clarifying mechanics, or guiding readers through a complex process, well-placed descriptive language is integral to robust communication. Pair descriptions with context—like the setting, purpose, or motive—so your audience understands why these details matter. Ultimately, “describe” is a doorway to rich visualization, bridging the gap between the writer’s perception and the reader’s imagination.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “describe” plays a simple, direct role. You might say, “Describe what happened at the party!” or “How would you describe her personality?” In friend chats, it signals you want more detail— “Describe the new restaurant. Is it classy or relaxed?” If you find “describe” too formal or repetitive, you can switch to “tell me about,” “what’s it like,” or “paint me a picture.” People often use “describe” to clarify personal tastes, experiences, or impressions: “Can you describe how you felt when you got the news?” Even in casual contexts, the purpose remains bridging an information gap. By describing an event, object, or experience, you give enough specifics so the listener can mentally grasp it. Keep it relaxed and straightforward; if you need greater detail, you might ask, “Describe it in three words,” or “Give me more specifics.” Tone can vary—serious, curious, or playful—depending on the subject matter. Whether you’re explaining a crazy weekend adventure or summarizing a coworker’s weird habit, using “describe” in everyday chat helps convey a complete picture for the other person, forging a better sense of shared understanding.
Etymology
“Describe” traces back to the Latin “describere,” comprising “de-” (down, thoroughly) and “scribere” (to write). Historically, it implied writing something down in detail or marking it out, capturing the essence in words. Over centuries, as Old French and Middle English adapted the root, “describe” expanded to general oral or written depiction, not just literal inscription. But it retained the sense of shaping an accurate representation—‘writing it down thoroughly’—whether through speech, text, or imagery. Modern usage continues that heritage of putting something into structured words, painting a mental or visual representation so the audience can ‘see’ what’s being described. While we often rely on speech instead of pen and paper nowadays, “describe” still reflects the original purpose: to carefully capture and communicate the qualities or particulars of a subject, bridging knowledge gaps with well-chosen detail.
