Describing words are used every single day that we speak or write or read. They help to add an extra element to the English language that would otherwise be missed and they’re really great to understand for anyone trying to further their knowledge of the English language. They’re not that difficult to get used to either, once you’ve learned a few of the words from the coming lists, you’ll be a descriptive speaker in no time!
What Are Describing Words
To put it simply, a describing word is used to help a reader or listener to understand or visualize something that they otherwise might not have been able to without any description. They can also be used as a way to define certain objects or words or explain information in a more comprehensible way for people.
Most describing words can be considered adjectives or adverbs, as these are the most commonly used words when used to describe something. You can describe something in either a positive or negative way based on its appearance or its definition. The words that can be described are limitless. You can describe places, times, events, people, situations, actions, information, and loads more.
List Of Describing Words
Although there are plenty of describing words out there, we thought it best not to overwhelm you and instead focus our efforts on showing you a list of describing words. Firstly, we’ll show you a list of words used to describe people, then we’ll show you a list of words used to describe things and you can work out which one you’ll want to use in which situations from there.
Describing Words To Describe People
- Able
- Analytical
- Angelic
- Apathetic
- Apprehensive
- Ardent
- Artificial
- Artistic
- Assertive
- Attentive
- Average
- Awesome
- Careful
- Careless
- Caustic
- Cautious
- Charming
- Cheerful
- Chic
- Childish
- Childlike
- Churlish
- Circumspect
- Crabby
- Crafty
- Cranky
- Crass
- Critical
- Cruel
- Curious
- Cynical
- Dainty
- Decisive
- Disruptive
- Distant
- Distraught
- Distrustful
- Dowdy
- Dramatic
- Dreary
- Drowsy
- Drugged
- Drunk
- Flaky
- Flashy
- Frank
- Friendly
- Grouchy
- Guarded
- Hateful
- Hypercritical
- Hysterical
- Idiotic
- Idle
- Illogical
- Imaginative
- Immature
- Immodest
- Impatient
- Imperturbable
- Inconsiderate
- Industrious
- Inexperienced
- Insensitive
- Inspiring
- Intelligent
- Interesting
- Irritating
- Jocular
- Jovial
- Level-Headed
- Listless
- Lithe
- Lively
- Local
- Logical
- Long-Winded
- Lovable
- Lovely
- Maternal
- Mature
- Mean
- Meddlesome
- Mercurial
- Methodical
- Meticulous
- Mild
- Naive
- Nasty
- Natural
- Nosy
- Numb
- Obliging
- Obnoxious
- Old-Fashioned
- One-Sided
- Orderly
- Ostentatious
- Outgoing
- Outspoken
- Passionate
- Passive
- Paternal
- Paternalistic
- Petulant
- Picky
- Polite
- Popular
- Positive
- Powerful
- Practical
- Prejudiced
- Pretty
- Proficient
- Proud
- Provocative
- Prudent
- Punctual
- Respected
- Respectful
- Responsible
- Restless
- Revered
- Ridiculous
- Sad
- Sassy
- Saucy
- Sedate
- Self-Assured
- Selfish
- Sensible
- Sensitive
- Sentimental
- Serene
- Serious
- Sharp
- Short-Tempered
- Shrewd
- Shy
- Silly
- Sincere
- Sleepy
- Slight
- Sober
- Somber
- Sophisticated
- Soulful
- Soulless
- Sour
- Spirited
- Spiteful
- Stable
- Staid
- Steady
- Stern
- Stoic
- Striking
- Strong
- Stupid
- Surly
- Suspicious
- Sweet
- Thoughtful
- Thoughtless
- Timid
- Tired
- Tolerant
- Touchy
- Tranquil
- Ugly
- Unaffected
- Unbalanced
- Uncertain
- Uncooperative
- Undependable
- Unemotional
- Unfriendly
- Unguarded
- Unhelpful
- Unimaginative
- Unthinking
- Unwilling
- Watchful
- Weak
- Well-Behaved
- Well-Rounded
- Willing
- Wonderful
- Zealous
Describing Words To Describe Things
- Abundant
- Agreeable
- Alive
- Ancient
- Angry
- Better
- Bewildered
- Big
- Bitter
- Black
- Blue
- Boiling
- Brave
- Breeze
- Brief
- Broad
- Broken
- Bumpy
- Calm
- Careful
- Chilly
- Chubby
- Clever
- Clumsy
- Cold
- Colossal
- Cooing
- Cool
- Creepy
- Crooked
- Crooked
- Cuddly
- Curly
- Curved
- Damaged
- Damp
- Dead
- Deafening
- Deep
- Defeated
- Delicious
- Delightful
- Dirty
- Dry
- Dusty
- Eager
- Early
- Easy
- Embarrassed
- Empty
- Faint
- Faithful
- Famous
- Fast
- Fat
- Few
- Fierce
- Filthy
- Flaky
- Flat
- Fluffy
- Freezing
- Fresh
- Full
- Gentle
- Gifted
- Gigantic
- Gray
- Greasy
- Great
- Green
- Grumpy
- Happy
- Heavy
- Helpful
- Helpless
- High
- Hissing
- Hollow
- Hot
- Huge
- Icy
- Immense
- Important
- Inexpensive
- Itchy
- Jealous
- Jolly
- Juicy
- Kind
- Large
- Late
- Lazy
- Light
- Little
- Lively
- Long
- Loose
- Loud
- Low
- Mammoth
- Many
- Massive
- Melodic
- Melted
- Miniature
- Modern
- Mushy
- Mysterious
- Narrow
- Nervous
- Nice
- Noisy
- Numerous
- Nutritious
- Obedient
- Obnoxious
- Odd
- Old
- Old-Fashioned
- Orange
- Panicky
- Petite
- Powerful
- Prickly
- Proud
- Puny
- Purple
- Purring
- Quick
- Quiet
- Rainy
- Rapid
- Raspy
- Red
- Relieved
- Repulsive
- Rich
- Rotten
- Round
- Salty
- Scary
- Scrawny
- Screeching
- Shallow
- Short
- Short
- Shy
- Silly
- Skinny
- Slow
- Small
- Sparse
- Square
- Steep
- Sticky
- Straight
- Strong
- Substantial
- Sweet
- Swift
- Tall
- Tart
- Tasteless
- Teeny
- Teeny-Tiny
- Tender
- Thankful
- Thoughtless
- Thundering
- Tiny
- Uneven
- Uninterested
- Uptight
- Vast
- Victorious
- Voiceless
- Warm
- Weak
- Wet
- Wet
- Whispering
- White
- Wide
- Witty
- Wooden
- Worried
- Wrong
- Yellow
- Young
- Yummy
- Zealous
Describing Words | Image
Double entendre (edited Wiki excerpt):
A double entendre is a figure of speech or a particular way of wording that is devised to be understood in either of two ways, having a double meaning. Typically one of the meanings is obvious, given the context whereas the other may require more thought. The innuendo may convey a message that would be socially awkward, sexually suggestive or offensive to state directly. (The Oxford English Dictionary describes a double entendre as being used to «convey an indelicate meaning», whilst Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English defines it as «a word or phrase that may be understood in two different ways, one of which is often sexual»)
A double entendre may exploit puns to convey the second meaning. Double entendres generally rely on multiple meanings of words, or different interpretations of the same primary meaning. They often exploit ambiguity and may be used to introduce it deliberately in a text. Sometimes a homophone (i.e. another word which sounds the same) can be used as a pun.
A person who is unfamiliar with the hidden or alternative meaning of a sentence may fail to detect its innuendos, aside from observing that others find it humorous for no apparent reason. Perhaps because it is not offensive to those who do not recognize it, innuendo is often used in sitcoms and other comedy considered suitable for children, who may enjoy the comedy while being oblivious to its second meanings. For example, it has been suggested that Shakespeare’s play Much Ado About Nothing used this ploy to present a surface level description of the play as well as a pun on the Elizabethan use of «nothing» as slang for vagina.
When you’re trying to get your point across, it’s important to use the right words. This article will discuss the difference between “describe” and “explain”, with examples to help illustrate the point. By understanding the difference between these two words, you can be sure to use them correctly.
What Is The Difference Between “Describe” And “Explain”?
The main difference between “describe” and “explain” is that when you describe something, you are giving a general overview of it, while when you explain something, you are providing specific details. In other words, “explain” is more detailed than “describe”.
For example, “Describe the taste of a lemon” would be an instruction to list the properties or features of a lemon’s taste, whereas “Explain how sugar is used in baking” would be an instruction to provide information on how sugar interacts with other ingredients in baked goods.
Most of the time, “describe” and “explain” are interchangeable. “Describe” is often used more when talking about objects, while “explain” is often used more when talking about concepts or theories.
However, there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, and you’ll sometimes see one word being used in place of the other. For example, you might see someone say, “Can you explain this to me?” or “Could you describe that for me?”
What Does “Describe” Mean?
The word “describe” is derived from the Latin word “describere,” which means “to write down.” When you describe something, you are providing a detailed account of it. This can be done through written or spoken words or through visual means such as art or photography.
In order to properly describe something, you must first have a clear understanding of it yourself. This requires taking the time to study the subject matter carefully. Once you have a good grasp of the concept, you can then begin to convey your ideas about it to others.
According to The Cambridge Dictionary, “describe” is a verb that means “to say or write what someone or something is like”.
See the following examples of how to use “describe” in a sentence.
- Please describe your experience working with our company.
- Can you describe the product in more detail?
- Could you describe the scene in more detail?
- Can you describe your feelings toward the subject matter?
- What words would you use to describe this painting?
- How would you describe your relationship with your father?
- Tell us about a time when you had to describe something complex to a child.
What Does “Explain” Mean?
To explain something is to provide an understanding of it. Usually, this means breaking the thing down into its component parts and describing how each part works. It can also involve providing examples or a story that helps illustrate the point.
Essentially, explaining something to someone is taking something complex and making it easier to understand for someone else.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word “Explain” as a verb that means “to make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it”.
Explore the following examples of how to use “explain” in a sentence.
- Can you explain what happened at the party last night?
- I don’t understand why she’s so upset — can you explain it to me?
- I don’t know how that works — could you explain it to me?
- She didn’t really seem to want to explain what had happened.
- Could somebody please explain this concept to me?
- It’s not exactly clear what’s going on — could someone please explain it further?
- Would you be able to explain that in simpler terms?
Is “Describe” Or “Explain” Used The Most?
According to the Google Ngram Viewer graph, the word “explain” is more used than “describe” in English.
The word “explain” is more used than “described” because it has a stronger connotation of making something understandable.
To explain something is to make it clear, while to describe something is to just give a factual account of it.
In other words, when you explain something, you are going beyond the facts and providing an interpretation or explanation of what happened. This makes the information more meaningful and easier to understand for most people.
“Describe” And “Explain” – Synonyms
Here are some other words that can be used instead of “describe” and “explain”:
- Outline
- Depict
- Detail
- Enumerate
- Illustrate
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
Other forms: described; describes; describing
To describe is to report details about something either out loud or in writing. «Since we can’t come to Paris with you, please describe it in your letter!»
Describe is from the Latin word describere which means «to write down.» When you describe something, you’re «da» scribe, the person writing things down! Writing teachers love to have students describe, using lots of details using the five senses and figurative language. It doesn’t have to be written down, though — you can also describe that gold dress you saw to your friend on the phone. Or you can describe a circle, by sketching it out with a stick in the sand.
Definitions of describe
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verb
give a description of
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verb
give an account or representation of in words
“Discreet Italian police
described it in a manner typically continental”-
synonyms:
account, report
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verb
make a mark or lines on a surface
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synonyms:
delineate, draw, line, trace
-
draw
engage in drawing
-
draw
represent by making a drawing of, as with a pencil, chalk, etc. on a surface
-
draw
-
verb
identify as in botany or biology, for example
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘describe’.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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1
DESCRIBE
English-Russian SQL Server dictionary > DESCRIBE
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2
describe
1) опи́сывать, изобража́ть; характеризова́ть(ся);
2)
геом.
начерти́ть, постро́ить ( фигуру)
3) описа́ть (круг, кривую)
Англо-русский словарь Мюллера > describe
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3
describe
Персональный Сократ > describe
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4
describe
1. III
1) describe smb., smth. describe one’s acquaintance описать своего знакомого и т. д., we asked him to describe his impressions мы попросили его поделиться своими впечатлениями
2) describe smth. describe a straight line начертить прямую [линию] и т. д.’, describe a circle описать окружность
2. IV
describe smb., smth. in some manner describe smb., smth. vaguely описывать /обрисовывать, охарактеризовывать/ кого-л., что-л. туманно и т. д.; he described the event quite accurately он весьма точно изобразил /описал/ это событие; she briefly described the situation она кратко /коротко/ обрисовала положение; he vividly described the life of a village он нарисовал яркую картину сельской жизни
3. XI
be described as being of some kind he is described as being very clever его характеризуют как очень умного человека, о нем отзываются /говорят/ как об очень умном человеке
4. XXI1
describe smth., smb. to smb. describe the place to one’s friends описать своим друзьям это место и т. д.; describe one’s friends to his mother рассказать своей матери, какие у него друзья
5. XXIV1
describe smb. as smb. describe smb. as one’s brother выдавать кого-л. за своего брата и т. д., называть кого-л. своим братом и т. д.; he describes himself as a doctor он называет себя врачом, он выдает себя за врача; describe smth. as smth. describe this venture as a failure представлять это предприятие как неудачу и т. д. ; he described the picture as a masterpiece он охарактеризовал эту картину как шедевр
6. XXIV2
describe smth., smb. as possessing some quality she described the boy’s behaviour as very strange она сказала, что мальчик вел себя очень странно; describe smb. as being dependable охарактеризовать кого-л. как надежного и т. д. человека
7. XXV
describe what… describe what one saw описывать, что видел и т. д.
8. XXVII1
describe to smb. what… describe to him what one saw описывать кому-л., что видел и т. д.
English-Russian dictionary of verb phrases > describe
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5
describe
[dɪsˈkraɪb]
describe вычерчивать describe изображать describe описать (круг, кривую); начертить describe описывать, изображать; характеризовать(ся); to describe one’s purposes изложить свои намерения describe вчт. описывать describe описывать describe вчт. характеризовать describe характеризовать describe in detail описать подробно describe описывать, изображать; характеризовать(ся); to describe one’s purposes изложить свои намерения
English-Russian short dictionary > describe
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6
describe
[dɪs’kraɪb]
v
описывать, изображать, характеризовать, характеризоваться, рассказывать
The book describes the first days of the war. — В книге описываются первые дни войны.
I wouldn’t describe him as stupid. — Я бы не сказал, что он глуп.
I would describe him as an excellent teacher. — Я бы сказал, что он прекрасный преподаватель.
The prisoner described himself as an unemployed painter. — Арестованный назвался безработным художником.
— describe smb, smth
— describe smb, smth to smb
— describe in detail
— describe vividly
— be fully described
— describe smth in detail
— describe smb as a heroUSAGE:
(1.) Глагол to describe относится к группе глаголов, с которыми косвенное дополнение, отвечающее на вопрос кому?, всегда употребляется с предлогом to независимо от его места в предложении: обычно оно стоит, в отличие от русского, после прямого дополнения: describe your house to me, please опиши мне свой дом. Предложное косвенное дополнение to smb стоит первым в тех случаях, когда прямое дополнение выражено распространенной именной фразой или придаточным предложением: describe to him how it should be done опиши ему, как это надо делать. Косвенное дополнение обычно опускается, если оно ясно из ситуации. К этой группе глаголов принадлежат to explain, to prove, to dictate, to foretell. (2.) See explain, v; USAGE (1.), (2.).
English-Russian combinatory dictionary > describe
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describe
dɪsˈkraɪb гл.
1) описывать, рассказывать, изображать;
характеризовать(ся) (as) to describe in detail, to describe minutely ≈ подробно описывать to describe vividly ≈ живо описывать I would describe him as an excellent teacher. ≈ Я бы сказал, что он прекрасный преподаватель. Would you describe this piece of music as well written? ≈ Можно ли сказать об этой вещи, что она хорошо написана? The prisoner described himself as an unemployed painter. ≈ Арестованный назвался безработным художником. Syn: portray, depict, report
2) мат. описать (одну фигуру вокруг другой) ;
начертить to describe arc ≈ описывать дугу
описывать, изображать — to * a person описать человека — to * one’s purposes изложить свои намерения — to * smb.’s views охарактеризовать чьи-л. взгляды — to * smth. as good /to be good/ описать или охарактеризовать что-л. с хорошей стороны — he was *d as being very clever о нем говорили, что он очень умен описывать — words cannot * this scene слова бессильны описать эту сцену описывать;
вычерчивать — to * a circle описать окружность — to * a triangle построить треугольник
describe вычерчивать ~ изображать ~ описать (круг, кривую) ;
начертить ~ описывать, изображать;
характеризовать(ся) ;
to describe one’s purposes изложить свои намерения ~ вчт. описывать ~ описывать ~ вчт. характеризовать ~ характеризовать
~ in detail описать подробно
~ описывать, изображать;
характеризовать(ся) ;
to describe one’s purposes изложить свои намеренияБольшой англо-русский и русско-английский словарь > describe
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8
describe
[dısʹkraıb]
1. 1) описывать, изображать
to describe smb.’s views — охарактеризовать чьи-л. взгляды
to describe smth. as good /to be good/ — описать охарактеризовать что-л. с хорошей стороны
he was described as being very clever — о нём говорили, что он очень умён
2) описывать
2. описывать; вычерчивать
НБАРС > describe
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9
describe
[dɪ’skraɪb]
гл.
1) описывать, рассказывать, изображать; характеризовать
to describe in detail / minutely — подробно описывать
to describe accurately / exactly — описывать точно
to describe fully / briefly — давать полное / краткое описание
I would describe him as an excellent teacher. — Я бы охарактеризовал его как прекрасного преподавателя.
The prisoner described himself as an unemployed painter. — Арестованный назвался безработным художником.
Syn:
2) описывать, вычерчивать
to describe a circle / an arc — описывать круг / дугу
Англо-русский современный словарь > describe
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10
describe
Англо-русский синонимический словарь > describe
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11
describe
описывать: to describe smb, smth — описывать, изображать, характеризовать кого-либо, что-либо; to describe smb, smth to smb — описывать кому-либо кого-либо, что-либо
(1). Глагол to describe относится к группе глаголов, с которыми косвенное дополнение, отвечающее на вопрос кому?, всегда употребляется с предлогом to независимо от его места в предложении: обычно оно стоит, в отличие от русского, после прямого дополнения:Describe your house to me, please — Опиши мне свой дом.
Предложное косвенное дополнение to smb стоит первым в тех случаях, когда прямое дополнение выражено распространенной именной фразой или придаточным предложением:
Describe to him how it should be done — Опиши ему, как это надо делать.
Косвенное дополнение обычно опускается, если оно ясно из ситуации. К этой группе глаголов принадлежат to explain, to prove, to dictate, to foretell.
(2). See explain, .English-Russian word troubles > describe
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12
describe
1. v описывать, изображать
2. v описывать; вычерчивать
Синонимический ряд:
1. depict (verb) account; characterize; delineate; depict; explicate; illustrate; image; interpret; limn; picture; portray; render; represent; show; specify
2. outline (verb) inform; outline; recapitulate; summarise; summarize
3. relate (verb) narrate; recite; recount; rehearse; relate; report; state
Антонимический ряд:
confound; confuse; distort; misrepresent
English-Russian base dictionary > describe
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13
describe
2) описывать; вычерчивать
•
English-Russian scientific dictionary > describe
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14
describe
English-Russian big medical dictionary > describe
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15
describe
[dɪs’kraɪb]
v
1) описывать, рассказывать, повествовать
2) определить, характеризовать, навесить ярлык
3) описать, начертить
2000 самых употребительных английских слов > describe
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16
describe
2) расписывать (
в знач.
подробно описывать, излагать)
The Supplier shall fully describe all deviations from Поставщик подробно расписывает все отступления от;
The following documentation will describe the functions of the Logistics Support Facility Функции базы материально-технического обеспечения расписаны в следующих документах
3) интерпретировать
English-Russian dictionary of scientific and technical difficulties vocabulary > describe
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17
describe
1) описывать
2) изображать
3) начертить
4) охарактеризовать
– describe arcАнгло-русский технический словарь > describe
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18
describe
v
описывать; изображать; характеризовать
Politics english-russian dictionary > describe
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19
describe
описывать; характеризовать
English-Russian dictionary of computer science and programming > describe
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20
describe
verb
1) описывать, изображать; характеризовать(ся); to describe one’s purposes изложить свои намерения
2) описать (круг, кривую); начертить
Syn:
portray
* * *
(v) конкретизировать; описать; описывать
* * *
описывать, рассказывать, изображать
* * *
[de·scribe || dɪ’skraɪb]
описывать, описать, изображать, характеризовать, характеризоваться, охарактеризовать, построить, начертить* * *
изображать
изобразить
начертить
описать
описывать
опишите
характеризовать
* * *
1) описывать, рассказывать, изображать; характеризовать(ся) (as)
2) мат. описать (одну фигуру вокруг другой)Новый англо-русский словарь > describe
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См. также в других словарях:
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Describe — De*scribe , v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Described}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Describing}.] [L. describere, descriptum; de + scribere to write: cf. OE. descriven, OF. descrivre, F. d[ e]crire. See {Scribe}, and cf. {Descry}.] 1. To represent by drawing; to draw… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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describe — I verb annotate, be specific, characterize, clarify, define, delineate, depict, depingere, describere, detail, elucidate, explain, explicare, expound, give an account, identify, illuminate, illustrate, itemize, make clear, make plain, make vivid … Law dictionary
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Describe — De*scribe , v. i. To use the faculty of describing; to give a description; as, Milton describes with uncommon force and beauty. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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describe — early 13c., descriven, from O.Fr. descrivre, descrire (13c.), from L. describere to write down, copy; sketch, represent (see DESCRIPTION (Cf. description)). Reconstructed with Latin spelling 16c. Related: Describable; described, describes,… … Etymology dictionary
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describe — *relate, narrate, state, report, rehearse, recite, recount Analogous words: delineate, *sketch, outline … New Dictionary of Synonyms
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describe — [v] explain in speech, writing call, characterize, chronicle, communicate, construe, convey image, define, delineate, depict, detail, distinguish, draw, elucidate, epitomize, exemplify, explicate, expound, express, illuminate, illustrate, image,… … New thesaurus
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describe — ► VERB 1) give a detailed account in words of. 2) mark out or draw (a geometrical figure). DERIVATIVES describable adjective describer noun. ORIGIN Latin describere write down … English terms dictionary
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describe — [di skrīb′] vt. described, describing [ME descriven < OFr descrivre < L describere, to copy down, transcribe < de , from + scribere, to write: see SCRIBE] 1. to tell or write about; give a detailed account of 2. to picture in words 3. to … English World dictionary
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describe */*/*/ — UK [dɪˈskraɪb] / US verb [transitive] Word forms describe : present tense I/you/we/they describe he/she/it describes present participle describing past tense described past participle described 1) a) to give details about what someone or… … English dictionary
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describe — de|scribe W1S1 [dıˈskraıb] v [T] [Date: 1400 1500; : Latin; Origin: describere, from scribere to write ] 1.) to say what something or someone is like by giving details about them ▪ The police asked her to describe the two men. ▪ An alternative… … Dictionary of contemporary English
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describe — de|scribe [ dı skraıb ] verb transitive *** 1. ) to give details about what someone or something is like: The e mail system is fully described in section 10. I don t think that s quite the word to describe my feelings. describe someone/something… … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English