Define vs. Describe — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
"Define" means to state the exact meaning of a word or concept, often in a concise manner. "Describe" means to provide details about something's qualities or characteristics.
Difference Between Define and Describe
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
To define something means to state its meaning in clear and precise terms, often focusing on the essence of the concept. This is different from describing something, which involves detailing its characteristics, qualities, or features.
The act of defining is more objective, aiming to pin down the meaning of a term in a way that eliminates ambiguity. On the other hand, describing can be subjective, adding layers of context, color, and interpretation that may not be universally accepted.
For example, if you define a "car," you might say it's a vehicle with four wheels powered by an internal combustion engine. If you describe a car, you might talk about its color, make, model, and how it feels to drive. The definition is concise and factual, while the description adds nuance and subjective interpretation.
Defining is often an essential first step in academic and scientific contexts, where clarity and precision are paramount. In contrast, describing is more common in literature, journalism, and everyday conversation, where a richer, more nuanced understanding is desired.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To state exact meaning
To detail characteristics
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Objectivity
More objective
Can be subjective
Complexity
Usually concise
Can be detailed
Common Contexts
Academic, scientific
Literature, journalism
Use of Examples
Rarely used
Often used
Compare with Definitions
Define
To state the meaning of a word or concept.
Can you define 'democracy' for me?
Describe
To portray in words.
The author describes a haunting landscape in the book.
Define
To delineate the boundaries or elements of something.
The constitution helps to define the powers of the government.
Describe
To trace the form or outline of.
Can you describe a circle?
Define
To establish the underlying structure of something.
The rules of the game define how it is played.
Describe
To give an account of something through detailed explanation.
Describe your experience at the event.
Define
To provide a measure or standard for comparison.
Your actions define your character.
Describe
To give an account of in speech or writing
Describe a sea voyage.
Define
State or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of
The contract will seek to define the client's obligations
Describe
To convey an idea or impression of; characterize
She described her childhood as a time of wonder and discovery.
Define
Mark out the boundary or limits of
The river defines the park's boundary
Describe
To represent pictorially; depict
Goya's etchings describe the horrors of war in grotesque detail.
Define
To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).
Describe
To trace the form or outline of
Describe a circle with a compass.
Define
To describe the nature or basic qualities of; explain
Define the properties of a new drug.
A study that defines people according to their median incomes.
Describe
(transitive) To represent in words.
The feeling is difficult to describe, but not unpleasant.
The geographer describes countries and cities.
Several witnesses describe seeing lights in the sky that night.
Define
To make clear the outline or form of; delineate
Gentle hills that were defined against the sky.
Describe
(transitive) To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate; to trace or mark out.
To describe a circle by the compasses;
A torch waved about the head in such a way as to describe a circle
Define
To specify distinctly
Define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.
Describe
To give rise to a geometrical structure.
The function describes a very complex surface.
Define
To give form or meaning to
"For him, a life is defined by action" (Jay Parini).
Describe
To introduce a new taxon to science by explaining its characteristics and particularly how it differs from other taxa.
The fungus was first described by a botanist.
Define
To make or write a definition.
Describe
(obsolete) To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
The defining power of an optical instrument
Describe
To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate; to trace or mark out; as, to describe a circle by the compasses; a torch waved about the head in such a way as to describe a circle.
Define
(obsolete) To settle, decide an argument etc.
Describe
To represent by words written or spoken; to give an account of; to make known to others by words or signs; as, the geographer describes countries and cities.
Define
To express the essential nature of something.
I define myself as a techno-anarchist.
Your past mistakes do not define who you are.
Describe
To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.
Passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book.
Define
To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time.
Describe
To use the faculty of describing; to give a description; as, Milton describes with uncommon force and beauty.
Define
To describe, explain, or make definite and clear; used to request the listener or other person to elaborate or explain more clearly his or her intended meaning of a word or expression.
Person 1: Is she good at math?
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Describe
Give a description of;
He drew an elaborate plan of attack
Define
To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.
To define the legal boundaries of a property
Describe
To give an account or representation of in words;
Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental
Define
(mathematics) To establish the referent of a term or notation.
Describe
Identify as in botany or biology, for example
Define
(programming) A kind of macro in source code that replaces one text string with another wherever it occurs.
Describe
Make a mark or lines on a surface;
Draw a line
Trace the outline of a figure in the sand
Define
To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.
Describe
To represent pictorially.
She describes her memories through her paintings.
Define
To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
Describe
To communicate the appearance, nature, or attributes of something.
He described the situation as complex.
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument.
Rings . . . very distinct and well defined.
Define
To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term.
They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature.
Define
To determine; to decide.
Define
Give a definition for the meaning of a word;
Define `sadness'
Define
Determine the essential quality of
Define
Determine the nature of;
What defines a good wine?
Define
Delineate the form or outline of;
The tree was clearly defined by the light
The camera could define the smallest object
Define
To specify distinctively.
The artist's work is defined by its originality.
Common Curiosities
What does Describe mean?
Describe means to give a detailed account of the characteristics of something.
When should I use Define?
Use "define" when you need to clarify the meaning of a term or concept.
Can Describe be concise?
Describe can be concise, but it often involves detailing characteristics.
Is Describe subjective?
Describe can be subjective, providing room for interpretation and nuance.
Is Define strictly factual?
Define aims to be factual and eliminate ambiguity.
Is Define more academic?
Define is often used in academic and scientific contexts for clarity and precision.
When should I use Describe?
Use "describe" when you want to provide details about something’s qualities or characteristics.
Can Define include examples?
Although it's not common, defining can include examples for clarity.
What does Define mean?
Define means to state the precise meaning of a word or concept.
Is Define objective?
Define is generally more objective, focusing on stating an exact meaning.
What is another word for Describe?
Another word for describe could be "portray" or "depict."
Can you Define and Describe simultaneously?
Yes, you can define a term and then describe its various aspects or implications.
Is Describe more artistic?
Describe is often used in artistic and journalistic settings to paint a vivid picture.
What is another word for Define?
Another word for define could be "clarify" or "specify."
Can Describe include opinions?
Describe can include personal opinions or subjective experiences.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
