Definition vs. Description — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
A definition provides a clear and concise explanation of a term, while a description offers detailed information or a portrayal of something.
Difference Between Definition and Description
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Definition and description serve distinct roles in communication. A definition seeks to provide clarity by explaining the essential nature or inherent meaning of a term. In contrast, a description paints a detailed picture, going beyond just the essential elements, and delves into characteristics, features, or nuances. When you encounter a definition, you gain a clear understanding of what something is. In the case of a description, you receive a more in-depth, often sensory or emotional, portrayal of the subject.
Both tools are valuable in conveying information; however, their applications differ.
While definitions are foundational in dictionaries, textbooks, or academic papers, descriptions thrive in literature, product listings, or narratives.
The succinct nature of a definition contrasts with the expansive potential of a description, which can be as brief or as lengthy as necessary to capture the essence of the subject.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Explains the essential meaning of a term.
Provides detailed information or portrayal.
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Length
Typically concise.
Can be brief or extensive.
Content
Focuses on inherent meaning.
Delves into characteristics, features, nuances.
Common Usage
Dictionaries, textbooks, academic papers.
Literature, product listings, narratives.
Emotional Engagement
Generally neutral.
Can evoke sensory or emotional responses.
Compare with Definitions
Definition
A statement expressing the essential nature of something.
The definition of aqua refers to the color of water.
Description
A detailed account or representation of something.
The description of the event made it sound exciting.
Definition
The degree of distinctness in outline of an object or figure.
The definition of the mountains against the sky was breathtaking.
Description
A spoken or written account of a person, object, or event.
His description of the city captured its vibrant atmosphere.
Definition
The clarity or sharpness of an image.
The photograph lacked definition in low light.
Description
A type or class of people or things.
The car fits into the compact description.
Definition
A definition is a statement of the meaning of a term (a word, phrase, or other set of symbols). Definitions can be classified into two large categories, intensional definitions (which try to give the sense of a term) and extensional definitions (which try to list the objects that a term describes).
Description
Words that depict or characterize someone or something.
Her vivid description brought the scene to life.
Definition
A statement of the exact meaning of a word, especially in a dictionary
A dictionary definition of the verb
Description
Description is the pattern of narrative development that aims to make vivid a place, object, character, or group. Description is one of four rhetorical modes (also known as modes of discourse), along with exposition, argumentation, and narration.
Definition
The degree of distinctness in outline of an object, image, or sound
The clarity and definition of pictures can be aided by using computer graphics
Description
A spoken or written account of a person, object, or event
People who had seen him were able to give a description
Definition
A statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, or term, as in a dictionary entry.
Description
A type or class of people or things
It is laughably easy to buy drugs of all descriptions
Definition
A statement or description of the fundamental character or scope of something
"[The panel] calls for a clearer definition of the status of people captured in American military operations" (Economist).
Description
The act, process, or technique of describing.
Definition
The act or process of stating a precise meaning or significance; formulation of a meaning
The definition of terms is essential to any successful scholarly study.
Description
A statement or an account describing something
Published a description of the journey.
Gave a vivid description of the game.
Definition
The state of being clearly outlined
"With the drizzle, the trees in the little clearing had lost definition" (Anthony Hyde).
Description
A pictorial representation
Monet's ethereal descriptions of haystacks and water lilies.
Definition
The level of detail in a recording, production, or digital encoding of an image or sound.
Description
A kind or sort
Cars of every size and description.
Definition
A statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol (dictionary definitions).
Your definition of "elephant" needs to be more precise than "a big animal with large ears".
Description
A sketch or account of anything in words; a portraiture or representation in language; an enumeration of the essential qualities of a thing or species.
Give a verbal description of the events
A realistic description
Definition
A clear instance conforming to the dictionary or textbook definition.
Description
The act of describing; a delineation by marks or signs.
Definition
A statement expressing the essential nature of something; formulation
Description
A set of characteristics by which someone or something can be recognized.
The zoo had no lions, tigers, or cats of any description.
Definition
The action or process of defining.
Description
(taxonomy) A scientific documentation of a taxon for the purpose of introducing it to science.
The type description of the fungus was written by a botanist.
Definition
The act of defining; determination of the limits.
Description
(linguistics) The act or practice of recording and describing actual language usage in a given speech community, as opposed to prescription, i.e. laying down norms of language usage.
Definition
A product of defining.
Description
(linguistics) A descriptive linguistic survey.
Definition
The action or power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear.
Her comic genius is beyond definition.
Description
The act of describing; a delineation by marks or signs.
Definition
Clarity of visual presentation, distinctness of outline or detail.
The definition of a telescope.
Improve the definition of an image.
High-defintion videos
Description
A sketch or account of anything in words; a portraiture or representation in language; an enumeration of the essential qualities of a thing or species.
Milton has descriptions of morning.
Definition
Clarity, especially of musical sound in reproduction.
Description
A class to which a certain representation is applicable; kind; sort.
A difference . . . between them and another description of public creditors.
The plates were all of the meanest description.
Definition
Sharp demarcation of outlines or limits.
A jacket with distinct waist definition.
Description
A statement that represents something in words
Definition
(bodybuilding) The degree to which individual muscles are distinct on the body.
Description
The act of describing something
Definition
(programming) A statement which provides a previous declaration with a value or body of a subroutine (in the case of function).
Description
Sort or variety;
Every description of book was there
Definition
(mathematics) A statement that establishes the referent of a term or notation.
Description
A statement that indicates the elements or features of something.
The product description mentioned its various benefits.
Definition
The act of defining; determination of the limits; as, a telescope accurate in definition.
Definition
Act of ascertaining and explaining the signification; a description of a thing by its properties; an explanation of the meaning of a word or term; as, the definition of "circle;" the definition of "wit;" an exact definition; a loose definition.
Definition being nothing but making another understand by words what the term defined stands for.
Definition
Description; sort.
Definition
An exact enunciation of the constituents which make up the logical essence.
Definition
Distinctness or clearness, as of an image formed by an optical instrument; precision in detail.
Definition
A concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol
Definition
Clarity of outline;
Exercise had give his muscles superior definition
Definition
An explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase.
The dictionary provided a definition for the unfamiliar term.
Definition
The action or process of defining something.
The definition of the project's scope was crucial.
Common Curiosities
Is a definition objective?
Generally, a definition is neutral, focusing on clarity and meaning.
Can a description be subjective?
Yes, descriptions can be influenced by personal feelings or interpretations.
Does a definition typically involve opinions?
No, definitions aim for objective clarity, not personal viewpoints.
Where might I commonly find definitions?
Dictionaries, glossaries, and textbooks frequently provide definitions.
Are definition and description interchangeable?
No, a definition clarifies meaning, while a description provides detail.
Can a description be as concise as a definition?
Yes, but descriptions typically offer more detail than definitions.
Is it possible for a word to have multiple definitions?
Yes, many words have several meanings depending on context.
Can a description be fictional?
Yes, descriptions can depict real or fictional scenarios.
Why is the clarity of a definition important?
Clear definitions prevent misunderstanding and provide precise meanings.
In what contexts are descriptions especially valuable?
Literature, marketing, and storytelling benefit from detailed descriptions.
Do all products need descriptions?
Not necessarily, but descriptions help consumers understand product features.
Can a description evoke emotions?
Absolutely, descriptions can engage the senses and evoke feelings.
What elements can a description include?
Descriptions can address appearance, sound, feel, taste, emotion, and more.
How do I know if I need a definition or description?
If clarifying meaning, use a definition; if providing detail, use a description.
Can definitions change over time?
Yes, language evolves, so definitions can adapt to reflect current usage.
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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.
