Description Definition and Meaning
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 5, 2024
Description refers to a statement or account that gives the characteristics or qualities of something. e.g., The book's description of the setting made it feel like I was there.
Table of Contents
Description Definitions
Detailed Explanation: An account that provides detailed information about a subject.
His description of the event was so detailed, I could visualize it.
Narrative Detail: Elements in a story that paint a picture of the scene.
The novel's description of the ancient city was enchanting.
Technical Description: Precise details about the operation or construction of something.
The manual provided a technical description of the machinery.
Physical Appearance: Detailing the physical characteristics of people or objects.
The police asked for a description of the missing person.
Comparative Description: Comparing one thing to another to highlight similarities or differences.
His description of the cake as being like a cloud caught everyone's imagination.
Functional Description: Explaining how something works or its purpose.
The guide offered a description of each tool's function.
Character Depiction: Portraying the traits and features of a character in literature.
The author's description of the protagonist was incredibly vivid.
Product Specification: Information about the features and benefits of a product.
The online listing included a thorough description of the smartphone.
Emotional Description: Conveying the feelings or mood associated with a scene or character.
The poem's description of the sea evoked a sense of calm.
The act, process, or technique of describing.
A statement or an account describing something
Published a description of the journey.
Gave a vivid description of the game.
A pictorial representation
Monet's ethereal descriptions of haystacks and water lilies.
A kind or sort
Cars of every size and 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
The act of describing; a delineation by marks or signs.
A set of characteristics by which someone or something can be recognized.
The zoo had no lions, tigers, or cats of any 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.
(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.
(linguistics) A descriptive linguistic survey.
The act of describing; a delineation by marks or signs.
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.
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.
A statement that represents something in words
The act of describing something
Sort or variety;
Every description of book was there
Observational Detail: Notes taken from observing a person, place, or event.
Her diary contained a description of every place she visited.
Description Snonyms
Depiction
The action of depicting something, especially in art or literature.
The depiction of rural life was accurate.
Explanation
A statement or account that makes something clear.
He gave an explanation of the process.
Portrayal
The way in which a person or a character is presented or described.
The portrayal of the hero was inspiring.
Account
A report or description of an event or experience.
She gave a detailed account of her trip.
Elaboration
The process of developing or presenting a theory, policy, or system in further detail.
The elaboration of his theory took years.
Characterization
The creation or construction of a fictional character.
The characterization in the novel was exceptional.
Representation
The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being so represented.
The representation of women in parliament is increasing.
Narration
The action or process of narrating a story.
The narration of the event was captivating.
Delineation
The action of describing or portraying something precisely.
The artist's delineation of the landscape was breathtaking.
Specification
An act of identifying something precisely or of stating a precise requirement.
The project's specifications were outlined in the document.
Description Idioms & Phrases
Beyond description
Something so extraordinary that it's hard to describe in words.
The beauty of the natural landscape was beyond description.
Defy description
To be indescribable, especially due to being exceptionally good or bad.
The complexity and depth of the novel defy description.
Match the description
To correspond exactly to a detailed account or depiction.
The artifact they discovered in the excavation perfectly matched the description in the ancient texts.
Fit the description
To match a previously given set of characteristics or criteria.
The suspect they apprehended fit the description provided by witnesses.
A picture's description
Providing details that are as vivid and clear as a picture.
Her travel blog gives a picture's description of the places she visits, making you feel like you're there.
Short of description
Lacking sufficient details or clarity.
The instructions provided were short of description, leaving many users confused.
Warrant a description
To be significant or interesting enough to deserve a detailed explanation.
The phenomenon was so unusual that it warranted a description in the scientific journal.
A description in itself
Something that clearly defines or illustrates without need for further explanation.
The look on her face when she won was a description in itself.
Live up to the description
To be as good or impressive as someone has described.
The event lived up to the description, with spectacular performances and decorations.
Read like a description
To be very detailed or descriptive, akin to a written account.
His recounting of the journey read like a description, with every little detail vividly painted.
In need of description
Requiring further detail or clarification.
The concept presented in the proposal is in need of description for the committee to fully grasp its potential.
A description to die for
An account or depiction that is highly coveted or appealing.
The brochure promised a view from the hotel room that was a description to die for.
Leave out of description
To omit details intentionally or accidentally.
He left out of description the part where he got lost, focusing only on the highlights of the trip.
Lost in description
To become so involved in explaining details that the main point is obscured.
He often gets lost in description, making his stories difficult to follow.
A description to remember
An exceptionally vivid or memorable account of something.
The veteran's recount of the war was a description to remember, filled with emotion and detail.
Fall short of description
When words are not enough to capture the essence of something.
The grandeur of the ancient monument falls short of description.
Lend description to
To provide details or elucidate something that is otherwise hard to visualize.
The eyewitness lent description to the scene of the accident, helping the police understand what happened.
According to description
Matching or fitting the details that were provided earlier.
The gift he chose was exactly according to description, just what she wanted.
Bear no description
To be so ordinary or unremarkable as to not merit detailed explanation.
The meal was so lackluster it bore no description.
Stretch the description
To exaggerate or extend the details beyond the truth.
In telling of his adventures, he's been known to stretch the description a bit.
Description Example Sentences
The witness provided a description of the suspect to the police.
His job description includes managing the team's projects.
The scientist wrote a description of the experiment's procedure.
The description of the haunted house sent shivers down my spine.
The teacher asked for a description of their favorite place.
She gave a detailed description of her dream house.
In her letter, she included a vivid description of her journey.
The documentary's description of the rainforest was both beautiful and alarming.
The brochure features a description of each tourist attraction.
The book includes a description of life in the 18th century.
The recipe came with a description of the dish's origin.
The artist's description of his vision helped the audience understand his work.
The advertisement lacked a proper description of the product's features.
Each chapter begins with a description of the setting to set the mood.
The description of the sunset made it feel as if I were watching it myself.
Common Curiosities
How do we divide description into syllables?
"Description" is divided into syllables as "de-scrip-tion."
How many syllables are in description?
There are three syllables in "description."
What is a stressed syllable in description?
The stressed syllable in "description" is the second syllable, "scrip."
Why is it called description?
It's called "description" because it refers to the act of describing something, providing details or characteristics about an object, person, or event. The term comes from the Latin "describere," meaning to write down or to sketch.
What is the verb form of description?
The verb form related to "description" is "describe."
How is description used in a sentence?
The detective asked for a detailed description of the suspect.
What is the second form of description?
For the verb "describe," the second form (simple past) is "described."
What is another term for description?
Another term for "description" could be "depiction" or "account."
What is the pronunciation of description?
"Description" is pronounced as /dɪˈskrɪpʃən/ in American English.
What is the singular form of description?
The singular form is "description."
What is the root word of description?
The root word of "description" is the Latin verb "describere," which means to write down or sketch.
What is the first form of description?
As a noun, "description" doesn't have verb forms. The related verb's first form is "describe."
What is the third form of description?
For the verb "describe," the third form (past participle) is "described."
What part of speech is description?
"Description" is a noun.
What is the plural form of description?
The plural form is "descriptions."
Is description a vowel or consonant?
The word "description" starts with a consonant sound, "d."
What is the opposite of description?
The opposite of "description" might be "omission" or "neglect" in the context of leaving out details.
Is description a negative or positive word?
"Description" is neutral; its connotation depends on the context in which it is used.
Is the word description imperative?
The noun "description" itself is not imperative, but the verb form "describe" can be used in an imperative mood, such as in "Describe the scene."
Is description a noun or adjective?
"Description" is a noun.
Is description an abstract noun?
Yes, "description" is an abstract noun as it refers to the concept or process of describing, rather than a tangible object.
Is description a countable noun?
Yes, "description" is a countable noun. You can have one description, two descriptions, etc.
Is description a collective noun?
No, "description" is not a collective noun.
Is the word “description” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Description" can function as a direct object in a sentence, as in "He gave a description of the event."
Which article is used with description?
Both the definite article "the" and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" can be used with "description" depending on the context, e.g., "a description of the event," "the description was accurate."
Is description an adverb?
No, "description" is not an adverb.
Is the word description Gerund?
No, "description" is not a gerund. The gerund form of the verb "describe" would be "describing."
Which determiner is used with description?
Determiners such as "the," "a," "this," "that," "my," "your" can be used with "description," depending on the context.
Which vowel is used before description?
The vowel used before "description" depends on the preceding word and its grammatical structure, not on "description" itself.
Which preposition is used with description?
Prepositions such as "of," "in," and "for" can be used with "description," depending on the context, e.g., "description of the scene," "in the description."
Is the description term a metaphor?
"Description" can be used metaphorically to describe the act of explaining or detailing something in a vivid manner.
Which conjunction is used with description?
Conjunctions such as "and," "but," or "or" can be used with "description" depending on the sentence structure.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
