Describe vs. Narrate — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 17, 2024
Describe involves detailing the characteristics of a subject, while narrate focuses on recounting events in a sequence.
Difference Between Describe and Narrate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Describe involves explaining or detailing the characteristics, qualities, or features of a subject, often using sensory details. Whereas, narrate refers to the act of telling a story, focusing on a sequence of events and the connection between them.
Describe can be factual, sticking closely to observable and verifiable details without implying a chronological order. On the other hand, narrate inherently includes a temporal sequence, making it essential for storytelling where the timeline plays a crucial role.
Describe is often used in settings where clarity about a specific object, scene, or person is needed, such as in technical descriptions or visual arts. Whereas, narrate is commonly found in literary contexts, where the progression of events and character development are central.
Describe does not necessarily involve a plot or characters, focusing instead on painting a picture of a particular aspect or entity. In contrast, narrate typically involves characters and a plot, guiding the audience through a structured narrative arc.
Describe requires the use of descriptive language that helps the listener or reader visualize or understand the subject. While narrate demands a grasp of narrative techniques such as pacing, dialogue, and exposition to effectively convey the story.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Characteristics of a subject
Sequence of events
Language Used
Sensory and detailed
Plot-driven and chronological
Contexts
Technical writing, visual arts
Storytelling, historical accounts
Structural Elements
Not structured by sequence
Structured by time, events
Primary Function
To clarify and illustrate
To tell a story and entertain or inform
Compare with Definitions
Describe
To represent or outline something in words.
He described the process in such detail that even a layman could understand it.
Narrate
To tell a story or recount events.
She narrated her adventures abroad with great enthusiasm.
Describe
To give an account or enumeration of something.
The brochure describes each tour's itinerary meticulously.
Narrate
To relay the unfolding of events in a plot.
The novel narrates the trials and triumphs of its protagonist.
Describe
To specify or identify something verbally.
The witness described the suspect to the police.
Narrate
To act as a storyteller in literature or other media.
The author narrates a tale of lost love and redemption.
Describe
To convey the appearance, function, or attributes of something.
She described the sunset as a vibrant blend of oranges and pinks.
Narrate
To provide a spoken commentary to accompany a movie, documentary, or performance.
He narrates documentaries with a clear and compelling voice.
Describe
To use words to create a picture of a specific situation.
The author described the eerie forest in vivid detail.
Narrate
To recount a series of events in a detailed and connected way.
He narrated the company's history at the annual meeting.
Describe
To give an account of in speech or writing
Describe a sea voyage.
Narrate
To give an account of (events, for example) in speech or writing or by means of images.
Describe
To convey an idea or impression of; characterize
She described her childhood as a time of wonder and discovery.
Narrate
To supply a running commentary for (a documentary or performance, for example).
Describe
To represent pictorially; depict
Goya's etchings describe the horrors of war in grotesque detail.
Narrate
(transitive) To relate (a story or series of events) in speech or writing.
Narrate a story
Narrate a tale
Narrate one's life
Narrate the play
Describe
To trace the form or outline of
Describe a circle with a compass.
Narrate
To give an account.
Narrate the meeting
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.
Narrate
To tell, rehearse, or recite, as a story; to relate the particulars of; to go through with in detail, as an incident or transaction; to give an account of.
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
Narrate
Provide commentary for a film, for example
Describe
To give rise to a geometrical structure.
The function describes a very complex surface.
Narrate
Narrate or give a detailed account of;
Tell what happened
The father told a story to his child
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.
Describe
(obsolete) To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.
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.
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.
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.
Describe
To use the faculty of describing; to give a description; as, Milton describes with uncommon force and beauty.
Describe
Give a description of;
He drew an elaborate plan of attack
Describe
To give an account or representation of in words;
Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental
Describe
Identify as in botany or biology, for example
Describe
Make a mark or lines on a surface;
Draw a line
Trace the outline of a figure in the sand
Common Curiosities
How does the use of adjectives differ between describing and narrating?
In describing, adjectives enhance sensory and detailed understanding, whereas in narrating, they enhance the storytelling and emotional connection.
What does it mean to describe something?
Describing something means detailing its features, aspects, or characteristics to provide a clear understanding or image.
Can you narrate without describing?
Yes, narration can focus purely on event sequences without detailed descriptions, though descriptions often enrich the narrative.
What is the primary purpose of narration?
The primary purpose of narration is to tell a story or recount events in a structured manner.
Can describing and narrating be used together?
Yes, they are often used together, especially in literary works, where descriptions enhance the narrative by providing depth.
Why is temporal sequence important in narration?
Temporal sequence is crucial in narration to maintain the logical flow of events, helping the audience follow and understand the storyline.
What makes a good descriptive passage?
A good descriptive passage uses vivid language and sensory details that allow the reader to visualize the scene or object vividly.
What skills are important for effective describing?
Important skills include attention to detail, a rich vocabulary, and the ability to use sensory words effectively.
How do you choose between describing and narrating?
The choice depends on the purpose: use describing for clarity and detail, and narrating for telling stories or events.
What skills are important for effective narrating?
Effective narrating requires a good sense of pacing, character development, and the ability to construct a compelling plot.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited 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.
