Describe vs. Prescribe — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 29, 2024
"Describe" involves providing details about features or events, while "prescribe" entails recommending or dictating specific actions or medications.
Difference Between Describe and Prescribe
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Describe" is used to detail or explain characteristics and occurrences, conveying what is or what was observed. In contrast, "prescribe" involves issuing instructions or recommendations, often within a professional or authoritative context.
For instance, a teacher might describe the course content, outlining the topics covered, whereas a doctor would prescribe medication or treatments to a patient.
In literature, an author describes settings and characters to enhance the narrative, whereas in clinical settings, health practitioners prescribe remedies or interventions based on diagnosis.
Environmental scientists might describe the impacts of climate change in a report, while a government body might prescribe necessary actions to mitigate these effects. This distinction highlights how each verb serves a different communicative purpose: description provides information, whereas prescription offers guidance or directives.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To give an account or depict something
To recommend or order the use of something
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Usage in Language
Passive, observational
Active, directive
Example Context
Academic writing, storytelling
Medical fields, legal contexts
Function
Informational, explanatory
Authoritative, remedial
Typical Expressions
Describing phenomena, explaining theories
Issuing guidelines, ordering treatments
Compare with Definitions
Describe
To detail processes or events.
The manual describes how to install the software.
Prescribe
To dictate or order something be done.
The law prescribes penalties for such offenses.
Describe
To convey an account or impression of something.
The witness described the scene of the accident.
Prescribe
To recommend a specific procedure or care.
The therapist prescribed regular exercise for better mental health.
Describe
To illustrate verbally.
The teacher described the cycle of the moon to the class.
Prescribe
To advise and authorize the use of a treatment or medication.
The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the infection.
Describe
To represent or outline the characteristics of.
The brochure describes the hotel as luxurious and modern.
Prescribe
To set guidelines or standards.
The manual prescribes the steps for emergency evacuation.
Describe
To express in words what something or someone is like.
She described her first trip to New York as unforgettable.
Prescribe
To set down a rule or directive.
The regulations prescribe specific safety measures.
Describe
To give an account of in speech or writing
Describe a sea voyage.
Prescribe
(of a medical practitioner) advise and authorize the use of (a medicine or treatment) for someone, especially in writing
He was prescribed a course of antibiotics
Her doctor prescribed sleeping tablets
Describe
To convey an idea or impression of; characterize
She described her childhood as a time of wonder and discovery.
Prescribe
State authoritatively or as a rule that (an action or procedure) should be carried out
Rules prescribing five acts for a play are purely arbitrary
Describe
To represent pictorially; depict
Goya's etchings describe the horrors of war in grotesque detail.
Prescribe
To set down as a rule, law, or direction
Prescribed the terms of the surrender.
Describe
To trace the form or outline of
Describe a circle with a compass.
Prescribe
To order the use of (a medicine or other treatment).
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.
Prescribe
To establish rules, laws, or directions.
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
Prescribe
To order a medicine or other treatment.
Describe
To give rise to a geometrical structure.
The function describes a very complex surface.
Prescribe
(medicine) To order (a drug or medical device) for use by a particular patient (under licensed authority).
The doctor prescribed aspirin.
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.
Prescribe
To specify by writing as a required procedure or ritual; to lay down authoritatively as a guide, direction, or rule of action.
The property meets the criteria prescribed by the regulations.
Describe
(obsolete) To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.
Prescribe
(law) To develop or assert a right; to make a claim (by prescription).
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.
Prescribe
To lay down authoritatively as a guide, direction, or rule of action; to impose as a peremptory order; to dictate; to appoint; to direct.
Prescribe not us our duties.
Let streams prescribe their fountains where to run.
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.
Prescribe
To direct, as a remedy to be used by a patient; as, the doctor prescribed quinine.
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.
Prescribe
To give directions; to dictate.
A forwardness to prescribe to their opinions.
Describe
To use the faculty of describing; to give a description; as, Milton describes with uncommon force and beauty.
Prescribe
To influence by long use
Describe
Give a description of;
He drew an elaborate plan of attack
Prescribe
To write or to give medical directions; to indicate remedies; as, to prescribe for a patient in a fever.
Describe
To give an account or representation of in words;
Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental
Prescribe
To claim by prescription; to claim a title to a thing on the ground of immemorial use and enjoyment, that is, by a custom having the force of law.
Describe
Identify as in botany or biology, for example
Prescribe
Issue commands or orders for
Describe
Make a mark or lines on a surface;
Draw a line
Trace the outline of a figure in the sand
Common Curiosities
What is a common context for using prescribe outside of medicine?
Prescribe is often used in legal, policy-making, and procedural contexts to dictate necessary actions.
What is the role of description in communication?
Description plays a crucial role in providing detailed information and aiding understanding in communication.
How does descriptive writing enhance storytelling?
Descriptive writing enriches storytelling by creating vivid images and emotional connections with the audience.
Why is it important for a doctor to prescribe treatments?
It is crucial for managing health effectively, ensuring appropriate care and intervention are provided.
How does prescribing differ in medicine and law?
In medicine, prescribing typically involves medication or treatments, whereas in law, it involves setting legal boundaries or obligations.
Can describe and prescribe be used interchangeably?
No, they serve distinct purposes; describe is used for explanation, while prescribe is used for recommendations or orders.
How does an architect use prescribing?
An architect prescribes building codes and materials in their designs to ensure safety and compliance.
Can a psychologist prescribe medication?
Generally, psychologists do not prescribe medication; this is typically the realm of psychiatrists.
How can descriptive feedback benefit students?
Descriptive feedback provides students with specific insights into their performance, aiding in learning and improvement.
What does it mean to describe a person’s appearance?
It means to detail their physical characteristics in a way that forms a clear mental image.
What are the benefits of having clear prescriptions in policies?
Clear prescriptions ensure that policies are applied consistently and effectively, reducing ambiguity and errors.
What does it mean to prescribe a diet?
It involves recommending specific nutritional guidelines or restrictions to improve or maintain health.
Can describing a problem help solve it?
Yes, accurately describing a problem is crucial to understanding it and devising effective solutions.
Why might a government prescribe certain actions during an emergency?
To ensure public safety and effective response to the situation, managing resources and directing efforts systematically.
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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.
