Ask Difference

Description vs. Describe — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 6, 2024
Description involves detailing characteristics or aspects of something, focusing on the depiction itself, while describe is the action of creating such a depiction through words or illustrations.
Description vs. Describe — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Description and Describe

ADVERTISEMENT

Key Differences

Description refers to the textual or verbal representation of characteristics, features, and attributes that define a person, place, thing, or concept. It is a static noun that encapsulates the essence of an object or scenario through detailed imagery or information. Whereas, describe is a verb that denotes the act of giving a description. It involves the process of conveying impressions, appearances, or the essence of subjects through detailed language or illustrations.
In literature, a description enhances the reader's understanding and visualization of the setting, characters, or emotions. It uses adjectives, adverbs, and figurative language to paint a vivid picture. On the other hand, when authors describe, they engage in the creative process of selecting the right words and phrases to craft these vivid images, influencing the reader’s perception and emotional response.
In academic writing, a description is often objective, focusing on providing clear, precise information about a topic without personal bias. It aims to inform or explain. Describe, however, involves the action taken by the writer to achieve this goal, requiring careful choice of language and structure to ensure clarity and accuracy.
In everyday communication, description can serve as a way to share experiences, tell stories, or relay information about objects or events. It relies on the use of sensory details and factual data. Meanwhile, when people describe something, they perform an act of communication that involves selecting the most relevant details and presenting them in a coherent, engaging manner.
The effectiveness of a description depends on the skill with which someone describes. Good descriptions are a result of attentive observation, imaginative thinking, and the ability to express thoughts clearly and vividly. Thus, while description is the end product, describe is the action that leads to the creation of this product, embodying the process and technique behind generating detailed and evocative descriptions.
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Noun
Verb

Focus

Characteristics and details of something
The act of explaining or depicting something

Usage in Writing

Enhances visualization and understanding
Involves crafting imagery and conveying ideas

Academic Context

Objective and informative depiction
Action of providing detailed explanations

Everyday Use

Sharing experiences and information
Selecting and presenting details

Dependency

Depends on the act of describing
Leads to the creation of a description

Skill Required

Relies on the quality of description provided
Requires observation and expression abilities

Compare with Definitions

Description

Explanation of a concept or idea.
The textbook included a description of photosynthesis.

Describe

To illustrate through language.
He described his journey with such enthusiasm.

Description

A depiction in writing or speech.
His description of the event matched witness accounts.

Describe

To convey information or impressions.
The guide described the painting's history.

Description

A detailed portrayal of characteristics.
The description of the sunset was breathtaking.

Describe

To detail characteristics or appearances.
She described the thief to the police.

Description

Textual representation of features.
Product descriptions on websites help consumers make purchasing decisions.

Describe

To depict something in words.
The novel describes life in the 18th century.

Description

An account that conveys experience.
The travel blog offered a vivid description of local cuisines.

Describe

To explain the features of.
Can you describe how the app works?

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.

Describe

To give an account of in speech or writing
Describe a sea voyage.

Description

A spoken or written account of a person, object, or event
People who had seen him were able to give a description

Describe

To convey an idea or impression of; characterize
She described her childhood as a time of wonder and discovery.

Description

A type or class of people or things
It is laughably easy to buy drugs of all descriptions

Describe

To represent pictorially; depict
Goya's etchings describe the horrors of war in grotesque detail.

Description

The act, process, or technique of describing.

Describe

To trace the form or outline of
Describe a circle with a compass.

Description

A statement or an account describing something
Published a description of the journey.
Gave a vivid description of the game.

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.

Description

A pictorial representation
Monet's ethereal descriptions of haystacks and water lilies.

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

Description

A kind or sort
Cars of every size and description.

Describe

To give rise to a geometrical structure.
The function describes a very complex surface.

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

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.

Description

The act of describing; a delineation by marks or signs.

Describe

(obsolete) To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.

Description

A set of characteristics by which someone or something can be recognized.
The zoo had no lions, tigers, or cats of any description.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Description

(linguistics) A descriptive linguistic survey.

Describe

To use the faculty of describing; to give a description; as, Milton describes with uncommon force and beauty.

Description

The act of describing; a delineation by marks or signs.

Describe

Give a description of;
He drew an elaborate plan of attack

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.

Describe

To give an account or representation of in words;
Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental

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.

Describe

Identify as in botany or biology, for example

Description

A statement that represents something in words

Describe

Make a mark or lines on a surface;
Draw a line
Trace the outline of a figure in the sand

Description

The act of describing something

Description

Sort or variety;
Every description of book was there

Common Curiosities

Why is describing important?

Describing is crucial for communication, allowing us to share detailed information, experiences, and ideas effectively.

Can you describe without a description?

No, describing is the act that leads to the creation of a description.

What is the difference between description and describe?

Description is a noun referring to a detailed depiction, while describe is a verb meaning to create such a depiction.

Is description always written?

Descriptions can be both written and verbal, conveying detailed information or characteristics.

How do descriptions differ in literature and technical writing?

In literature, they aim to evoke imagery and emotion, while in technical writing, they focus on clarity and precision.

Is it possible to over-describe?

Yes, excessive detail can overwhelm the reader and detract from the main message or narrative flow.

How does a description enhance a story?

It provides vivid imagery and details that enhance the reader's imagination and understanding of the story.

Does the quality of a description depend on the skill of describing?

Yes, effective descriptions result from good observation, imaginative thinking, and clear expression.

Do all genres of writing use descriptions?

Yes, though the purpose and style of descriptions may vary across genres.

Can a person be described?

Yes, describing a person involves detailing their appearance, personality, and sometimes actions or background.

How do descriptions affect reader perception?

They play a significant role in shaping the reader's visualization, understanding, and emotional response to the content.

Can descriptions be objective?

Yes, especially in academic and technical writing, descriptions aim to be clear and factual without personal bias.

Are descriptions necessary in technical documents?

Yes, they provide crucial information that helps in understanding complex subjects or procedures.

What role do descriptions play in visual arts?

They help in conveying the artist's intention, the context of the artwork, and its significance, enhancing viewer appreciation and understanding.

What makes a good description?

A good description is clear, detailed, accurate, and evocative, effectively conveying the essence of the subject.

Share Your Discovery

Share via Social Media
Embed This Content
Embed Code
Share Directly via Messenger
Link
Previous Comparison
Wilt vs. Will

Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj 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.
Tayyaba 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.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons

Trending Terms