describe

[ dih-skrahyb ]

verb (used with object)

, de·scribed, de·scrib·ing.

1. to tell or depict in written or spoken words; give an account of:

   He described the accident very carefully.

   Synonyms: relate, tell, recount, represent, characterize, portray

2. to pronounce, as by a designating term, phrase, or the like; label:

   There are few people who may be described as geniuses.

3. to indicate; be a sign of; denote:

   Conceit, in many cases, describes a state of serious emotional insecurity.

4. to represent or delineate by a picture or figure.
5. Geometry. to draw or trace the outline of:

   to describe an arc.

describe

/ dɪˈskraɪb /

verb

1. to give an account or representation of in words
2. to pronounce or label

   he has been described as a genius

3. to draw a line or figure, such as a circle

Derived Forms

• deˈscriber, noun
• deˈscribable, adjective

Other Words From

• de·scriba·ble adjective
• de·scriba·bili·ty noun
• de·scriba·bly adverb
• de·scriber noun
• nonde·scriba·ble adjective
• over·de·scribe verb (used with object) overdescribed overdescribing
• prede·scribe verb (used with object) predescribed predescribing
• rede·scribe verb (used with object) redescribed redescribing
• self-de·scribed adjective
• unde·scriba·ble adjective
• unde·scriba·ble·ness noun
• unde·scriba·bly adverb
• unde·scribed adjective
• well-de·scribed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of describe¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English describen, from Latin dēscrībere, equivalent to dē- de- + scrībere “to write”

Word History and Origins

Origin of describe¹

C15: from Latin dēscrībere to copy off, write out, delineate, from de- + scrībere to write

Synonym Study

Describe, narrate agree in the idea of giving an account of something. To describe is to convey in words the appearance, nature, attributes, etc., of something. The word often implies vividness of personal observation: to describe a scene, an event. To narrate is to recount the occurrence of something, usually by giving the details of an event or events in the order of their happening. Narrate thus applies only to that which happens over time: to narrate an incident.

Example Sentences

The mock Georgian home on the prestigious Victoria Road also features a separate building for entertaining guests and a host of other features, described on the website as "the ultimate relaxation oasis".

From BBC

"Hominin" is a newer term that describes a subdivision of the larger category known as hominids.

From Science Daily

She has a deep understanding of and a postmodern comfort with cognitive dissonance, with lyrics that describe the affective landscape of the gap between our gestures and expectations.

From Salon

For those unfamiliar with The Inn at Little Washington, how would you describe its ethos?

From Salon

This payment was described as being for "likely residual income and bonuses" resulting from the Harry Potter films.

From BBC

Related Words

• call
• characterize
• chronicle
• construe
• define
• depict
• detail
• express
• illustrate
• interpret
• label
• name
• outline
• portray
• recount
• report
• represent
• specify
• tell
• term