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

Meyerson-Knox also pointed to the Heritage Foundation's Project Esther, which outlines a detailed strategy to tamp down anti-Zionist and pro-Palestinian protest efforts it describes as antisemitic and bolster Americans' support for Israel.

From Salon

Researchers have often described time as being an illusion.

From Salon

Jordan said they asked California officials to describe the measure in the ballot summary with the phrase, “Slavery of any kind is prohibited.”

From Los Angeles Times

They can hardly be unaware that Gen. Mark Milley, who served as the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman under Trump, described him as “fascist to the core.”

From Salon

In a statement, it described the investigation as “frivolous” and said “all temporary and full-time workers understand the hazards and appropriate safety measures of their assigned role.”

From New York Times

Related Words

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