description
dih-SKRIHP-shuhn
Description (noun) means a written or spoken account of what something is like. Example: “Her description of the village made us want to visit straight away.”
noun
1
A written or spoken account of what something is like.
"Her description of the village made us want to visit straight away."
"The witness gave police a detailed description of the getaway car."
"The job listing came with a long description of duties."
2
A category or type that something belongs to.
"We don't stock anything of that description here."
"Is there a tool of any description in this old shed?"
"He met people of every description at the busy market."
How to use description
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe words used to explain what someone or something is like.
Common pairings
a vivid description
a job description
fit the description
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Word forms
- Plural
- descriptions
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Her _____ of the village made us want to visit straight away.
Etymology
From Latin descriptio, "a copying down, a sketch," from describere (see "describe").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for description
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for description →
Frequently asked questions
What does “description” mean?
The word “description” means a written or spoken account of what something is like. In plain terms, the words used to explain what someone or something is like.
How do you pronounce “description”?
“Description” is pronounced dih-SKRIHP-shuhn (/dɪˈskɹɪpʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “description” in a sentence?
Here is “description” used in a sentence: “The witness gave police a detailed description of the getaway car.”
What part of speech is “description”?
“Description” is a noun.
Where does the word “description” come from?
The word “description” comes from Latin. From Latin descriptio, "a copying down, a sketch," from describere (see "describe").
Is “description” a common word?
“Description” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “description” have?
“Description” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a written or spoken account of what something is like.
What is the difference between a description and a definition?
A description tells you what something is like — its appearance, qualities, or details, as in describing a person's face or a landscape. A definition states precisely what a word or thing means, fixing its boundaries. Descriptions paint a picture; definitions pin down exact meaning.
What is the difference between description and explanation?
A description tells you what something is like — how it looks, sounds, or feels. An explanation tells you why or how it happens, giving reasons or causes. You describe a storm's dark clouds and roaring wind; you explain what makes a storm form in the first place.
What are the types of description?
Common kinds include physical description, which covers appearance and sensory detail, and functional or technical descriptions used in manuals and job descriptions. In writing, description can be objective, sticking to facts, or impressionistic, conveying mood and feeling. All share the goal of showing what something is like.
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