descriptive
dih-SKRIHP-tihv
Descriptive (adj) means giving a detailed account or picture of something in words. Example: “Her writing style is highly descriptive, full of colour and detail.”
adj
1
Giving a detailed account or picture of something in words.
"Her writing style is highly descriptive, full of colour and detail."
2
In linguistics, recording how language is actually used rather than laying down rules for how it should be used.
"The dictionary takes a descriptive approach, listing words as people actually use them, not how grammarians wish they would."
How to use descriptive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFull of detail that paints a picture, or (in language study) reporting real usage rather than dictating rules.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "prescriptive," which means laying down rules for how things should be, rather than describing how they are.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- descriptives
- Comparative
- more descriptive
- Superlative
- most descriptive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her writing style is highly _____, full of colour and detail.
Etymology
From Latin descriptivus, "giving a full account," from describere (see "describe").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for descriptive
See all rhymes for descriptive →Frequently asked questions
What does “descriptive” mean?
The word “descriptive” means giving a detailed account or picture of something in words. In plain terms, full of detail that paints a picture, or (in language study) reporting real usage rather than dictating rules.
How do you pronounce “descriptive”?
“Descriptive” is pronounced dih-SKRIHP-tihv (/dɪˈskɹɪptɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “descriptive” in a sentence?
Here is “descriptive” used in a sentence: “Her writing style is highly descriptive, full of colour and detail.”
What is the opposite of “descriptive”?
The opposite of “descriptive” — its antonyms — are prescriptive, normative and non-descriptive.
What part of speech is “descriptive”?
“Descriptive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “descriptive” come from?
The word “descriptive” comes from Latin. From Latin descriptivus, "giving a full account," from describere (see "describe").
Is “descriptive” a common word?
“Descriptive” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “descriptive” have?
“Descriptive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: giving a detailed account or picture of something in words.
What is the difference between descriptive and prescriptive grammar?
Descriptive grammar records how language is actually used by speakers, without judging whether that use is correct, while prescriptive grammar lays down rules for how language should be used according to a set standard. Dictionaries and modern linguists tend to favor descriptive approaches, whereas traditional grammar books are often prescriptive.
What is the difference between descriptive and narrative writing?
Descriptive writing focuses on giving a detailed account or picture of something in words, emphasizing sensory details and imagery, while narrative writing focuses on telling a sequence of events or a story. Descriptive passages can appear within a narrative to enrich scenes, but the two serve different primary purposes.
What kind of words make writing more descriptive?
Adjectives, adverbs, and vivid sensory details are the main tools that make writing more descriptive, since they help paint a detailed picture in the reader's mind. Descriptive writing relies on these elements to convey how something looks, sounds, feels, or otherwise appears.
