Describe — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /di-ˈskrīb/ de·scribe

Meaning & Definition of Describe

Describe (verb)

  1. to represent or give an account of in words
  2. to represent by a figure, model, or picture, delineate
  3. distribute

Describe (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give a representation or account of in words

    "he tried to describe the dream he had last night as accurately as he could"

    similar: delineate, depict, draw, image, limn, paint, picture, portray, render, set out, sketch
    related: characterize, define, label, qualify, represent, demonstrate, illustrate, narrate, recite, recount, rehearse, relate, report, tell, display, exhibit, show, hint, suggest, draft, outline, silhouette, trace, vignette, summarize, sum up, touch off, redescribe, reimage
    near: color, distort, falsify, garble, misdescribe, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp

  2. to give an oral or written account of in some detail

    "a biography of Washington that describes the decisive Battle of Yorktown at great length"

    similar: chart, chronicle, narrate, recite, recount, rehearse, relate, report, tell, set forth
    related: deliver, give, reel off, state, utter, voice, detail, enumerate, itemize, particularize, bare, disclose, divulge, expose, let on (about), reveal, delineate, depict, express, render, sketch

  3. to point out the chief quality or qualities of an individual or group

    "how would you describe the Inupiat people you encountered in Alaska?"

    similar: character, characterize, define, depict, portray, represent
    related: categorize, classify, pigeonhole, type, color, identify, indicate, name, specify, distinguish, individualize, mark, particularize, stamp

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Describe

The most common words with a similar meaning to Describe:

delineate, depict, draw, image, limn, paint, picture, portray, render, set out, sketch, chart, chronicle, narrate, recite, recount, rehearse, relate, report, tell, character, characterize, define, represent, set forth

Related Words for Describe

label, qualify, demonstrate, illustrate, display, exhibit, show, hint, suggest, draft, outline, silhouette, trace, vignette, summarize, sum up, touch off, redescribe, reimage, deliver, give, reel off, state, utter, voice, detail, enumerate, itemize, particularize, bare

Near Antonyms of Describe

color, distort, falsify, garble, misdescribe, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp

Word Forms of Describe

Inflections: described, describing

Derived words: describable (adjective), describer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Describe

Middle English, from Latin describere, from de- + scribere to write scribe

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Describe

Words & Phrases Containing Describe

can't even begin to describe

Frequently Asked Questions about Describe

What does "Describe" mean?

"Describe" means to represent or give an account of in words. As a verb, it is defined as: to represent or give an account of in words. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Describe"?

Other words for "Describe" include delineate, depict, draw, image, limn, paint, picture and portray. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Describe" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Describe"?

There are 74 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Describe". Common alternatives include delineate, depict, draw, image, limn, paint, picture, portray, render and set out.

How do you use "Describe" in a sentence?

Examples of "Describe" in a sentence: "he tried to describe the dream he had last night as accurately as he could"; "a biography of Washington that describes the decisive Battle of Yorktown at great length"; "how would you describe the Inupiat people you encountered in Alaska?".

Is "Describe" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Describe" is a verb.

Is "Describe" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Describe" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Describe"?

"Describe" is pronounced /di-ˈskrīb/ and divided into syllables as de·scribe.

What is the origin of the word "Describe"?

"Describe" comes from Middle English, from Latin describere, from de- + scribere to write scribe. First known use: 15th century.