description
Other forms: descriptions
A description puts something in words, like a portrait puts a person in paint. The lawnmower you came home with did not quite fit the description of the dishwasher you went shopping for.
The root for description is the Latin word descriptio, meaning “to write down.” The “script” in description tells you that a good description makes what it describes come to life, like a script for a movie. Your description of that fudge almond swirl ice cream was so good I could taste it! Unfortunately, I'm allergic to nuts.
Definitions of description
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the act of describing something
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types:
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characterisation, characterization
the act of describing distinctive characteristics or essential features
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label
a brief description given for purposes of identification
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detailing, particularisation, particularization
an individualized description of a particular instance
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sketch, vignette
a brief literary description
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type of:
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speech act
the use of language to perform some act
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a statement that represents something in words
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synonyms:
verbal description
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job description
description of the responsibilities associated with a given job
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spec, specification
a detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work
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characterisation, characterization, delineation, depiction, picture, word picture, word-painting
a graphic or vivid verbal description
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computer architecture
the art of assembling logical elements into a computing device; the specification of the relation between parts of a computer system
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network architecture
specification of design principles (including data formats and procedures) for creating a network configuration of data processors
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epithet
descriptive word or phrase
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portrait, portraiture, portrayal
a word picture of a person's appearance and character
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type of:
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statement
a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc
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sort or variety
Pronunciation
US
/dɪˈskrɪpʃɪn/
UK
/dəˈskrɪpʃən/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘description'.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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