describe
- 01 A1 Beginner
to say or write what someone or something is like so that others can imagine it.
to give a detailed account in words of the appearance, nature, or attributes of something. Transitive; requires a direct object.
Simple“The witness tried to describe the man she saw running away from the shop.”
In context“The novelist spent three pages describing the rugged coastline, using vivid sensory details to immerse the reader in the setting.”
UsageCommonly used with 'to' when mentioning the recipient of the description.
PitfallCan you describe me the house? Can you describe the house to me?The verb 'describe' does not take an indirect object for the person listening. Use 'describe [thing] to [person]'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to move in a way that creates a specific shape, like a circle.
to mark out or trace the form or outline of a geometric figure or path.
Simple“Use a compass to describe a perfect circle on the paper.”
In context“As the planet orbits the star, its path describes an ellipse rather than a perfect circle.”
UsageOften used in geometry and physics to explain the movement of objects through space.
- 03 C1 Advanced
to officially name and explain a new plant or animal for the first time in science.
to provide the first formal scientific account and naming of a new taxon.
Simple“The researchers hope to describe several new species of insects found in the rainforest.”
In context“The botanist published a paper to formally describe the rare orchid, distinguishing it from similar species found in the same valley.”
Teacher's tipIn academic biology, 'describing' a species is a specific legal and scientific process, not just a casual observation.
Usage describes himself · described feeling · described the experience
From Middle English descriven, from Old French descrivre, from Latin dēscrībō (“to copy off, transcribe, sketch off, describe in painting or writing”), from dē (“off”) + scrībō (“write”); see scribe and shrive. Displaced native Old English āmearcian.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.