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describe

v.
US //dɪsˈkɹaɪb// UK //dɪskɹˈaɪb// de·scribe
  1. 1 to explain in words (v.)
    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.

    Example

    The witness tried to describe the man she saw running away from the shop.

    Example

    The novelist spent three pages describing the rugged coastline, using vivid sensory details to immerse the reader in the setting.

    Usage

    Commonly used with 'to' when mentioning the recipient of the description.
    Pitfall
    Can 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]'.

  2. 2 to draw or trace a shape (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Math

    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.

    Example

    Use a compass to describe a perfect circle on the paper.

    Example

    As the planet orbits the star, its path describes an ellipse rather than a perfect circle.

    Usage

    Often used in geometry and physics to explain the movement of objects through space.
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  1. 3 to name a new species (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Science

    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.

    Example

    The researchers hope to describe several new species of insects found in the rainforest.

    Example

    The botanist published a paper to formally describe the rare orchid, distinguishing it from similar species found in the same valley.

    Teacher's tip

    In academic biology, 'describing' a species is a specific legal and scientific process, not just a casual observation.
Origin

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.

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