description

[dih-skrip-shuhn]

noun

1. a statement, picture in words, or account that describes; descriptive representation.

2. the act or method of describing.

3. sort; kind; variety.

   dogs of every description.

   Synonyms: ilk, condition, character, nature, species

4. Geometry.,  the act or process of describing a figure.

description

/ dɪˈskrɪpʃən /

noun

1. a statement or account that describes; representation in words

2. the act, process, or technique of describing

3. sort, kind, or variety

   reptiles of every description

4. geometry the act of drawing a line or figure, such as an arc

5. philosophy a noun phrase containing a predicate that may replace a name as the subject of a sentence

Other Word Forms

• predescription noun
• redescription noun
• self-description noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of description¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English descripcioun, from Latin dēscrīptiōn-, stem of dēscrīptiō, from dēscrīpt(us) “described” (past participle of dēscrībere “to copy, draw, transcribe”; describe ) + -iō -ion

Idioms and Phrases

see beggar description.

Example Sentences

Scrap dealers can then raise an alarm if they are offered copper that matches the description of stolen material.

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His descriptions convey with equal force the stillness of the forest, the mute hostility of a marriage, the ardent impulses of youth.

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When embarking on technical descriptions, he often adds a touch of whimsy to jolly the reader along.

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The descriptions sound so appealing that you might rethink what matters most to you and consider an entirely different kind of retirement.

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He said the Journal’s description of the incident, based on a different, internal complaint reviewed by the Journal, mischaracterized a confidential personnel matter.

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Related Words

• characterization 
• confession 
• definition 
• depiction 
• detail 
• explanation 
• information 
• narration 
• narrative 
• picture 
• portrayal 
• report 
• sketch 
• statement 
• story 
• summary 
• tale 
• version