First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
description
noun de·scrip·tion \di-ˈskrip-shən\
: a statement that tells you how something or someone looks, sounds, etc. : words that describe something or someone
: type or kind
Full Definition of DESCRIPTION
1
a : an act of describing; specifically : discourse intended to give a mental image of something experienced b : a descriptive statement or account
2
: kind or character especially as determined by salient features <opposed to any tax of so radical a description>
See description defined for English-language learners
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Origin of DESCRIPTION
Middle English descripcioun, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin description-, descriptio, from describere
Related to DESCRIPTION
- Synonyms
- definition, delineation, depiction, picture, portrait, portraiture, portrayal, rendering, sketch, vignette
Synonym Discussion of DESCRIPTION
type, kind, sort, nature, description, character mean a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities. type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group <one of three basic body types>. kind may suggest natural grouping <a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind>. sort often suggests some disparagement <the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories>. nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses <two problems of a similar nature>. description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined <not all acts of that description are actually illegal>. character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type <research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character>.
Rhymes with DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION Defined for Kids
description
noun de·scrip·tion \di-ˈskrip-shən\
Definition of DESCRIPTION for Kids
1
: a written or spoken statement about something that enables a reader or listener to picture it <I recognized the place from your description of it.>
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