Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/dɪˈskrɪpʃən/

Definitions

• 1. A spoken or written account of something or someone.
• 2. The action of describing something or someone.
• 3. A representation in words of a person, event, object, or scene.

Usage Examples

• The description of the new book was captivating, drawing in readers with its promise of adventure.
• He gave a detailed description of the incident, which helped the authorities understand what had happened.
• The artist's description of the landscape was so vivid that it almost felt like one could step into the scene.

Etymology

The word "description" originates from the Latin "descriptio," meaning "a writing down, a sketch," from the verb "describere," which means "to write down, to portray." The term entered the English language in the late 14th century.

Synonyms

• Account
• Explanation
• Depiction
• Narrative
• Report

Antonyms

• Concealment
• Obscurity
• Silence
• Suppression

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "description" is often pronounced with a slightly more pronounced "r" sound.
• In British English, the pronunciation may soften the "r" sound and tend to emphasize the "s" sound more clearly.

Historical Usage

The term "description" has been in use since the late 14th century, first recorded in Middle English as "descripcioun," meaning the act of describing or representation. Over time, it evolved into its modern form, and the use of descriptions expanded with the growth of literature and written documentation in the Renaissance era.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the act of description is not only seen as an intellectual exercise but as an art form. In traditional storytelling, descriptions are often rich in detail, drawing from a shared cultural knowledge. How something is described can give insight into the values and worldview of the person doing the describing, whether it be the way nature is portrayed, how relationships are described, or the emphasis placed on certain aspects of an event.

More Information

Descriptions serve as a way to communicate an experience, a perception, or an event in a way that allows others to understand and visualize it. The role of description has become increasingly important in many fields, from literature to science, as a tool to convey complex ideas. It remains a crucial part of storytelling, reporting, education, and marketing, where clear and compelling descriptions can persuade, inform, and entertain audiences.