Described

/dɪˈskraɪbd/

verbBeginnerVery CommonBusiness

Definitions

1

To explain or portray something or someone in words, providing details.

/dɪˈskraɪbd/

verbneutralBeginner
Business

To give a detailed account or representation of something or someone.

The witness described the suspect to the police.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling a friend about a fun movie! Describing is like giving them all the juicy details, so they know what it's about.

👶 For kids: To tell someone what something is like, using words!

More Examples

2

She described her feelings to her therapist.

3

The brochure described the hotel as luxurious.

How It's Used

Literature

"The author described the landscape with vivid imagery."

Science

"Scientists described the new species of insect."

Everyday conversation

"He described his trip to Europe in great detail."

From Middle English descriven, from Old French descrire, from Latin describere ('to write down, copy, depict'), from de- + scribere ('to write').

The word has been used since the 14th century and remains a central term in various forms of communication and narrative.

Memory tip

Think of 'scribe' – someone who writes. Describing is like writing about something.

descibeddescrieddescribbed

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written