Cool MateDefinition vs Description
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Definition
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Description
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
| Definition | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌdefɪˈnɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌdefɪˈnɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈskrɪpʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈskrɪpʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A clear explanation of the meaning of a word. | A spoken or written explanation of something. |
| Example | The definition of love can vary from person to person. | Can you give me a description of the new movie? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | careful, clear, concise, give (somebody), offer (somebody), propose, encompass something, include something, according to a/the definition, by definition, under a/the definition, careful, clear, concise, give (somebody), offer (somebody), propose, encompass something, include something, according to a/the definition, by definition, under a/the definition | complete, comprehensive, detailed, give (somebody), issue, offer (somebody), apply to somebody, fit somebody |
| Antonyms | ambiguity, confusion | obfuscation, confusion |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'definitive' which refers to something final or conclusive., Using it in a grammatical context where 'meaning' is more suitable., Mistaking it for 'definer', which is a person who defines. | Confusing 'description' with 'prescription'., Using 'descriptive' instead of 'description' when referring to the noun., Saying 'describe' instead of 'description' in noun contexts. |
| Usage notes | Use 'definition' when discussing the meaning of words in educational contexts. It is appropriate for formal writing and informal conversations but avoid it in overly casual settings. | Use 'description' when explaining something clearly, often in writing. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using it in very casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Definition vs Description
What's the difference between Definition and Description?
Definition: A clear explanation of the meaning of a word. Description: A spoken or written explanation of something.
Which is more advanced: Definition and Description?
Definition is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Definition and Description the same CEFR level?
Definition: B1, Description: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Definition and Description?
Definition: noun, Description: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Definition: The definition of love can vary from person to person. Description: Can you give me a description of the new movie?
Can I use Definition and Description interchangeably?
Not always. Definition and Description are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.