Describe vs Explain

Quando usar cada um em inglês, com significado, registro e exemplos.

Describe

Top 1000 (muito comum)A1verb

Explain

Top 1000 (muito comum)A1verb
 DescribeExplain
Pronúncia🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈskraɪb/","/dɪˈskraɪbz/","/dɪˈskraɪbd/","/dɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈskraɪb/","/dɪˈskraɪbz/","/dɪˈskraɪbd/","/dɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ɪkˈspleɪn/","/ɪkˈspleɪnz/","/ɪkˈspleɪnd/","/ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪkˈspleɪn/","/ɪkˈspleɪnz/","/ɪkˈspleɪnd/","/ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/"]/
SignificadoTo say what something is like in detail.To make something clear or easy to understand.
ExemploCan you describe the beautiful landscape you saw yesterday?Can you explain how this machine works?
RegistroNeutroNeutro
Quão comumTop 1000 (muito comum)Top 1000 (muito comum)
Nível CEFRA1A1
Classe gramaticalverbverb
Colocaçõesaccurately, exactly, in detail, cannot, be difficult to, be hard toin detail, fully, adequately, be able to, be unable to, can, about, to, explain everything, go a long way, some way, etc. towards/​toward explaining something, in detail, fully, adequately, be able to, be unable to, can, about, to, explain everything, go a long way, some way, etc. towards/​toward explaining something
Antônimossuppress, hide, obscureconfuse, obscure, complicate
Erros comunsConfused with 'prescribe' which means to authorize the use of something., Using 'describe' without an object, like saying 'I describe.', Using incorrect tense or forms, e.g., 'described' instead of 'describe' for present actions.Using 'explain' without an object, e.g., 'I will explain' instead of 'I will explain the concept.', Confusing 'explain' with 'describe' – 'explain' is about making something clear, while 'describe' is about detailing., Misusing the tense, e.g., saying 'I explained' when referring to a future action.
Notas de usoUse 'describe' when you want to explain features or characteristics of something. It's suitable for formal or informal contexts but avoid using it in very casual settings where simpler words may suffice.Use 'explain' when you want to clarify or make something easier to understand. It's appropriate in both speaking and writing, but avoid using it in highly formal contexts where more technical terms might be preferred.

Perguntas frequentes: Describe vs Explain

Qual é a diferença entre Describe e Explain?

Describe: To say what something is like in detail. Explain: To make something clear or easy to understand.

Describe e Explain estão no mesmo nível CEFR?

Describe: A1, Explain: A1 na escala CEFR.

Que classe gramatical são Describe e Explain?

Describe: verb, Explain: verb.

Pode mostrar um exemplo de cada?

Describe: Can you describe the beautiful landscape you saw yesterday? Explain: Can you explain how this machine works?

Posso usar Describe e Explain de forma intercambiável?

Nem sempre. Describe e Explain são relacionadas e às vezes se sobrepõem, mas diferem em registro, frequência e uso, então trocar uma pela outra pode mudar o sentido ou o tom. Veja as diferenças acima antes de substituir.

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