Cool MateDescribe
UK /["/dɪˈskraɪb/","/dɪˈskraɪbz/","/dɪˈskraɪbd/","/dɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/"]/US /["/dɪˈskraɪb/","/dɪˈskraɪbz/","/dɪˈskraɪbd/","/dɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to say what somebody/something is like
In simple words: To say what something is like in detail.
Examples
- Can you describe the beautiful landscape you saw yesterday?
- Please describe your favorite book and why you like it.
- During the meeting, he will describe the new project objectives.
- She described her feelings about the movie very well.
- How would you describe the taste of this dish?
Usage notes
Use '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.
Grammar pattern
describe + object
Memory hint
Think of 'describe' as 'D' for detailing 's' for something's characteristics.
Collocations
- accurately
- exactly
- in detail
- cannot
- be difficult to
- be hard to
Synonyms
- depict
- illustrate
- explain
- narrate
- characterize
Antonyms
- suppress
- hide
- obscure
Common mistakes
- Confused 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.