Describe vs. Explain: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 9, 2024
Describe involves detailing the characteristics of something, while explain involves providing reasons or causes for those characteristics.
Key Differences
Describe focuses on presenting observable details, like color, shape, or behavior, without delving into underlying reasons. Explain, in contrast, goes beyond surface details to clarify reasons, causes, or processes behind what is described.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Describe is often used to provide a clear, detailed picture of a subject, event, or concept, primarily focusing on 'what' aspects. Explain aims to clarify understanding, addressing 'why' or 'how' something happens or exists, often answering questions or resolving confusion.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
In literature, describe is used to paint a vivid picture of scenes or characters, enhancing imagery and understanding. In scientific or educational contexts, explain is key to understanding complex theories or phenomena, linking facts with underlying principles.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Describe generally provides information for the audience to visualize or understand a subject at a surface level. Explain engages the audience at a deeper level, fostering comprehension of the mechanisms or reasoning behind a subject or event.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Effective description requires keen observation and vocabulary skills to detail aspects accurately and engagingly. Explaining effectively demands a deeper understanding of the subject, the ability to connect concepts, and articulate causes or processes clearly.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Key Question Addressed
"What does it look/feel/sound like?"
"Why does it happen? How does it work?"
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Jan 09, 2024
Usage Contexts
Literature, visual arts, daily communication
Educational, scientific, problem-solving
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
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Describe and Explain Definitions
Describe
To convey an account or impression of something in words.
She described the sunset as a blend of orange and pink hues.
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Dec 18, 2023
Explain
To interpret or translate complex information into simpler terms.
The guide explained the historical significance of the monument.
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Dec 18, 2023
Describe
To detail the appearance or characteristics of something.
The report described the new species with precision.
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Dec 18, 2023
Explain
To elucidate or clarify something that is not immediately obvious.
The manual explains how to assemble the furniture.
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Dec 18, 2023
Describe
To represent or outline something verbally or in writing.
He described the plot of the movie to his friend.
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Dec 18, 2023
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Explain
To make an idea or situation clear to someone by describing it in more detail.
The teacher explained the concept of photosynthesis to the class.
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Dec 18, 2023
Describe
To convey an idea or impression of; characterize
She described her childhood as a time of wonder and discovery.
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Dec 13, 2023
Describe
To represent pictorially; depict
Goya's etchings describe the horrors of war in grotesque detail.
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Dec 13, 2023
Explain
To offer reasons for the actions, beliefs, or remarks of (oneself).
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Dec 13, 2023
Describe
(transitive) To represent in words.
The feeling is difficult to describe, but not unpleasant.
The geographer describes countries and cities.
Several witnesses describe seeing lights in the sky that night.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Describe
(transitive) To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate; to trace or mark out.
To describe a circle by the compasses;
A torch waved about the head in such a way as to describe a circle
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Dec 13, 2023
Explain
To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.
She is about to explain a chapter of the Bible to the Sunday School students.
She tried to explain but he wouldn’t listen.
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Dec 13, 2023
Describe
To give rise to a geometrical structure.
The function describes a very complex surface.
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Dec 13, 2023
Describe
To introduce a new taxon to science by explaining its characteristics and particularly how it differs from other taxa.
The fungus was first described by a botanist.
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Dec 13, 2023
Describe
(obsolete) To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Describe
To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate; to trace or mark out; as, to describe a circle by the compasses; a torch waved about the head in such a way as to describe a circle.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Describe
To represent by words written or spoken; to give an account of; to make known to others by words or signs; as, the geographer describes countries and cities.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Explain
To flatten; to spread out; to unfold; to expand.
The horse-chestnut is . . . ready to explain its leaf.
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Dec 13, 2023
Describe
To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.
Passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Explain
To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to expound; to unfold and illustrate the meaning of; as, to explain a chapter of the Bible.
Commentators to explain the difficult passages to you.
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Dec 13, 2023
Describe
To use the faculty of describing; to give a description; as, Milton describes with uncommon force and beauty.
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Dec 13, 2023
Explain
Make palin and comprehensible;
He explained the laws of physics to his students
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Dec 13, 2023
Describe
To give an account or representation of in words;
Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental
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Dec 13, 2023
Explain
Define;
The committe explained their plan for fund-raising to the Dean
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Dec 13, 2023
Explain
Serve as a reason or cause or justification of;
Your need to sleep late does not excuse your late arrival at work
Her recent divorce amy explain her reluctance to date again
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Dec 13, 2023
Describe
Make a mark or lines on a surface;
Draw a line
Trace the outline of a figure in the sand
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Dec 13, 2023
Explain
To provide reasons for or a cause of something.
The scientist explained the causes of climate change.
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Dec 18, 2023
Describe
To specify or enumerate distinctive features.
The witness described the suspect to the police.
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Dec 18, 2023
Explain
To justify or account for something.
She explained her late arrival due to traffic.
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Dec 18, 2023
Describe
To create a vivid mental image through descriptive language.
The novel describes the landscapes of rural England beautifully.
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Dec 18, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does describe mean?
To detail or outline characteristics or features of something.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Can describe and explain be used together?
Yes, often description is followed by explanation for complete understanding.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Are there situations where only explain is appropriate?
In scientific or educational settings, explanation is often key to understanding.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
What does explain mean?
To clarify, elucidate, or provide reasons for something.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Is describe more about observation or interpretation?
It's more about observation and detailing what is observed.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Do describe and explain require different skills?
Yes, describe requires observational skills, while explain requires analytical skills.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Is explain more subjective than describe?
Explain can be subjective, depending on the interpretation of the explainer.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Are there situations where only describe is appropriate?
In artistic contexts, pure description may be preferred to preserve ambiguity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
When should I use describe over explain?
Use describe for detailing appearance or characteristics, without needing to clarify causes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
When is it better to explain rather than describe?
When understanding of causes, reasons, or processes is required.
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Jan 09, 2024
Is describing a creative process?
Yes, it often involves creative choice of words and imagery.
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Jan 09, 2024
Can an explanation be effective without good description?
Effective explanations often include sufficient descriptive elements for clarity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Can I describe without explaining?
Yes, you can provide details without delving into underlying reasons.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
How do I improve my descriptive skills?
Practice observing details and using vivid, precise language.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Can a good description replace an explanation?
Not always, as description lacks the causal or procedural insight of an explanation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Do describe and explain play a role in storytelling?
Yes, both are crucial in creating vivid narratives and understanding story elements.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Can I explain without describing?
Explanation often includes some level of description for clarity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
How do I enhance my explanatory skills?
Develop a deeper understanding of subjects and practice clear, logical expression.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Which is more factual, describe or explain?
Describe tends to be more factual, focusing on observable details, while explain involves interpretation of facts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Is explaining a logical process?
Yes, it requires logical thinking and linking concepts coherently.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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