Description vs. Explanation: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Description involves detailing the characteristics or appearance of something, while explanation involves providing reasons, context, or clarification for understanding.
Key Differences
Description is the act of portraying or depicting something through words, highlighting its features, appearance, or attributes. It paints a picture for the reader or listener. In contrast, explanation delves into the reasoning or background of a subject, aiming to clarify, justify, or make something understandable.
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Dec 06, 2023
In description, the focus is on the 'what' aspect, like what something looks or feels like. This process involves using sensory details and adjectives to create a vivid image. Explanation, however, addresses the 'why' or 'how' of a situation, concept, or process, seeking to illuminate the underlying principles or causes.
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Description is often used in literature, journalism, and daily communication to convey the essence of a scene, object, or person. It relies heavily on descriptive language. Explanation is more common in educational, scientific, and problem-solving contexts, where understanding and interpretation are necessary.
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Dec 06, 2023
While a description can stand alone as a portrayal of a subject, an explanation is typically in response to a question or confusion, aiming to resolve uncertainty. Descriptions are often subjective, colored by the speaker's perspective, whereas explanations tend to be more objective, seeking to present factual information.
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Descriptive writing can be artistic and open to interpretation, allowing for personal engagement with the content. Explanatory writing or speech is more straightforward and logical, intended to increase the audience's comprehension of the subject matter.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Portrays characteristics or appearance
Provides reasons, context, or clarification
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Objective
To create a vivid image or convey sensory details
To clarify, justify, or explain something
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Usage
Common in literature, journalism, and narrative
Used in educational, scientific, and analytical contexts
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Approach
Subjective, emphasizing sensory and emotional aspects
Objective, emphasizing facts, logic, and understanding
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Outcome
Engages the reader's imagination and senses
Increases understanding or resolves confusion
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Description and Explanation Definitions
Description
Description is the depiction of the features and details of something.
The description of the sunset included its vibrant colors and the reflection on the water.
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Explanation
Explanation is providing a reason or justification for something.
Her explanation for the project delay involved unforeseen technical issues.
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Description
Description involves using words to paint a picture of a scene, event, or object.
Her description of the ancient city brought its history and architecture to life.
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Explanation
Explanation involves clarifying or making something understandable.
The teacher's explanation of photosynthesis made the concept clear to the students.
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Description
Description refers to the verbal portrayal of something to a listener or reader.
His description of the concert made it feel like I was there.
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Explanation
Explanation refers to the act of interpreting or shedding light on a subject.
His explanation of the poem helped us appreciate its deeper meaning.
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Explanation
Explanation is the process of answering 'why' or 'how' something happens.
The guide's explanation of the landmark's history added depth to our visit.
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Description
A statement or an account describing something
Published a description of the journey.
Gave a vivid description of the game.
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Explanation
The act or process of explaining
Launched into a detailed explanation.
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Description
A pictorial representation
Monet's ethereal descriptions of haystacks and water lilies.
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Explanation
Something that explains
That was supposedly the explanation for their misdeeds.
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Description
A sketch or account of anything in words; a portraiture or representation in language; an enumeration of the essential qualities of a thing or species.
Give a verbal description of the events
A realistic description
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Explanation
The act or process of explaining.
The explanation was long and drawn-out.
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Explanation
Something that explains, makes understandable.
An explanation for the UFO sightings was easily found.
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Description
A set of characteristics by which someone or something can be recognized.
The zoo had no lions, tigers, or cats of any description.
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Explanation
A resolution of disputed points pursuant to discussion; a mutual clarification of disputed points; reconciliation.
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Description
(taxonomy) A scientific documentation of a taxon for the purpose of introducing it to science.
The type description of the fungus was written by a botanist.
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Explanation
The act of explaining, expounding, or interpreting; the act of clearing from obscurity and making intelligible; as, the explanation of a passage in Scripture, or of a contract or treaty.
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Description
(linguistics) The act or practice of recording and describing actual language usage in a given speech community, as opposed to prescription, i.e. laying down norms of language usage.
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Explanation
That which explains or makes clear; as, a satisfactory explanation.
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Explanation
The meaning attributed to anything by one who explains it; definition; interpretation; sense.
Different explanations [of the Trinity].
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Explanation
A mutual exposition of terms, meaning, or motives, with a view to adjust a misunderstanding, and reconcile differences; reconciliation; agreement; as, to come to an explanation.
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Description
A sketch or account of anything in words; a portraiture or representation in language; an enumeration of the essential qualities of a thing or species.
Milton has descriptions of morning.
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Explanation
A statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.;
The explanation was very simple
I expected a brief account
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Description
A class to which a certain representation is applicable; kind; sort.
A difference . . . between them and another description of public creditors.
The plates were all of the meanest description.
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Explanation
The act of explaining; making something plain or intelligible;
I heard his explanation of the accident
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Explanation
Explanation is the process of elucidating the causes or reasons behind an event or situation.
The scientist's explanation of the experiment's results was thorough and informative.
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Description
Description is detailing the characteristics or appearance of a person, place, or thing.
The detailed description of the character included his attire and mannerisms.
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Description
Description is the act of illustrating or explaining the aspects of something.
The botanical guide provided a thorough description of each plant species.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Does a description answer 'why'?
No, it focuses on 'what' something is like.
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Does an explanation focus on appearance?
No, it focuses on reasons and understanding.
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Is an explanation based on emotion?
No, it's based on rationale and information.
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Where is explanation commonly used?
In educational, scientific, and analytical contexts.
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Are explanations more straightforward?
Yes, they aim for clarity and directness.
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What is an explanation?
Providing reasons or context to make something understandable.
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Is an explanation always objective?
Ideally, it should be based on facts and logic.
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Can a description be subjective?
Yes, it often reflects the describer's perspective.
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Can a description exist without an explanation?
Yes, it can stand alone as a depiction.
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Can a description include personal feelings?
Yes, it often incorporates emotional or sensory elements.
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Are explanations always factual?
They should be, to provide accurate understanding.
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Can an explanation exist without a description?
Yes, it can stand alone as clarification.
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Where is description commonly used?
In literature, storytelling, and visual arts.
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Can a description be factual?
It can be, but it often goes beyond mere facts.
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Is an explanation necessary in a lecture?
Yes, it helps clarify and educate.
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Does an explanation have to be long?
Not necessarily; it can be brief if it clarifies effectively.
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Is a description always verbal?
It can be written or verbal, sometimes visual.
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Do descriptions require vivid language?
Yes, they often use descriptive and sensory language.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is a description necessary for a story?
Yes, it helps create imagery and context.
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Dec 06, 2023
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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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