What is describe? Pronunciation and usage in English

describe means . Learn how to pronounce and use describe through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of describe

describeverb

/dɪˈskrʌɪb/
Definition & pronunciation of describe

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "describe" in English. Here's a breakdown of the sounds and a few ways to say it:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Closest to how a native speaker would say it):

  • des - /dɪs/ (like "dis" in "disaster") - This part is short and quick.
  • cribe - /kreɪb/ (rhymes with "grab") - The 'c' is pronounced like a 'k'.

Combined: /dɪsˈkreɪb/

2. Breaking it down into syllables and sounds:

  • De- (as in "bed") - This is a short, quick "de" sound.
  • -scribe - This is where it gets a little tricky. Think of it as "krayb" - a short "k" sound followed by a long “a” sound (like in “say”) and then a short “b” sound.

3. Putting it all together - Some common pronunciations:

  • Most Common: "Dis-krayb" (Focus on the "dis" and "krayb" as separate syllables)
  • Slightly Smoother: "Dis-krayb" (A little flow between the syllables)

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: "dis-KRAY-b".
  • "C" sound: Make sure the ‘c’ in “scribe” sounds like a regular ‘k’.
  • Don't over-emphasize: It’s a relatively quick word, so avoid drawing it out too much.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Translate: Type “describe” into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/describe/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a beginner learner, or do you have some experience with English pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word describe in English

Let's break down how to use the word "describe" in English. It's a really versatile word!

1. Basic Meaning: To give a detailed account of something.

At its core, "describe" means to tell about something in detail, often using words that paint a picture in the reader's or listener's mind.

  • Example: "Please describe the painting to me. What colors do you see? What objects are included?"

2. Different Ways to Use "Describe" – Common Structures & Contexts

Here’s how you can incorporate “describe” into sentences, with examples:

  • Describe + a Subject: This is the most common usage.

    • “Describe the weather.” (You’re asking for a detailed account of the weather conditions – sunny, rainy, cold, etc.)
    • “Describe your childhood.” (You’re asking for details about their past experiences.)
    • “The article describes the effects of climate change.” (The article provides a detailed explanation.)

  • Describe + Something You Want Someone to Do:

    • “Describe the problem clearly, so I can understand it.” (Asking for a detailed explanation of a problem.)
    • “Describe how to make a cake.” (Asking for a step-by-step process.)

  • "I/He/She/They/We Describe..." – Talking about your ability or someone else’s.

    • “I need to describe the results of the experiment.”
    • “She’s a talented writer – she can describe anything vividly.”

3. Phrases Using "Describe":

  • Describe in detail: (Adds emphasis on the level of detail needed) "Can you describe in detail what happened?"
  • Describe vividly: (Emphasizes using descriptive language and imagery) “The author described vividly the scene of the storm.”
  • Describe accurately: (Highlights the need for truthfulness and precision) “He described accurately the location of the treasure.”
  • Describe the process: (Focuses on explaining how something is done) “Let’s describe the process of photosynthesis.”

4. Synonyms for "Describe" (Useful for Variety):

  • Explain
  • Detail
  • Narrate
  • Illustrate
  • Account for
  • Portray
  • Represent
  • Outline

5. Example Sentences (Combining Different Uses):

  • “The travelogue describes the bustling markets and ancient temples of Southeast Asia in vivid detail.”
  • “Could you describe the problem with the computer to the technician?”
  • “As a detective, it’s important to describe the crime scene accurately.”
  • “He tried to describe his dream, but the words just wouldn’t come.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you struggling with using "describe"? (e.g., writing essays, speaking in conversations, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're having trouble with?

Synonyms for the word describe

Practice with vocabulary describe

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the debriefing, the team leader asked each member to ______ their role in the successful completion of the project.
  2. The art critic found it challenging to ______ the abstract painting's emotional impact using only words.
  3. Could you please ______ the process for applying for the grant, step by step?
  4. The consultant was asked to ______ the key findings from the market research, highlighting the most significant trends.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. To effectively convey the intricate details of the new product, the marketing team decided to use highly ______ language in their advertisements. a) persuade b) descriptive c) evaluate d) vivid
  2. Which word best conveys the act of giving a detailed account of something, often including its characteristics or features? a) narrate b) recount c) describe d) outline
  3. The scientist was tasked with preparing a report that would ______ the observed phenomena and ______ their potential causes. a) analyze b) describe c) explain d) illustrate
  4. When faced with a complex problem, it is often helpful to ______ the different components before attempting a solution. a) interpret b) analyze c) judge d) predict
  5. To better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two competing proposals, the committee decided to ______ them side by side. a) contrast b) compare c) summarize d) outline

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project manager presented a thorough account of the progress made during the last quarter. (Use a form of "describe")
  2. Her presentation gave a clear picture of the challenges faced by the team. (Use a form of "describe")
  3. Before making a decision, we need to carefully examine the advantages and disadvantages of each option. (Do NOT use "describe")

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. describe
  2. describe
  3. explain
  4. summarize

Exercise 2:

  1. b) descriptive, d) vivid
  2. c) describe
  3. b) describe, c) explain
  4. b) analyze
  5. a) contrast, b) compare

Exercise 3:

  1. The project manager provided a thorough description of the progress made during the last quarter.
  2. Her presentation clearly described the challenges faced by the team.
  3. Before making a decision, we need to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

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