Describe vs. Explain – Which is Correct?

While often used interchangeably in casual conversation, describe and explain serve distinct purposes in conveying information. Describe focuses on sensory details and characteristics, painting a picture of “what” something is. Explain focuses on providing reasons, causes, or processes, clarifying “how” or “why” something works. Both are correct and essential verbs in English, used for distinct communication purposes to convey different types of information effectively.

Describe or Explain – Which is Correct?

Both “describe” and “explain” are grammatically correct and widely used verbs in American English. The distinction lies in the type of information you intend to convey. To describe is to provide details about the characteristics, appearance, or features of something, essentially answering “what is it like?” or “what happened?” To explain is to clarify, interpret, or provide reasons and causes for something, answering “how does it work?” or “why did it happen?”

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

A powerful trick to remember the difference is the “D for Details, E for Elucidate” mnemonic. Think of Describe as giving Details, focusing on the observable characteristics and qualities. Think of Explain as Elucidating, meaning to make clear or shed light on the underlying reasons, processes, or causes. If you’re painting a picture with words, use describe. If you’re clarifying a concept or process, use explain.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Describe	Verb	To give an account in words of (someone or something), including all the relevant characteristics, qualities, or events.	“The witness described the suspect’s car as a dark blue sedan.”
Explain	Verb	To make (an idea, situation, or problem) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts or ideas.	“Can you explain why the engine is making that strange noise?”

How to Use Describe

The verb “describe” is used when you want to convey the qualities, characteristics, features, or details of a person, place, thing, or event. It focuses on sensory information and observable attributes, aiming to create a mental image or understanding of “what” something is like. Descriptions can be objective (e.g., “The house has three bedrooms”) or subjective (e.g., “The house felt cozy and inviting”). It is fundamental for narrative writing, reporting, and conveying observations.

Example 1: The architect was asked to describe the proposed building’s facade to the city council.

Example 2: She struggled to find the words to describe the overwhelming beauty of the sunset.

Example 3: In his report, the detective had to describe the crime scene meticulously.

What are the different forms of Describe?

“Describe” is a regular verb. Its forms follow a standard pattern:

• Base form: describe
• Third-person singular present: describes
• Present participle: describing
• Past tense: described
• Past participle: described

Etymology of the word Describe

The word “describe” comes from the Old French descrire (12th century), which itself originated from the Latin describere. The Latin root means “to write down, copy, sketch, delineate,” formed from de- “down” (or “completely”) and scribere “to write.” This etymology clearly links the word to the act of putting details into words or drawing an outline.

How to Use Explain

The verb “explain” is used when you need to clarify, interpret, or provide reasons, causes, or processes behind something. It addresses the “how” or “why” of a situation, concept, or event, aiming to foster understanding rather than just detailing appearance. Explanations often involve logical connections, sequences of events, or underlying principles. It is crucial for teaching, problem-solving, and analytical communication.

Example 1: The professor took time to explain the complex theory of relativity to her students.

Example 2: Can you explain the steps involved in baking this cake from scratch?

Example 3: He tried to explain his absence from the meeting, citing an unexpected emergency.

What are the different forms of Explain?

“Explain” is also a regular verb. Its forms are:

• Base form: explain
• Third-person singular present: explains
• Present participle: explaining
• Past tense: explained
• Past participle: explained

Etymology of the word Explain

The word “explain” entered English in the late 14th century from the Old French explainer, which itself derived from the Latin explanare. The Latin meaning was “to make level, flatten,” and by extension, “to make clear, explain.” It is composed of ex- “out” and planus “flat, level, clear.” The idea of “making flat” metaphorically translates to “making clear” or “unfolding” a concept.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical and semantic concepts can help reinforce the distinction between “describe” and “explain,” ensuring precise communication.

• Verbs of Communication: Different verbs are chosen for specific communicative functions. “Describe” falls under verbs that convey sensory information and characteristics, while “explain” belongs to verbs that convey understanding, logic, and causation. Selecting the appropriate verb enhances clarity and the effectiveness of your message.
• Specificity vs. Causation: “Describe” often deals with the specificity of attributes – what something looks like, feels like, or what its components are. “Explain,” conversely, delves into causation or process – why something happens, how it works, or what its implications are. Recognizing this difference helps in structuring your thoughts and conveying the right depth of information.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “The house was old, with peeling paint and sagging shutters, but she described it as having ‘character’ and ‘potential.'” – From a real estate listing.
• “In the documentary, a historian worked to explain the complex geopolitical factors that led to the conflict.” – From a news feature on historical events.
• “He could only describe the feeling as a swirling vortex of emotions, too intense for mere words.” – From a contemporary novel depicting internal struggle.
• “The physics textbook explained the principle of superconductivity with clear diagrams and accessible language.” – From an educational text.
• “When asked about the new policy, the spokesperson chose to describe its benefits rather than explain its potential drawbacks.” – From a political interview.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. Can you _______ the rules of this board game before we start playing?
2. The artist tried to _______ the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the tapestry.
3. It’s difficult to _______ exactly why I feel so nostalgic when I hear that song.
4. The witness was asked to _______ the man he saw leaving the building.
5. Please _______ to me how you managed to solve such a challenging puzzle.

Answer Key

1. explain
2. describe
3. explain
4. describe
5. explain

Describe Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Portray	To represent or depict (someone or something) in words or art.
Characterize	To describe the distinctive nature or features of.
Detail	To give full information about; specify.
Recount	To tell someone about something; give an account of an event or experience.
Depict	To represent by drawing, painting, or other art form; also, to portray in words.

Explain Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Clarify	To make (something) less confusing and more comprehensible.
Elucidate	To make (something) clear; explain.
Interpret	To explain the meaning of (information, words, or actions).
Explicate	To analyze and develop (an idea or principle) in detail.
Justify	To show or prove to be right or reasonable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “describe” always about physical appearance?
No, while “describe” often refers to physical appearance, it can also be used to detail non-physical attributes such as feelings, processes, events, or abstract concepts. For example, you can “describe” a dream, a mood, or a sequence of actions.

Question 2: Can I use “explain” when I mean “describe”?
While there can be some overlap in very broad contexts, it’s generally best to avoid using “explain” when you primarily intend to “describe.” “Explain” specifically focuses on providing reasons, causes, or clarifying processes, whereas “describe” focuses on characteristics and details. Using them interchangeably can lead to ambiguity or imprecision in your communication.

Question 3: Which word is more formal?
Both “describe” and “explain” are standard English verbs suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Their formality depends more on the overall tone and subject matter of the communication rather than the words themselves. Both are fundamental to clear and effective expression.

Conclusion

Mastering the difference between describe and explain is key to precise and effective communication. Remember that describe paints a picture by detailing “what” something is like, focusing on characteristics and sensory information. Explain, on the other hand, clarifies “how” or “why” something operates, providing reasons, causes, or processes. By consciously choosing the verb that accurately reflects your intent, you ensure your message is understood exactly as you mean it. Pro Tip: Using the correct verb not only enhances clarity but also bolsters your credibility as a communicator, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of language.