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verb · A2 · often · UK/US

describe

describe

Meaning of describe

explain in detail

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A2often

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Pronunciation
British English/dɪˈskraɪb/
American English/dɪˈskraɪb/
Russian transcription[ɐpʲɪsɨˈvatʲ]
describe
describe - описывать
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describe with Russian translation

describe usage examples

🇷🇺Russian🇬🇧English

На уроке студентов просят описывать праздничные блюда своих родных стран.

During class, students describe holiday foods from their home countries.

🇷🇺Russian🇬🇧English

В интерактивной экспозиции посетителям предлагают описывать, как в каждом регионе празднуют Новый год.

The interactive exhibit asks visitors to describe how each region celebrates the new year.

Learn by topic

describe belongs to the topic "Style and Taste". Start with a short 7-word set so the word is easier to remember in context.

describeописывать
childребёнок
shirtрубашка
skirtюбка
pantsбрюки
trousersбрюки
jeansджинсы

describe synonyms

Related word breakdowns

What's the difference between describe / detail / explain / tell / depict / portray

🇬🇧English
describe

General neutral verb meaning to give the features, appearance or details of something.

A1Very Often

Please describe the festival for the class.

Пожалуйста, опишите фестиваль для класса.

🇬🇧English

Emphasizes giving small elements or many specifics; to describe fully with particulars.

B1Often

She detailed the steps of the ceremony.

Она подробно описала этапы церемонии.

🇬🇧English

Emphasizes making something clear or giving reasons rather than just listing features.

A2Very Often

Can you explain how the ceremony works?

Можете объяснить, как проходит церемония?

🇬🇧English

Focuses on conveying information or a story to someone; can include description but often means 'inform' or 'narrate'.

A1Very Often

Tell me about your holiday.

Расскажи мне о своём отпуске.

D
🇬🇧English
depict

Often used for visual or literary representation; stresses showing or representing rather than neutral description.

B2Rarely

The book depicts village life in the 19th century.

Книга изображает деревенскую жизнь в XIX веке.

P
🇬🇧English
portray

Used for creating an image of a person/character or role; common in art and criticism.

B2Rarely

The actor portrayed the leader convincingly.

Актёр убедительно изобразил лидера.

🇬🇧English

Gives the main points or structure without detail; a brief summary or plan.

B1Often

Please outline the country's main traditions.

Пожалуйста, изложите основные традиции страны вкратце.

🇬🇧English

Focuses on listing distinguishing traits or evaluating typical qualities; often analytical.

B2Rarely

Scholars characterize the festival as a mix of old and new customs.

Учёные характеризуют фестиваль как смесь старых и новых обычаев.

R
🇬🇧English
recount

To narrate events or tell a story, often focusing on sequence and what happened.

B2Rarely

He recounted the legend passed down in his family.

Он пересказал легенду, передаваемую в его семье.

🇬🇧English

To give a brief, rough description or outline; implies lack of detail, similar to a quick sketch.

B1Often

She sketched the village in a few sentences.

Она вкратце описала деревню в нескольких предложениях.

What's the difference

Related words and lists for describe

How to pronounce describe and what this word means

describe translation: описывать. This page includes translation, pronunciation, transcription, audio, usage examples and related words.

how to pronounce describe

/dɪˈskraɪb/

describe translation

описывать

describe examples

During class, students describe holiday foods from their home countries.

describe transcription

/dɪˈskraɪb/, /dɪˈskraɪb/

How this dictionary entry is reviewed

ZapomniEnglish prepares dictionary data automatically, then the editorial workflow checks high-frequency words, top lists, and pages that already receive search impressions first.

Translation and meaningPronunciation and transcriptionExamples, synonyms, and topics

Questions about this word

describe meaning: what does it mean?

explain in detail

describe pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?

describe is pronounced as /dɪˈskraɪb/. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.

describe definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?

During class, students describe holiday foods from their home countries. Translation: На уроке студентов просят описывать праздничные блюда своих родных стран.

Is describe part of Culture and Traditions of Countries vocabulary?

Yes, describe (описывать) can be learned in the Culture and Traditions of Countries topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.

Is describe part of Interview and Resume vocabulary?

Yes, describe (описывать) can be learned in the Interview and Resume topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.

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