Describe vs. Explain: What’s the Difference? (With Examples)

When you’re trying to get your point across, it’s important to use the right words. This article will discuss the difference between “describe” and “explain”, with examples to help illustrate the point. By understanding the difference between these two words, you can be sure to use them correctly.

What Is The Difference Between “Describe” And “Explain”?

The main difference between “describe” and “explain” is that when you describe something, you are giving a general overview of it, while when you explain something, you are providing specific details. In other words, “explain” is more detailed than “describe”.

For example, “Describe the taste of a lemon” would be an instruction to list the properties or features of a lemon’s taste, whereas “Explain how sugar is used in baking” would be an instruction to provide information on how sugar interacts with other ingredients in baked goods.

Most of the time, “describe” and “explain” are interchangeable. “Describe” is often used more when talking about objects, while “explain” is often used more when talking about concepts or theories. 

However, there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, and you’ll sometimes see one word being used in place of the other. For example, you might see someone say, “Can you explain this to me?” or “Could you describe that for me?”

What Does “Describe” Mean?

The word “describe” is derived from the Latin word “describere,” which means “to write down.” When you describe something, you are providing a detailed account of it. This can be done through written or spoken words or through visual means such as art or photography. 

In order to properly describe something, you must first have a clear understanding of it yourself. This requires taking the time to study the subject matter carefully. Once you have a good grasp of the concept, you can then begin to convey your ideas about it to others. 

According to The Cambridge Dictionary, “describe” is a verb that means “to say or write what someone or something is like”.

See the following examples of how to use “describe” in a sentence.

1. Please describe your experience working with our company. 
2. Can you describe the product in more detail? 
3. Could you describe the scene in more detail? 
4. Can you describe your feelings toward the subject matter? 
5. What words would you use to describe this painting? 
6. How would you describe your relationship with your father?  
7. Tell us about a time when you had to describe something complex to a child.

What Does “Explain” Mean?

To explain something is to provide an understanding of it. Usually, this means breaking the thing down into its component parts and describing how each part works. It can also involve providing examples or a story that helps illustrate the point. 

Essentially, explaining something to someone is taking something complex and making it easier to understand for someone else.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word “Explain” as a verb that means “to make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it”.

Explore the following examples of how to use “explain” in a sentence.

1. Can you explain what happened at the party last night? 
2. I don’t understand why she’s so upset — can you explain it to me? 
3. I don’t know how that works — could you explain it to me? 
4. She didn’t really seem to want to explain what had happened.
5. Could somebody please explain this concept to me? 
6. It’s not exactly clear what’s going on — could someone please explain it further?
7. Would you be able to explain that in simpler terms?

 Is “Describe” Or “Explain” Used The Most?

According to the Google Ngram Viewer graph, the word “explain” is more used than “describe” in English.

The word “explain” is more used than “described” because it has a stronger connotation of making something understandable.

To explain something is to make it clear, while to describe something is to just give a factual account of it. 

In other words, when you explain something, you are going beyond the facts and providing an interpretation or explanation of what happened. This makes the information more meaningful and easier to understand for most people. 

 “Describe” And “Explain” – Synonyms

Here are some other words that can be used instead of “describe” and “explain”:

• Outline
• Depict
• Detail
• Enumerate
• Illustrate