Dictionary
English - Dutch
Describe
dəˈskraɪb
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
beschrijven, opgeven, tekenen, vermelden
Describe meanings in Dutch
beschrijven
Example:
Can you describe the main character?
Kun je de hoofdpersoon beschrijven?
He described the beautiful landscape in detail.
Hij beschreef het mooie landschap in detail.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in both casual conversations and formal writing when talking about characteristics or features.
Note: The verb 'beschrijven' is often used in a variety of contexts, such as literature, art, and everyday situations.
opgeven
Example:
Please describe your symptoms to the doctor.
Geef uw symptomen alstublieft op aan de dokter.
He described the issue he was facing at work.
Hij gaf het probleem op dat hij op het werk ondervond.
Usage: formalContext: Commonly used in medical or technical contexts, where details need to be given for better understanding.
Note: This usage implies giving specific information or stating something clearly.
tekenen
Example:
Can you describe the layout of the room?
Kun je de indeling van de kamer tekenen?
She described the plan for the project with a diagram.
Ze tekende het plan voor het project met een diagram.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in educational or creative settings where visual representation is needed.
Note: In this context, 'tekenen' can mean to sketch or illustrate something verbally.
vermelden
Example:
He didn't describe the process in his report.
Hij vermeldde het proces niet in zijn rapport.
She described her experience briefly.
Ze vermeldde haar ervaring kort.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in written or spoken communication where summarizing or referencing is required.
Note: This meaning emphasizes mentioning rather than providing a detailed account.
Describe's synonyms
depict
To depict means to show or represent something in a picture or story.
Example: The artist depicted a beautiful sunset in her painting.
Note: Depict is more commonly used in the context of visual representation, while describe is more general.
portray
To portray means to depict or represent someone or something in a particular way.
Example: The author portrayed the protagonist as a brave and determined character.
Note: Portray often implies a specific perspective or characterization, while describe is more about providing details or information.
characterize
To characterize means to describe the distinctive features or qualities of someone or something.
Example: The novel characterizes the struggles of immigrants in a new country.
Note: Characterize focuses on highlighting specific traits or qualities, while describe is more about providing an overall account.
outline
To outline means to give a brief summary or overview of something.
Example: The teacher asked the students to outline the main points of the lesson.
Note: Outline is more concise and focused on key points, while describe is more detailed and comprehensive.
Describe expressions, common phrases
Paint a picture
To describe something in a detailed and vivid manner to help others visualize or understand it better.
Example: She painted a vivid picture of her vacation in Italy.
Note: This phrase emphasizes creating a visual image through description.
Put into words
To describe or explain something using language or expressions.
Example: It's hard to put into words how grateful I am for your help.
Note: This phrase highlights the act of verbalizing descriptions.
Tell me about
To request information or a description of a specific topic or event.
Example: Can you tell me about your trip to Japan?
Note: This phrase is a direct request for a description of something.
Give me the lowdown
To provide a detailed description or explanation of a situation or event.
Example: Can you give me the lowdown on what happened at the meeting?
Note: This informal phrase implies a thorough and concise description.
Break it down
To explain or describe something in simpler or more detailed parts.
Example: Could you break down the process for me step by step?
Note: This phrase suggests breaking a description into easily understandable components.
Get the gist
To understand the main point or essence of something without needing a detailed description.
Example: I didn't catch all the details, but I got the gist of what she was saying.
Note: This phrase focuses on grasping the core idea without requiring a full description.
Put it in a nutshell
To summarize or describe something concisely in a few words or sentences.
Example: Can you put the main points of the report in a nutshell for me?
Note: This phrase emphasizes brevity in description, capturing key points succinctly.
Give me a rundown
To provide a brief summary or description of a list of items or events.
Example: Could you give me a quick rundown of what's on the agenda for the meeting?
Note: This phrase suggests a quick and summarized description of multiple points or topics.
Spell it out
To explain or describe something in a clear and detailed manner.
Example: I need you to spell out the guidelines for me clearly.
Note: This phrase emphasizes clarity and explicitness in descriptions.
Describe everyday (slang) expressions
Put it in layman's terms
This phrase means to explain something complex or technical in simple, easy-to-understand language that a non-expert can comprehend.
Example: Can you put that scientific jargon in layman's terms for me?
Note: The original word 'describe' is more formal, while 'put it in layman's terms' is informal and approachable.
Break it down for me
To break something down means to explain it in smaller or simpler parts to aid understanding.
Example: Could you break down the plot of the movie for me?
Note: While 'describe' is a general term for explaining something, 'break it down' specifically indicates dissecting the information.
Give me the scoop
To give someone the scoop means to provide them with all the latest and most important information or details about a specific topic.
Example: What's the scoop on the new restaurant in town?
Note: Unlike 'describe,' which is a neutral term for explanation, 'give me the scoop' implies sharing insider or exclusive information.
Hit me with the details
This expression is a way to request a thorough explanation or account of specific information or events.
Example: I need you to hit me with the details of how the project went.
Note: While 'describe' is a standard term for explaining, 'hit me with the details' emphasizes a strong desire for in-depth information.
Spell it out for me
To spell something out means to explain it very clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or misunderstanding.
Example: I'm not following, can you spell it out for me?
Note: In contrast to 'describe,' which is a general term for explanation, 'spell it out for me' indicates a need for explicit and unambiguous explanation.
Describe - Examples
Describe the picture for me.
Beschrijf de afbeelding voor mij.
Can you describe your job to me?
Kun je me je baan beschrijven?
Please describe the suspect to the police.
Beschrijf alstublieft de verdachte aan de politie.
Describe grammar
Describe - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: describe
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): described
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): describing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): describes
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): describe
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): describe
Syllables, Separation and Stress
describe Contains 2 syllables: de • scribe
Phonetic transcription: di-ˈskrīb
de scribe , di ˈskrīb (The red syllable is stressed)
Describe - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
describe: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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