décrire
describe
Donner des détails sur une personne, un objet ou une situation pour aider quelqu'un d'autre à se l'imaginer.
Definition & meaning
The verb décrire is a transitive verb that primarily means to describe, represent, or depict something or someone through words or images.
It has two main meanings:
- To provide a detailed account of the characteristics, appearance, or nature of a person, object, or event (e.g., "Describe your house").
- To trace a geometric path or shape (e.g., "The planet describes an ellipse around the sun").
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- décrire is a third-group (irregular) verb.
- It is conjugated similarly to écrire .
- It requires a direct object (e.g., Il décrit son voyage).
Word origin: The word comes from the Latin verb describere, formed by the prefix de- (down, away) and scribere (to write).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- dépeindre (to depict or paint with words)
- raconter (to tell or narrate)
- caractériser (to characterize)
- présenter (to present)
- détailler (to detail)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Je peux décrire mon chien.verb
I can describe my dog.
Tu dois décrire ce paysage magnifique.verb
You must describe this beautiful landscape.
Elle a décrit son voyage avec beaucoup de détails.verb
She described her trip with many details.
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