Learn how to use describe and explain effectively in your writing by understanding their fundamental differences. Description focuses on sensory details and characteristics, while explanation involves reasons and causes.
To 'explain' something typically involves dealing with more abstract and conceptual ideas, theories, processes, or complex systems. It aims at providing logical connections and offering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. As such, 'explain' cannot be used when talking about qualities and appearance of concrete objects. To 'describe', on the other hand, is more concerned with concrete ...
Learn how to use describe and explain correctly in different contexts and fields. Describing focuses on sensory details and creating mental images, while explaining aims to provide understanding and clarify concepts.
Learn how to use describe and explain correctly in different contexts, such as literature, science, and academia. Compare their meanings, purposes, depths, and results with examples and a comparison chart.
Describe and Explain: In this present list of skills, ‘describe’ is most similar to ‘explain’; in some instances, they differ only in one’s intention. A description will list some of the properties or features of a thing (or process or event, etc.), but an explanation will relate the thing or event to a larger context that makes it ...
To explain something means to make its workings or reasons clear. It involves breaking down concepts into simpler parts, providing causes, effects, and processes. For example, explaining the water cycle involves discussing the mechanisms of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, and why they occur.
To explain an obscure point. The encyclopaedia was able to explain in detail how photosynthesis worked and the students were able to understand the concept. Make known in detail. To explain how to do something. The car manual will explain exactly how to change a flat tyre. Assign a meaning to something – interpret. How to explain a silly remark.
Describe requires an answer that says what something is like, how it works and so on. Discuss requires an answer that explains an item or concept, and then gives details about it with supportive information, examples, points for and against, and explanations for the facts put forward. It is important to give both sides of…
So, “describe" focuses on what it is, while "explain" focuses on why or how it happens. A few examples: Describe the organizational structure of Bright Wave Technologies. At Bright Wave Technologies, a mid-sized software development firm, the organizational structure follows a functional hierarchy.
Describe is often used to provide a clear, detailed picture of a subject, event, or concept, primarily focusing on 'what' aspects. Explain aims to clarify understanding, addressing 'why' or 'how' something happens or exists, often answering questions or resolving confusion.
Describe vs. Explain in Academic Settings. In academic settings, both description and explanation play vital roles in conveying knowledge effectively. The ability to describe involves presenting facts and observations in a straightforward manner, while the ability to explain requires the synthesis of knowledge and analytical skills to connect ...
To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate; to trace or mark out; as, to describe a circle by the compasses; a torch waved about the head in such a way as to describe a circle. (v. t.) To represent by words written or spoken; to give an account of; to make known to others by words or signs; as, the geographer describes countries ...
Explain An explanation is a set of statements usually constructed to describe a set of facts which clarifies the causes, context, and consequences of those facts. This description of the facts et cetera may establish rules or laws, and may clarify the existing rules or laws in relation to any objects, or phenomena examined.
Explain: Providing understanding or an explanation of how something works. Used in various contexts, such as explaining concepts, processes, or systems. Describe: Providing a detailed portrayal or representation of something. Used to describe the structure of a table in a database, including column names and data types.
Two of the most common command words used in GCSE geography exams are ‘describe’ and ‘explain’. It’s important that you know the difference between them, and this article will help you to improve your answers. to write down more than one point, which could mean having to develop your point or adding more points. For example:
To describe something is to give a description or account of something. Will you describe the painting to me? It is mostly blue with a big, empty sky. To explain something is to make the meaning clear. Will you explain the painting to me? The big, empty sky in the painting means freedom.
The Key Differences Between Describe and Explain. Now that we have clear definitions of the two terms, let us dive deeper into the dissimilarity between “describe” and “explain”. 1. Level of Detail. One of the main differences between describing and explaining is the level of detail required of each.
If you explain something, you give details about it or describe it so that it can be understood. [...] 2. If you explain something that has happened, you give people reasons for it, especially in an attempt to justify it. [...] More . Test your English. Fill in the blank with the correct answer.
