describir (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The word "describir" is a verb in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

The phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is: /deskɾiˈβiɾ/

Translation Options into English

• to describe

Meaning and Usage

"Describir" means to give an account of something in words, to portray, or to represent a person, object, or situation with details. It is frequently used in both oral and written contexts. This verb can often be found in descriptive writing, storytelling, and academic contexts where detailed explanations are required.

Frequency of Use

"Describir" is commonly used in everyday conversation as well as in formal writing such as essays, reports, and literary works. Its frequency is relatively high, given that describing is a fundamental communicative act.

Example Sentences

1. Describir una escena es importante para que el lector se sienta involucrado.

2. Describing a scene is important so that the reader feels involved.

3. Ella sabe describir a las personas con gran precisión.

4. She knows how to describe people with great precision.

5. En la clase de arte, nos pidieron describir nuestra obra maestra.

6. In art class, we were asked to describe our masterpiece.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "describir" itself may not be used in numerous idiomatic expressions, it can be part of phrases to illustrate the action of describing. Here are some contexts and expressions where it naturally fits:

1. Describir con palabras lo que se siente es un desafío.

2. Describing with words what one feels is a challenge.

3. No puedo describir la belleza de este lugar.

4. I can't describe the beauty of this place.

5. Describir la situación requería mucha delicadeza.

6. Describing the situation required a lot of delicacy.

7. Describir un sentimiento a menudo puede ser difícil.

8. Describing a feeling can often be difficult.

9. Cuando me pidieron que describiera el problema, no supe qué decir.

10. When I was asked to describe the problem, I didn’t know what to say.

11. A veces, es mejor mostrar que describir.

12. Sometimes, it is better to show than to describe.

Etymology

The word "describir" comes from the Latin root "describere", which is composed of "de-" (meaning "down, away") and "scribere" (meaning "to write"). Thus, it literally means "to write down" or "to write about." This etymology reflects the act of detailing or representing verbally.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Narrar (to narrate)
• Detallar (to detail)
• Exponer (to expose or explain)

Antonyms

• Ocultar (to conceal)
• Silenciar (to silence)
• Ignorar (to ignore)

In summary, "describir" is a vital verb with rich usage in both informal and formal settings, essential for communication that requires detail and clarity.