Describe vs. Discuss — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 20, 2023
Describe means to give a detailed account, while discuss involves examining a topic by considering multiple perspectives.
Difference Between Describe and Discuss
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Describe and discuss, though commonly used interchangeably, have distinct meanings in various contexts. To describe is to give a detailed account or representation of something in words. It focuses on portraying facts, characteristics, or the main attributes of a topic. Discuss, in contrast, involves delving deeper into a subject by examining, analyzing, or considering it from multiple viewpoints.
When you describe a person, place, or thing, you're painting a picture with words. The objective is to convey the subject's appearance, nature, or essence without necessarily diving into interpretations or opinions. Discuss, on the other hand, suggests a more interactive or deliberative approach. It implies a conversation, debate, or a comprehensive analysis where different aspects or interpretations of the subject are explored.
In academic or professional settings, the distinction becomes crucial. If a student is asked to describe a historical event, they would detail what happened, when, and where. However, if asked to discuss the same event, they would be expected to delve into its causes, effects, controversies, and possibly even its significance or implications.
In everyday language, describe might be used when someone wishes to convey the details of their day, a movie they watched, or a book they read. Discuss would be more appropriate if they were delving into their opinions on that day, movie, or book, and wanted to engage in a conversation about it, taking into account different perspectives or nuances.
It's essential to recognize the contexts in which each word is most fitting. While describing is about painting a clear picture, discussing involves a deeper dive, often requiring critical thinking, analysis, or engagement with diverse viewpoints.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Give a detailed account in words.
Examine or analyze a topic in depth.
Focus
Facts, characteristics, appearances.
Analysis, opinions, perspectives.
Engagement Level
Generally one-way communication.
Involves two-way communication or debate.
Context
Reporting, narrating, portraying.
Conversing, debating, deliberating.
Depth
Surface-level details.
Deep analysis, often requiring consideration of multiple aspects.
Compare with Definitions
Describe
To give an account in words.
Can you describe the suspect to the officer?
Discuss
To engage in a conversation or discussion about.
Did you discuss the issue with her?
Describe
To trace the form or outline of.
She described a circle with a compass.
Discuss
To consider or examine by argument, comment, or debate.
Let's discuss the proposal in detail.
Describe
To give an account of in speech or writing
Describe a sea voyage.
Discuss
To talk about.
They discussed their plans for the weekend.
Describe
To convey an idea or impression of; characterize
She described her childhood as a time of wonder and discovery.
Discuss
To investigate by reasoning or argument.
The article discusses the impacts of climate change.
Describe
To represent pictorially; depict
Goya's etchings describe the horrors of war in grotesque detail.
Discuss
To talk over or write about, especially to explore solutions.
The team will discuss the marketing strategies.
Describe
To trace the form or outline of
Describe a circle with a compass.
Discuss
Talk about (something) with a person or people
They were discussing where to go for a drink
I discussed the matter with my wife
Describe
(transitive) To represent in words.
The feeling is difficult to describe, but not unpleasant.
The geographer describes countries and cities.
Several witnesses describe seeing lights in the sky that night.
Discuss
To speak with another or others about; talk over
Discussed the matter briefly.
Describe
(transitive) To represent by drawing; to draw a plan of; to delineate; to trace or mark out.
To describe a circle by the compasses;
A torch waved about the head in such a way as to describe a circle
Discuss
To examine or consider (a subject) in speech or writing
The book discusses the challenges that journalists face today.
Describe
To give rise to a geometrical structure.
The function describes a very complex surface.
Discuss
To speak with another or others about something
As we discussed yesterday, the problem could have more than one solution.
Describe
To introduce a new taxon to science by explaining its characteristics and particularly how it differs from other taxa.
The fungus was first described by a botanist.
Discuss
To examine or consider a subject in speech or writing.
Describe
(obsolete) To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.
Discuss
To come to an agreement as a result of a discussion
As we discussed, you will clean your room before going out.
Describe
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.
Discuss
(transitive) To converse or debate concerning a particular topic.
Let's sit down and discuss this rationally.
I don't wish to discuss this further. Let's talk about something else.
Describe
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 and cities.
Discuss
To communicate, tell, or disclose (information, a message, etc.).
Describe
To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.
Passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book.
Discuss
To break to pieces; to shatter.
Describe
To use the faculty of describing; to give a description; as, Milton describes with uncommon force and beauty.
Discuss
To deal with, in eating or drinking; consume.
Describe
Give a description of;
He drew an elaborate plan of attack
Discuss
To examine or search thoroughly; to exhaust a remedy against, as against a principal debtor before proceeding against the surety.
Describe
To give an account or representation of in words;
Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental
Discuss
To drive away, disperse, shake off; said especially of tumors.
Describe
Identify as in botany or biology, for example
Discuss
To break to pieces; to shatter.
Describe
Make a mark or lines on a surface;
Draw a line
Trace the outline of a figure in the sand
Discuss
To break up; to disperse; to scatter; to dissipate; to drive away; - said especially of tumors.
Many arts were used to discuss the beginnings of new affection.
A pomade . . . of virtue to discuss pimples.
Describe
To represent or delineate in detail.
She described the scenic beauty of the mountains.
Discuss
To shake; to put away; to finish.
All regard of shame she had discussed.
Describe
To convey an idea or impression of.
He described the movie as captivating.
Discuss
To examine in detail or by disputation; to reason upon by presenting favorable and adverse considerations; to debate; to sift; to investigate; to ventilate.
Describe
To communicate pictorially.
The painting describes the tranquility of nature.
Discuss
To deal with, in eating or drinking.
We sat quietly down and discussed a cold fowl that we had brought with us.
Discuss
To examine or search thoroughly; to exhaust a remedy against, as against a principal debtor before proceeding against the surety.
Discuss
To consider or examine in speech or writing;
The article covered all the different aspects of this question
The class discussed Dante's `Inferno'
Discuss
Speak with others about (something); talk (something) over in detail; have a discussion;
We discussed our household budget
Common Curiosities
What's the main distinction between describe and discuss?
Describe focuses on giving a detailed account, while discuss involves analyzing a topic from various perspectives.
Is describing always about visual details?
No, one can describe sounds, feelings, tastes, or any sensory experiences.
In academic contexts, what's the difference in approach between the two?
Describe requires stating details without analysis, while discuss calls for deeper analysis and multiple viewpoints.
Can a discussion be brief?
Yes, a discussion can be brief or extended, depending on the depth or breadth of the topic covered.
Do discussions always end with a conclusion?
Not always. Some discussions are open-ended, meant to explore rather than conclude.
Which requires more depth, describing or discussing?
Discussing generally requires more depth and analysis compared to describing.
Does discussing always involve multiple people?
Not necessarily. One can discuss a topic in writing or think deeply about it individually.
Is description only about appearance?
No, one can describe emotions, processes, patterns, or any phenomenon.
Can descriptions be subjective?
While descriptions tend to be factual, they can carry subjective elements based on personal perceptions.
Can a single piece of writing both describe and discuss a topic?
Absolutely, many writings describe a subject and then discuss its implications or related perspectives.
Can I use "describe" and "discuss" interchangeably?
While sometimes used interchangeably in casual settings, they have different meanings and should be used appropriately.
Do discussions have to be formal?
No, discussions can be formal or informal, depending on the context.
Can a person describe without knowing much about a topic?
Yes, one can describe based on surface-level observations without deep knowledge.
Why is it important to differentiate between the two in academics?
Understanding the difference ensures the right approach to answering questions or writing essays, meeting the requirements.
Is every description factual?
While descriptions aim to be factual, they can sometimes be influenced by personal perceptions or biases.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
