Describe vs. Inform — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Describe and Inform
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Describe
To give an account of in speech or writing
Describe a sea voyage.
Inform
Inform is a programming language and design system for interactive fiction originally created in 1993 by Graham Nelson. Inform can generate programs designed for the Z-code or Glulx virtual machines.
Describe
To convey an idea or impression of; characterize
She described her childhood as a time of wonder and discovery.
Inform
To impart information to; make aware of something
We were informed by mail of the change in plans. The nurse informed me that visiting hours were over.
Describe
To represent pictorially; depict
Goya's etchings describe the horrors of war in grotesque detail.
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Inform
To acquaint (oneself) with knowledge of a subject.
Describe
To trace the form or outline of
Describe a circle with a compass.
Inform
To give form or character to; imbue with a quality or an essence
"A society's strength is measured by ... its ability to inform a future generation with its moral standards" (Vanity Fair).
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.
Inform
To be a formative or characterizing presence in; animate
"It is this brash, backroom sensibility that informs his work as a novelist" (Jeff Shear).
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
Inform
(Obsolete) To form (the mind or character) by teaching or training.
Describe
To give rise to a geometrical structure.
The function describes a very complex surface.
Inform
To give or provide information.
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.
Inform
To disclose confidential or incriminating information to an authority
The defendant informed against the other members of the ring.
Describe
(obsolete) To distribute into parts, groups, or classes; to mark off; to class.
Inform
To instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge).
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.
Inform
(transitive) To communicate knowledge to.
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.
Inform
(intransitive) To impart information or knowledge.
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.
Inform
To act as an informer; denounce.
Describe
To use the faculty of describing; to give a description; as, Milton describes with uncommon force and beauty.
Inform
(transitive) To give form or character to; to inspire (with a given quality); to affect, influence (with a pervading principle, idea etc.).
His sense of religion informs everything he writes.
Describe
Give a description of;
He drew an elaborate plan of attack
Inform
To make known, wisely and/or knowledgeably.
Describe
To give an account or representation of in words;
Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental
Inform
To direct, guide.
Describe
Identify as in botany or biology, for example
Inform
To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.
Describe
Make a mark or lines on a surface;
Draw a line
Trace the outline of a figure in the sand
Inform
Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
Inform
Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
Inform
To give form or share to; to give vital or organizing power to; to give life to; to imbue and actuate with vitality; to animate; to mold; to figure; to fashion.
Let others better mold the running massOf metals, and inform the breathing brass.
Breath informs this fleeting frame.
Breathes in our soul, informs our mortal part.
Inform
To communicate knowledge to; to make known to; to acquaint; to advise; to instruct; to tell; to notify; to enlighten; - usually followed by of.
For he would learn their business secretly,And then inform his master hastily.
I am informed thoroughly of the cause.
Inform
To communicate a knowledge of facts to, by way of accusation; to warn against anybody.
Tertullus . . . informed the governor against Paul.
Inform
To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.
It is the bloody business which informsThus to mine eyes.
Inform
To give intelligence or information; to tell.
He might either teach in the same manner, or inform how he had been taught.
Inform
Impart knowledge of some fact, state or affairs, or event to;
I informed him of his rights
Inform
Give character or essence to;
The principles that inform modern teaching
Inform
Act as an informer;
She had informed on her own parents for years
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