Description vs. Specification — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 28, 2023
Description details characteristics or qualities, while specification lists precise measurements or criteria.
Difference Between Description and Specification
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Description is a general portrayal or explanation of an object, person, or event, focusing on characteristics and qualities. Specification is a detailed, often technical, enumeration of aspects, dimensions, materials, or standards.
In a description, the language is usually narrative and illustrative, aiming to paint a picture or convey an impression. Specification, however, uses precise, unambiguous language, focusing on exact details and measurements.
When describing a product, one might mention its color, style, and purpose. In contrast, specifications will list exact dimensions, materials, and performance criteria.
A description can be subjective, influenced by the observer’s perspective. Specifications are objective, based on factual and quantifiable data.
In literature, descriptions enrich the narrative and set the scene. In engineering or manufacturing, specifications are crucial for ensuring products meet required standards.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
General portrayal or explanation
Detailed, precise enumeration
Language
Narrative, illustrative
Precise, unambiguous
Focus
Characteristics, qualities
Exact details, measurements
Subjectivity
Can be subjective
Objective, factual
Usage
Enriches narrative in literature
Ensures standards in engineering
Compare with Definitions
Description
A summary of main features.
The brochure gave a brief description of the tour.
Specification
Precise presentation of characteristics.
The blueprint contained detailed specifications.
Description
A verbal representation of something.
His description of the sunset was breathtaking.
Specification
Enumeration of dimensions and sizes.
The furniture’s specifications were exact.
Description
Depiction of a person's characteristics.
The novel’s description of the protagonist was vivid.
Specification
Explicit identification of components.
The specifications listed all required materials.
Description
An account of an occurrence.
Her description of the event was captivating.
Specification
Detailed outline of necessary features.
The contract included strict specifications.
Description
An embellished depiction.
His poetic description enhanced the story's charm.
Specification
Criteria setting for performance.
The product met all technical specifications.
Description
Description is the pattern of narrative development that aims to make vivid a place, object, character, or group. Description is one of four rhetorical modes (also known as modes of discourse), along with exposition, argumentation, and narration.
Specification
The act of specifying.
Description
A spoken or written account of a person, object, or event
People who had seen him were able to give a description
Specification
Specifications A detailed, exact statement of particulars, especially a statement prescribing materials, dimensions, and quality of work for something to be built, installed, or manufactured.
Description
A type or class of people or things
It is laughably easy to buy drugs of all descriptions
Specification
A single item or article that has been specified.
Description
The act, process, or technique of describing.
Specification
An exact written description of an invention by an applicant for a patent.
Description
A statement or an account describing something
Published a description of the journey.
Gave a vivid description of the game.
Specification
An explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, or service.
Description
A pictorial representation
Monet's ethereal descriptions of haystacks and water lilies.
Specification
An act of specifying.
Description
A kind or sort
Cars of every size and description.
Specification
The act of specifying or determining by a mark or limit; notation of limits.
This specification or limitation of the question hinders the disputers from wandering away from the precise point of inquiry.
Description
A sketch or account of anything in words; a portraiture or representation in language; an enumeration of the essential qualities of a thing or species.
Give a verbal description of the events
A realistic description
Specification
The designation of particulars; particular mention; as, the specification of a charge against an officer.
Description
The act of describing; a delineation by marks or signs.
Specification
A written statement containing a minute description or enumeration of particulars, as of charges against a public officer, the terms of a contract, the description of an invention, as in a patent; also, a single article, item, or particular, an allegation of a specific act, as in a charge of official misconduct.
Description
A set of characteristics by which someone or something can be recognized.
The zoo had no lions, tigers, or cats of any description.
Specification
A detailed listing or description of the required properties of some object proposed to be built or bought; - usually used in the plural; as, the building specifications require that it withstand an earthquake of magnitude 8; the program specifications require an option to change the menus.
Description
(taxonomy) A scientific documentation of a taxon for the purpose of introducing it to science.
The type description of the fungus was written by a botanist.
Specification
A detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work
Description
(linguistics) The act or practice of recording and describing actual language usage in a given speech community, as opposed to prescription, i.e. laying down norms of language usage.
Specification
Naming explicitly
Description
(linguistics) A descriptive linguistic survey.
Specification
(patent law) a document drawn up by the applicant for a patent of invention that provides an explicit and detailed description of the nature and usse of an invention
Description
The act of describing; a delineation by marks or signs.
Specification
A restriction that is insisted upon as a condition for an agreement
Description
A sketch or account of anything in words; a portraiture or representation in language; an enumeration of the essential qualities of a thing or species.
Milton has descriptions of morning.
Description
A class to which a certain representation is applicable; kind; sort.
A difference . . . between them and another description of public creditors.
The plates were all of the meanest description.
Description
A statement that represents something in words
Description
The act of describing something
Description
Sort or variety;
Every description of book was there
Common Curiosities
Are specifications important in product design?
Absolutely, they define the product's characteristics.
Are specifications only used in technical fields?
Mostly, but they can apply in any field requiring precision.
Can a description be part of a specification?
Yes, as an introductory or explanatory element.
Can a description be purely factual?
Yes, especially in formal or academic contexts.
Can descriptions vary from person to person?
Yes, they can be influenced by personal perspective.
Do descriptions help in marketing?
Definitely, they can attract and engage potential customers.
Are specifications legally binding?
In contracts and agreements, they can be.
Is a description always subjective?
Often, but it can be objective when presenting factual information.
How important are descriptions in storytelling?
Crucial for setting scenes and character development.
Is it possible for specifications to change?
Yes, they can be updated based on new standards or improvements.
Do specifications ensure quality?
They set the standard for quality assessment.
Can specifications be too detailed?
Overly detailed specifications might complicate production or usage.
Do specifications impact the cost of a product?
Yes, higher specifications often mean higher costs.
Should descriptions be detailed?
It depends on the context and purpose.
Can descriptions be used to mislead?
Unfortunately, yes, especially in advertising or propaganda.
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Written 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.
