WordGarden.iodescriptively
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪˈskrɪptɪvli/adverb
US
- /dɪskrˈɪptɪvli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a way that describes something in words, often by giving detail rather than judging it
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're telling a story about a magical forest. You wouldn't just say, "There was a tree." Instead, you might describe the scene descriptively: "A tall oak stood on a blanket of soft green moss, and the air smelled like wet leaves." To speak or write descriptively means to paint a picture with words—adding clear details so your audience can truly see, hear, smell, taste, and feel what you're describing. It's about how you say something, not just what you say. A detective, for instance, might describe a suspect's appearance descriptively so a sketch artist can draw an accurate wanted poster.
"Descriptively" is an adverb that tells us how an action is performed—specifically, how something is being described or told. It means in a way that provides detailed and vivid information, appealing to the senses and creating a clear picture in the mind of the listener or reader. It goes beyond simply stating facts; it focuses on using language to evoke imagery and emotion.
You might say a novelist is known for writing descriptively if their prose is full of rich detail and sensory language. A chef might talk about a dish descriptively, detailing not just the ingredients but also the aroma, texture, and flavor profile. In contrast, a scientist would likely describe an experiment objectively—focusing on raw, measurable facts rather than subjective impressions.
The context is key! While all good writing uses some description, using "descriptively" emphasizes a deliberate focus on detail and imagery. It's about creating a strong impression through the power of language. For example: "The witness spoke descriptively about the vehicle, noting its faded paint, dented fender, and unusual tire treads." Or, "She spoke descriptively about her travels in Italy, bringing the sights, sounds, and smells of Rome to life."
So, when you want to emphasize a detailed and evocative approach to communication, remember that speaking or writing descriptively is all about painting with words.
Examples
- 1
Vivid writing
She wrote about the old town descriptively, mentioning the narrow streets, the church bells, and the smell of bread from the bakery.
- 2
Neutral description
The guide describes the paintings descriptively, without saying whether they are good or bad.
- 3
Language use
In this chapter, the term is used descriptively, to show how people actually speak.
- Phraseused descriptively
used to report real usage, not to judge it
See also
Similar
- in descriptive terms
Shades of meaning
- vividly
- graphically
- illustratively
Contrast
- prescriptively
- evaluatively
Used with (collocations)
- write descriptively
- descriptively rich
- descriptively named
Word family
Explore
- descriptive writing
- descriptive linguistics
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- descriptivelyadverb