descriptive

[dih-skrip-tiv]

adjective

1. having the quality of describing; characterized by description.

   a descriptive passage in an essay.

2. Grammar.

   1. (of an adjective or other modifier) expressing a quality of the word it modifies, as fresh in fresh milk.

   2. (of a clause) nonrestrictive.

3. noting, concerned with, or based upon the fact or experience.

4. characterized by or based upon the classification and description of material in a given field.

   descriptive botany.

descriptive

/ dɪˈskrɪptɪv /

adjective

1. characterized by or containing description; serving to describe

2. grammar (of an adjective) serving to describe the referent of the noun modified, as for example the adjective brown as contrasted with my and former

3. relating to or based upon description or classification rather than explanation or prescription

   descriptive linguistics

Other Word Forms

• descriptively adverb
• descriptiveness noun
• nondescriptive adjective
• nondescriptively adverb
• nondescriptiveness noun
• overdescriptive adjective
• overdescriptively adverb
• overdescriptiveness noun
• self-descriptive adjective
• undescriptive adjective
• undescriptively adverb
• undescriptiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of descriptive¹

1745–55; < Late Latin dēscrīptīvus, equivalent to Latin dēscrīpt ( us ) ( description ) + -īvus -ive

Example Sentences

It’s also deeply descriptive, with a fitting focus on the self’s visage.

From Los Angeles Times

What a colorful, descriptive and absolutely apt adjective.

From Los Angeles Times

He named the brand Merch Motel because he found the phrase descriptive and liked its alliteration.

From Los Angeles Times

American Riviera Orchard “is primarily geographically descriptive,” the trademark office said, according to Vanity Fair.

From Los Angeles Times

Patent and Trademark Office in August rejected Meghan’s application “because the applied-for mark is primarily geographically descriptive,” Vanity Fair reported last month.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• definitive 
• detailed 
• eloquent 
• expressive 
• identifying www.thesaurus.com
• illuminating 
• pictorial 
• revealing 
• vivid