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Description vs Explanation - What's the difference?

description | explanation |

Explanation is a synonym of description.



As nouns the difference between description and explanation

is that description is 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 while explanation is the act or process of explaining.

description

Noun

(en noun)
  • 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.
  • The act of describing; a delineation by marks or signs.
  • A set of characteristics by which someone or something can be recognized.
  • (biology) A scientific documentation of a specimen intended to reveal a new species by technically explaining its characteristics and particularly how it differs from other species.
  • The type description of the fungus was written by a botanist.

    Synonyms

    * (characteristics) sort, kind, type, variety

    See also

    * synopsis * interpretation

    Anagrams

    * ----

    explanation

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The act or process of explaining.
  • The explanation was long and drawn-out.
  • Something that explains, makes understandable.
  • An explanation for each UFO sighting was easily found.
  • (euphemistic) An excuse, apologetic justification not based on enough evidence.
  • expense.

    Synonyms

    * (act or process of explaining) clarification, elucidation, elaboration