descriptive

noun

(grammar) An adjective (or other descriptive word)

adjective

Of, relating to, or providing a description.

(grammar) Of an adjective, stating an attribute of the associated noun (as heavy in the heavy dictionary).

(linguistics) Describing the structure, grammar, vocabulary and actual use of a language.

(sciences, philosophy) Describing and seeking to classify, as opposed to normative or prescriptive.

Roots

scriboscript- · Latin · write

Synonyms for descriptive

delineativeadj

Synonyms & related words for descriptive

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Words related to descriptive

Explore words related to descriptive — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include descriptively, descriptiveness, descriptions, descriptivist, describing, prescriptiveness, describer, explanatory. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for descriptive

Common synonyms for descriptive include delineative — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does descriptive come from?

The word descriptive breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root script-, from Latin scribo (“write”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.