description
UK[dɪˈskrɪpʃn]US[dɪˈskrɪpʃn]
n
a statement that tells you what someone or something is like
n
the act or process of giving a description of someone or something
Morpheme Breakdown
de
script
ion
de
down, completely
script
write
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word "description" entered English in the late 14th century via Old French from the Latin descriptionem, the noun of action from the verb describere, meaning "to write down, copy, sketch, represent." This Latin verb is itself a compound of the prefix de- ("down") and scribere ("to write"). The core logic is vividly literal: to "write down" details about something, creating a representation with words. Over time, this process of "writing down" evolved from its physical sense to the more abstract modern meaning of portraying or defining the qualities of someone or something through language. The morpheme script remains a stable, recognizable unit across countless English words related to writing, such as manuscript, inscription, and prescription.
Analysis
Structure: de (down, completely) + script (write) + ion (noun suffix)
- de: A Latin prefix meaning "down" or "completely," indicating thoroughness.
- script: From Latin scribere (to write), a root directly present in the English spelling.
- ion: A Latin-derived suffix forming nouns indicating an action or process.
Examples
The police have issued a detailed description of the suspect.
The book gives a fascinating description of life in ancient Rome.
The job description clearly outlines the required duties and qualifications.