Search Dictionary
Definition of descriptive

descriptive

/dɪˈskrɪptɪv/
de · scrip · tive
Adverb:descriptively
JUMP TO:

descriptive Lexical Profile

descriptive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Serving or seeking to describe or classify something in vivid, clear detail.

Example

"The author's descriptive prose brought the bustling nineteenth-century harbor to life."

2

Describing or classifying in an objective, nonjudgmental way how language or phenomena actually function, rather than prescribing rules for how they ought to be.

Example

"Modern lexicography takes a largely descriptive approach to recording how speakers use language."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for descriptive
Antonyms
View all antonyms for descriptive

• Rhymes for descriptive

• Nearby Words

describe
describer
description
descriptive
descriptively
descriptiveness
descriptor

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Late Latin descriptivus, from Latin descriptus, the past participle of describere ('to write down, copy, or represent').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Descriptive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/descriptive
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.