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Definition of descriptively

descriptively

/dɪˈskrɪptɪvli/
de · scrip · tive · ly
Adjective:descriptive
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descriptively Lexical Profile

descriptively Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a vivid, detailed, or illustrative manner that serves to describe or depict something clearly.

Example

"The author wrote so descriptively about the coastal village that readers felt as though they could smell the salt air."

2

In a way that observes, records, or analyzes how something actually functions or exists, rather than prescribing rules or norms for how it ought to be (especially in linguistics, ethics, or the sciences).

Example

"Modern lexicographers approach language descriptively, documenting how words are genuinely used by native speakers rather than enforcing arbitrary rules."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for descriptively

• Nearby Words

describer
description
descriptive
descriptively
descriptiveness
descriptor
desdemona

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Descriptively. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/descriptively
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