Descrição

Descrição is a noun in Portuguese that denotes the act of describing or the representation of the features of a person, object, event, place, or phenomenon through language or other systems. It can refer to a verbal account, a written passage, or a visual or data-based depiction. The term derives from Latin descriptio, from des- “up” or “down” plus scribere “to write.” The related verb is descrever.

In daily use, descrição appears in journalism, science, art, and law to convey characteristics or conditions. In lexicography, a description explains the senses and usage of a word. In tourism, descriptions of landscapes or cities help readers imagine the scene. In computing, description generation or description logic is used to produce natural language descriptions from data.

Types of description include objective descriptions, emphasizing observable attributes, and subjective descriptions, reflecting the describer’s impressions or feelings. Descrição can be descriptive of physical features, topography, anatomy, or behavior, and can be technical, such as a product description, or literary, such as a descriptive passage that paints a scene. A well-crafted description uses precise terms, clear focus, and appropriate sensory details, while avoiding unnecessary ambiguity or extraneous information.

The structure of a description often follows a logical plan: identify the subject, list essential features, provide contextual information or function, and note any relevant changes over time. In literature, description serves to establish setting or character and to complement action. In scientific writing, descriptions are typically concise and neutral to support further analysis. Overall, description is a fundamental tool across disciplines for conveying how things appear, work, or feel.