describen

Describen is the third-person plural present indicative form of the Spanish verb describir, meaning “they describe” or, in contexts using ustedes, “you describe.” It is used when the subject performing the description is plural, such as a group of people or a formal address to multiple listeners. In standard Spanish, this form also appears as the present indicative for ustedes, who describe.

Etymology and classification: describir comes from Latin discribere, from de- plus scribere “to write.” In modern Spanish, describir is a regular -ir verb, and describen follows the normal pattern for present tense endings in -ir verbs: describo, describes, describe, describimos, describís, describen. The spelling and pronunciation reflect standard Spanish phonology, with the stress falling on the syllable that carries the stem.

Usage notes: Describen is used when detailing characteristics, events, or appearances. It commonly collocates with direct objects (describen la escena, describen las características) and can be followed by prepositional phrases to add detail (describen con precisión, describen en detalle). In narrative or report writing, it helps convey descriptions provided by multiple speakers or sources, or by a group addressed as ustedes.

Examples: “Los testigos describen al sospechoso.” “Los informes describen las características del producto.” “Ustedes describen la situación con claridad.” For contrast, the present subjunctive form is describan, used in subordinate clauses (es necesario que describan...).