Guide 155 / 200 5 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “describe”
Five verbs for different kinds of describing.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Describe" is general. "Characterise" names qualities; "outline" is high-level; "portray" is evaluative; "depict" is visual or dramatic; "illustrate" works with examples.
ii · The swaps5 ways
- 01Characterise formal
name essential qualities
Characterise the customer segment in two sentences.
- 02Outline neutral
give high-level shape
Outline the plan in the memo.
- 03Portray neutral
describe with evaluative tone
The filing portrays the deal as routine.
- 04Depict formal
describe visually or dramatically
The chart depicts the shift clearly.
- 05Illustrate neutral
describe with supporting examples
Illustrate the point with three cases.