At the A1 level, you might not use the word descriptivo itself very often, but you are already doing 'trabajo descriptivo.' This level is all about basic descriptions: colors, sizes, and simple qualities. When you say 'La casa es roja' or 'El perro es grande,' you are being descriptive. However, as an A1 learner, you should start recognizing this word in instructions. For example, a teacher might say, 'Escribe un texto descriptivo de tu familia.' This means you should use the adjectives you've learned (alto, bajo, simpático, etc.) to tell us about them. The word 'descriptivo' comes from the verb 'describir' (to describe). Even if you don't use the long adjective yet, knowing that it's about 'painting with words' is a great start. You should focus on the ending: '-o' for masculine things (un libro descriptivo) and '-a' for feminine things (una foto descriptiva). This is one of the first grammar rules you learn, and 'descriptivo' follows it perfectly. Imagine you are a detective looking at a picture; everything you say about that picture is part of a 'descripción.' In A1, we keep it simple, but we are building the foundation for more complex details later on. Remember, 'descriptivo' is just a fancy way of saying 'full of details.' If you see this word on a test, don't panic! It just means the examiner wants you to use your adjectives. It's a signal to show off what you know about colors, shapes, and feelings.
In A2, your vocabulary is growing, and you are starting to use more specific adjectives. The word descriptivo becomes more useful because you are now expected to give more than just one-word descriptions. You can describe your routine, your city, or a past vacation. When you read a brochure for a hotel, you might notice that the language is 'muy descriptivo'—it tells you about the 'vistas maravillosas' (wonderful views) and the 'habitaciones amplias' (spacious rooms). At this level, you should be able to identify if a text is descriptive or if it's just a list of facts. You might also encounter the word in grammar exercises, such as 'adjetivos descriptivos.' These are the words that tell us *what* something is like, rather than *whose* it is (possessive) or *which* one it is (demonstrative). A key tip for A2 learners is to notice the 'p' in 'descriptivo.' Many learners want to write it with a 'b' because of the verb 'describir,' but in the adjective form, that 'b' turns into a 'p.' This is a common pattern in Spanish word families. If you can remember 'descriptivo' with a 'p,' you're already ahead of many other students! You will also start to see this word in more formal contexts, like a simple weather report or a basic news article. It's a word that helps you categorize the information you are receiving. Is this person giving me their opinion, or are they being 'descriptivo' and just telling me the facts? This distinction is important as you move toward the B1 level.
At the B1 level, descriptivo is a word you should be using actively. You are now at a 'Threshold' level where you can express opinions, deal with most situations while traveling, and produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar. 'Descriptivo' is essential for literary analysis and for writing more sophisticated essays. You will learn that a 'párrafo descriptivo' is a specific tool used to set a scene in a story. You'll also encounter it in professional settings. For instance, if you're looking at a job description, it might be called a 'perfil descriptivo del puesto.' This tells you exactly what the job entails. In B1, you also start to understand the nuance of word order. You'll notice that 'descriptivo' almost always comes after the noun. You might say, 'Me gusta el estilo descriptivo de este autor porque me ayuda a imaginar la escena.' This shows you understand not just the meaning of the word, but its grammatical role and its stylistic value. You should also be comfortable using the adverbial form 'descriptivamente' (descriptively), although it's less common than the adjective. Another important aspect of B1 is recognizing 'estadística descriptiva' if you are studying or working in a technical field. This refers to the branch of statistics that summarizes data. So, 'descriptivo' isn't just for poets; it's for scientists too! Mastering this word at B1 means you can move from 'telling' to 'showing' in your Spanish writing, which is a major milestone in language fluency.
At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the finer points of the word descriptivo. You should be able to distinguish it from related words like 'pormenorizado,' 'minucioso,' or 'explicativo.' A B2 learner knows that a 'estudio descriptivo' in a scientific paper has a specific methodology: it observes and describes a population or phenomenon without trying to establish a cause-and-effect relationship. This is a crucial distinction in academic Spanish. You will also use 'descriptivo' to critique complex works of art or literature. You might say, 'La obra tiene un tono descriptivo que a veces ralentiza el ritmo de la narración.' This shows a high level of critical thinking. In business, you might deal with a 'memoria descriptiva,' which is a technical document that accompanies a project or a patent application. You need to know that in this context, 'descriptivo' means 'technical and exhaustive.' Your use of the word should be precise. You might also explore the concept of 'lenguaje descriptivo' versus 'lenguaje figurado.' While 'descriptivo' aims for a literal representation, 'figurado' uses metaphors. Being able to discuss these differences demonstrates a sophisticated command of the language. You should also be aware of the social implications: someone who is 'demasiado descriptivo' might be seen as boring or 'prolijo' (wordy), while someone who is 'poco descriptivo' might be seen as vague. Navigating these social and academic nuances is the hallmark of a B2 student.
For C1 learners, descriptivo is part of a deep linguistic toolkit. You will use it to discuss 'gramática descriptiva,' the study of how language is actually used by speakers, as opposed to 'gramática normativa' or 'prescriptiva.' This is a common topic in advanced Spanish philology or linguistics courses. You'll also encounter the term in the context of 'marcas descriptivas' in intellectual property law. These are trademarks that merely describe a quality or characteristic of the product, and you'll learn why they are often denied registration. At this level, you can use the word in abstract and philosophical ways. You might discuss the 'capacidad descriptiva del lenguaje'—the limits of what words can actually capture about human experience. Your writing will use 'descriptivo' to categorize various registers and styles with ease. You might analyze a political speech and note its 'carácter descriptivo' as a strategy to appear objective and neutral while actually framing an issue in a specific way. The C1 learner also recognizes the historical weight of the word, perhaps in the context of the 'costumbrismo' movement in 19th-century Spain, which was intensely 'descriptivo' of local customs and types. You are no longer just using the word; you are analyzing its function in society, law, and literature. Your ability to use 'descriptivo' and its synonyms (like 'analítico' or 'discursivo') in the correct context and with the correct register is expected to be near-native.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of descriptivo and all its technical and stylistic permutations. You can use it in highly specialized fields like phenomenology, where 'el método descriptivo' is a specific way of exploring conscious experience. You understand the subtle irony if someone says a poem is 'meramente descriptivo,' implying it lacks the transcendent or emotional qualities usually expected of poetry. You are comfortable with the word's role in 'lingüística descriptiva' and can debate the merits of various descriptive models of the Spanish language. In professional legal writing, you can draft a 'memoria descriptiva' for a complex engineering project or a patent, ensuring that every detail is 'técnicamente descriptivo' and meets all regulatory requirements. You also recognize the word in the titles of classic works, such as 'Geografía Descriptiva,' and understand how the meaning of the term has evolved over centuries of scholarship. At this level, you can play with the word, using it in metaphors or in complex rhetorical structures. You might talk about the 'descriptivo silencio' of a desert, using the adjective in a way that is both literal and evocative. Your command of 'descriptivo' is such that you can use it to explain the most minute details of the Spanish language to others, ironically using a 'método descriptivo' to teach the word 'descriptivo.' You have reached a level where the word is not just a label, but a concept you can manipulate with precision, elegance, and complete cultural awareness.
The Spanish word descriptivo (masculine) or descriptiva (feminine) is a multifaceted term primarily functioning as an adjective, though it can occasionally act as a noun in technical contexts. At its core, it refers to anything that has the quality or function of describing—providing a detailed account, picture, or characterization of someone, something, or a specific situation. In the realm of linguistics and literature, it is a foundational concept. When a writer uses 'lenguaje descriptivo,' they are moving beyond simple action to paint a mental image for the reader. This word is essential for B1 learners because it marks the transition from basic communication to expressive, detailed communication. It allows you to categorize types of texts, speeches, and even scientific methods.
- Grammatical Nature
- It is an adjective that must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (e.g., un libro descriptivo, una carta descriptiva, unos párrafos descriptivos, unas notas descriptivas).
- Functional Use
- In academic settings, it often accompanies 'estudio' or 'análisis' to indicate a research method that observes and documents without necessarily intervening.
- Everyday Context
- Used to critique movies, books, or even the way a friend tells a story, indicating whether they provided enough detail to visualize the scene.
Consider the difference between a simple statement and a descriptive one. 'The house is big' is a statement. 'The house is a sprawling Victorian mansion with peeling white paint and overgrown ivy' is descriptivo. In Spanish culture, which often values expressive communication and vivid storytelling, being able to identify and use 'lo descriptivo' is vital for social integration and academic success. You will encounter it in 'memorias descriptivas' (technical specifications for architecture or engineering), in 'geografía descriptiva,' and in 'gramática descriptiva.' This word isn't just about adjectives; it's about the methodology of observation. When you say a person is very 'descriptiva,' you mean they have a knack for detail and can make you feel like you were there during an event.
El autor utiliza un estilo muy descriptivo para ambientar la novela en la selva amazónica.
La policía pidió un informe descriptivo de los sospechosos que huyeron del lugar.
In the professional world, 'descriptivo' is often paired with 'memoria.' A 'memoria descriptiva' is a technical document required for many legal and construction processes in Spanish-speaking countries. It outlines the characteristics, materials, and justifications for a project. Thus, the word moves from the poetic (describing a sunset) to the pragmatic (describing a building's foundation). Understanding this breadth is key. It implies a systematic approach to detailing. If a teacher asks for a 'párrafo descriptivo,' they aren't looking for your opinion; they are looking for sensory details: what things look, sound, smell, feel, and taste like. It is the 'show, don't tell' of the Spanish language. By mastering this word, you unlock the ability to discuss the 'how' and 'what' of information presentation.
Esta es una estadística descriptiva que solo muestra los datos sin buscar causas.
Me gusta su manera descriptiva de narrar los viajes que hace por el mundo.
El título del libro es poco descriptivo; no te dice realmente de qué trata la historia.
- Register
- Formal to Neutral. It is rarely used in very informal slang, where words like 'detallado' or 'claro' might be preferred, but it is standard in any educational or professional conversation.
- Nuance
- It suggests objectivity. A 'relato descriptivo' aims to show things as they are, whereas a 'relato emocional' focuses on feelings.
Using descriptivo/a correctly requires attention to two main things: gender agreement and noun placement. In Spanish, adjectives usually follow the noun they modify. This is especially true for technical or classifying adjectives like 'descriptivo.' If you say 'un descriptivo libro,' it sounds archaic or overly poetic; 'un libro descriptivo' is the natural, modern way to speak. Furthermore, because it ends in '-o,' it is highly flexible. You must change it to 'descriptiva' for feminine nouns like 'escena,' 'narración,' or 'pintura.' If you are referring to a group of mixed items, the masculine plural 'descriptivos' takes precedence. This word is often modified by adverbs of degree like 'muy,' 'altamente,' 'bastante,' or 'poco.'
- Agreement Pattern
- El texto descriptivo (Masculine Singular) / La imagen descriptiva (Feminine Singular) / Los datos descriptivos (Masculine Plural) / Las artes descriptivas (Feminine Plural).
One of the most common sentence structures involves the verb 'ser.' For example, 'El informe es muy descriptivo.' Here, 'descriptivo' acts as an attribute of the subject 'informe.' You can also use it with 'parecer' (to seem): 'Tu explicación me parece poco descriptiva.' This is a polite way to tell someone they aren't giving enough detail. In more advanced writing, you might see it used to modify a process: 'Escribió de manera descriptiva.' Here, 'manera' is a feminine noun, so 'descriptiva' must match it, even though it's describing the *way* someone wrote (functioning almost like an adverbial phrase).
Necesitamos un lenguaje más descriptivo en este manual de usuario para que nadie se pierda.
In academic writing, 'descriptivo' often appears in the introductory sections of papers. You might say, 'Este trabajo tiene un carácter meramente descriptivo.' This tells the reader that you are going to present facts and observations rather than trying to prove a complex theory or cause-and-effect relationship. It sets expectations. Similarly, in art history, you might hear 'una técnica descriptiva,' referring to a style that focuses on the minute details of the subject, like Flemish painting. In these cases, the word is not just a filler; it is a precise categorical label. If you are describing a person's speech, you might say, 'Su discurso fue puramente descriptivo,' implying it lacked a call to action or emotional depth, focusing instead on the 'what' and 'where.'
Las etiquetas en el museo son muy descriptivas y ayudan a entender el contexto de cada pieza.
¿Podrías ser un poco más descriptivo? No me imagino cómo era el lugar.
Another interesting use is in the legal and administrative sphere. In Spain and Latin America, a 'título descriptivo' might be used to refer to a trademark or name that simply describes the product (like 'Pan Rico' for tasty bread). Often, these are harder to protect legally because they are 'tan descriptivos' (so descriptive) that they belong to the common language. This highlights a nuance: being 'descriptivo' can sometimes be a negative in branding, as it lacks 'distintividad' (distinctiveness). So, while in a novel being descriptive is a virtue, in a brand name, it might be a limitation. This word truly bridges the gap between creative art and rigid law.
El guía nos dio una charla descriptiva sobre la fauna local antes de empezar la caminata.
Los adjetivos descriptivos son esenciales para escribir una buena composición en clase de español.
- Common Verb Pairings
- Ser (permanent quality), Resultar (to turn out to be), Parecer (to seem), Volverse (to become - e.g., 'el autor se volvió más descriptivo en su segunda obra').
You will encounter descriptivo/a in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the classroom to the courtroom. In an educational setting, Spanish teachers often use it when discussing literature. You'll hear phrases like 'el realismo descriptivo,' referring to a movement that aims to depict reality with photographic detail. If you are taking a Spanish exam like the DELE or SIELE, the instructions might ask you to write a 'texto descriptivo' about a photo or a personal experience. This is a cue to use plenty of adjectives and sensory details. In university lectures, especially in the sciences or social sciences, professors use 'investigación descriptiva' to describe studies that map out a phenomenon without testing a hypothesis yet.
- Literature & Arts
- Used to evaluate the richness of a prose style. 'La prosa de Azorín es famosamente descriptiva.'
- Science & Research
- Used to define the scope of a study. 'Es un estudio descriptivo transversal.'
In the world of journalism, an editor might tell a reporter, 'Tu artículo es demasiado descriptivo y poco analítico.' This means the reporter spent too much time saying what happened and not enough time explaining why it matters. Conversely, in travel journalism, being 'muy descriptivo' is exactly what is required. When you read a travel blog in Spanish about the 'Pueblos Blancos' of Andalusia, the writer will use 'lenguaje descriptivo' to make you feel the heat of the sun and see the brightness of the whitewashed walls. In sports commentary, while much of it is action-oriented, a 'comentarista descriptivo' is one who helps the listener (especially on the radio) visualize the positions of the players on the field.
En el examen de literatura, nos preguntaron sobre el valor descriptivo de las acotaciones en el teatro de García Lorca.
You'll also hear it in technical support or customer service. If you call a technician to fix your internet, they might ask for a 'relato descriptivo' of the lights on your router. They want to know exactly which ones are blinking, what color they are, and how fast they are flashing. In this context, 'descriptivo' means 'precise' and 'factual.' In legal settings, a witness might be asked to provide a 'declaración descriptiva' of an event. Here, the emphasis is on avoiding hearsay and sticking to what was seen or heard. It is a word that demands a high level of observation from the speaker. Even in casual conversation, if you are telling a long story and someone says '¡Qué descriptivo eres!', they are complimenting your storytelling ability.
El informe del perito judicial fue muy descriptivo sobre los daños causados por el agua.
La radio necesita locutores que sean muy descriptivos para que la audiencia pueda ver el partido en su mente.
Finally, in the digital age, 'metadatos descriptivos' (descriptive metadata) is a term used by librarians, IT professionals, and digital marketers. It refers to the information used to describe a digital resource (like the title, author, and keywords of a PDF). If you work in SEO or web design in a Spanish-speaking environment, you'll use this word to talk about 'etiquetas descriptivas' (descriptive tags) that help search engines understand a website. Whether it's a 19th-century novel or a 21st-century database, 'descriptivo' remains the go-to term for the act of detailing the world around us. It is a word that spans the humanities and the hard sciences, making it a powerful tool in any learner's vocabulary.
Para mejorar el SEO, debemos escribir títulos que sean más descriptivos y contengan palabras clave.
El realismo es un movimiento literario que se caracteriza por ser extremadamente descriptivo.
- Cultural Note
- In Spanish culture, 'ser descriptivo' is often linked to 'tener buena labia' (having the gift of gab). Being able to describe things vividly is an admired social trait.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with descriptivo is a simple spelling error: adding an extra 'p' or forgetting the 'i'. In English, we have 'descriptive,' but in Spanish, it follows the root 'describir.' However, the 'b' from 'describir' changes to a 'p' in 'descriptivo.' This is a common pattern in Spanish (like 'escribir' becoming 'escritura' or 'escrito'). Another common error is gender agreement. Because 'descriptivo' looks very similar to its English counterpart, learners often treat it as an invariable word, forgetting to change it to 'descriptiva' when modifying feminine nouns like 'palabra' or 'escritura.'
- Spelling Trap
- Incorrect: Describtivo (using the 'b' from the verb). Correct: Descriptivo (using the 'p').
- Agreement Trap
- Incorrect: La imagen es descriptivo. Correct: La imagen es descriptiva.
A more subtle mistake involves confusing 'descriptivo' with 'descrito.' As mentioned before, 'descrito' is the past participle of 'describir.' You use 'descrito' when you want to say something *has been described* (passive voice or perfect tense). You use 'descriptivo' when you are talking about the *nature* or *style* of a piece of writing. For example: 'El paisaje está bien descrito' (The landscape is well described) vs. 'Es un pasaje muy descriptivo' (It is a very descriptive passage). Mixing these up can make your Spanish sound clunky and confused. Another nuance is the difference between 'descriptivo' and 'detallado.' While often interchangeable, 'detallado' implies a high quantity of details, whereas 'descriptivo' implies the *quality* or *intent* of the work.
Error: El libro es muy describtivo. (Check your spelling!)
Learners also sometimes struggle with word order. While you can occasionally place an adjective before a noun for poetic effect, placing 'descriptivo' before the noun in a technical context sounds very strange. 'Un descriptivo análisis' sounds like you are trying to write 17th-century poetry. In 99% of cases, stick to 'un análisis descriptivo.' Furthermore, avoid overusing 'descriptivo' when you actually mean 'claro' (clear) or 'preciso' (precise). If you want to say someone's directions were easy to follow, 'instrucciones claras' is better than 'instrucciones descriptivas.' 'Descriptivo' implies a certain length and richness of detail that might not always be what you want to praise.
Error: Ella dio una descriptiva explicación. (Word order: Better to say 'explicación descriptiva').
Correcto: El informe técnico incluye una sección descriptiva de los materiales.
Lastly, be careful with the plural forms. If you are describing multiple things of different genders, use 'descriptivos.' For example, if you are talking about 'el texto y la imagen,' you should say 'son descriptivos.' Some learners mistakenly use the feminine plural 'descriptivas' if the last noun mentioned was feminine, but Spanish grammar rules dictate that the masculine plural is the default for mixed-gender groups. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your use of 'descriptivo' sound much more natural and professional. Remember: spelling with a 'p,' matching the gender, and keeping it after the noun are your three golden rules for this word.
Error: Los mapas y las fotos son muy descriptivas. (Correct: 'descriptivos' because 'mapas' is masculine).
Correcto: El estilo descriptivo de este pintor es impresionante.
- False Friend Warning
- While 'descriptive' and 'descriptivo' are cognates (they look and mean the same), their usage frequency varies. In Spanish, 'descriptivo' is used very frequently in technical/legal documents where English might use 'specification' or 'detailed'.
To truly master 'descriptivo,' you should know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The most common alternative is detallado. While 'descriptivo' refers to the act of describing, 'detallado' emphasizes the abundance of details. If a report has 50 pages of data, it is 'detallado.' If it uses vivid language to explain a situation, it is 'descriptivo.' Another powerful alternative is minucioso. This word suggests a meticulous, almost obsessive attention to small details. You might use 'minucioso' to describe a crime scene investigation or a very careful cleaning process. It implies a higher level of effort than simply being 'descriptivo.'
- Descriptivo vs. Detallado
- 'Descriptivo' is about the mode of communication (showing vs. telling). 'Detallado' is about the quantity of information provided.
- Descriptivo vs. Explicativo
- 'Descriptivo' tells you *what* something is like. 'Explicativo' tells you *why* something is the way it is or *how* it works.
In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter pormenorizado. This word comes from 'pormenor' (detail/minor point) and is used for exhaustive accounts. It is often used in legal or official reports: 'un informe pormenorizado de los hechos.' Another synonym is gráfico. While 'gráfico' usually refers to charts and images, when used to describe speech, it means 'vivid' or 'lifelike'—so clear that it’s as if you’re seeing it. 'Hizo una descripción muy gráfica del accidente' means the description was so detailed it might have even been a bit shocking or overly realistic. This is a great word to use when 'descriptivo' feels too dry.
Su narración fue tan gráfica que casi pude oler el café del que hablaba.
For academic purposes, ilustrativo is a useful alternative. It means 'illustrative' and is used when a description serves as a clear example of a broader point. 'Este caso es muy ilustrativo de la situación actual.' Here, the description isn't just for the sake of detailing; it's to teach or clarify. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you need an antonym, consider vago (vague), impreciso (imprecise), or escueto (succinct/brief). An 'informe escueto' is the direct opposite of a 'memoria descriptiva'; it gives only the bare essentials with no fluff or extra detail. Understanding these contrasts helps you choose the right word for the right level of detail you wish to convey.
El resumen era demasiado escueto y no incluía los datos descriptivos necesarios.
Hizo un análisis pormenorizado de todas las opciones antes de decidir.
- Register Check
- 'Detallado' is the most common and versatile. 'Pormenorizado' and 'minucioso' are more formal. 'Gráfico' is used for vivid, impactful descriptions.
In summary, while 'descriptivo' is your 'bread and butter' word for anything involving details, don't be afraid to branch out. Use 'detallado' for quantity, 'minucioso' for care, 'pormenorizado' for official thoroughness, and 'gráfico' for vividness. By knowing these alternatives, you can tailor your Spanish to be as precise and effective as possible, whether you're writing a university essay, a business report, or just telling a story to a friend over tapas. The richness of your vocabulary will reflect the 'nivel descriptivo' of your own Spanish skills!
Buscamos un enfoque más explicativo que descriptivo para este documental.
Examples by Level
El libro es muy descriptivo.
The book is very descriptive.
Adjectives like 'descriptivo' follow the noun 'libro'.
Ella hace una descripción descriptiva.
She makes a descriptive description.
'Descriptiva' ends in 'a' because 'descripción' is feminine.
Es un texto descriptivo.
It is a descriptive text.
'Texto' is masculine, so 'descriptivo' is masculine.
Me gusta tu estilo descriptivo.
I like your descriptive style.
'Estilo' is masculine singular.
La foto no es muy descriptiva.
The photo is not very descriptive.
'Foto' (short for fotografía) is feminine, so we use 'descriptiva'.
Él usa palabras descriptivas.
He uses descriptive words.
'Palabras' is feminine plural, so we use 'descriptivas'.
Es un dibujo descriptivo de la casa.
It is a descriptive drawing of the house.
'Dibujo' is masculine singular.
Tu respuesta es poco descriptiva.
Your answer is not very descriptive.
'Respuesta' is feminine singular.
Leímos un artículo descriptivo sobre Madrid.
We read a descriptive article about Madrid.
The adjective 'descriptivo' provides more information about the noun 'artículo'.
La guía turística es muy descriptiva.
The tour guide is very descriptive.
Refers to the person (la guía) or the book (la guía), both feminine.
Necesito un informe descriptivo de los hechos.
I need a descriptive report of the facts.
'Informe' is masculine singular.
Sus cartas eran largas y descriptivas.
His/her letters were long and descriptive.
'Cartas' is feminine plural, so 'descriptivas' is feminine plural.
El menú es muy descriptivo con los ingredientes.
The menu is very descriptive with the ingredients.
'Menú' is masculine singular.
Ella tiene una memoria muy descriptiva.
She has a very descriptive memory.
Here 'descriptiva' modifies 'memoria'.
Los mapas son poco descriptivos.
The maps are not very descriptive.
'Mapas' is masculine plural.
Vimos una escena muy descriptiva en la película.
We saw a very descriptive scene in the movie.
'Escena' is feminine singular.
El autor utiliza un lenguaje descriptivo para crear ambiente.
The author uses descriptive language to create atmosphere.
'Lenguaje' is masculine singular.
En clase estudiamos la función descriptiva del adjetivo.
In class, we studied the descriptive function of the adjective.
'Función' is feminine singular.
Este capítulo es puramente descriptivo.
This chapter is purely descriptive.
'Capítulo' is masculine singular.
La policía necesita un relato descriptivo del sospechoso.
The police need a descriptive account of the suspect.
'Relato' is masculine singular.
No seas tan descriptivo, ¡me da asco!
Don't be so descriptive, it's grossing me out!
The imperative 'No seas' is used with the adjective.
La estadística descriptiva es fundamental en esta carrera.
Descriptive statistics is fundamental in this degree.
'Estadística' is feminine singular.
El título del cuadro es muy descriptivo: 'Sol naciente'.
The title of the painting is very descriptive: 'Rising Sun'.
'Título' is masculine singular.
Buscamos una narrativa menos descriptiva y más dinámica.
We are looking for a narrative that is less descriptive and more dynamic.
'Narrativa' is feminine singular.
El proyecto requiere una memoria descriptiva detallada.
The project requires a detailed descriptive specification.
'Memoria descriptiva' is a fixed technical term.
Es un estudio descriptivo sobre el comportamiento animal.
It is a descriptive study on animal behavior.
Used to define the scientific methodology.
La gramática descriptiva analiza cómo se habla realmente.
Descriptive grammar analyzes how people actually speak.
Contrasts with 'prescriptive' grammar.
Su estilo se volvió más descriptivo tras su viaje a Italia.
His style became more descriptive after his trip to Italy.
Indicates a change in quality over time.
El perito entregó un informe descriptivo de los daños.
The expert witness delivered a descriptive report of the damage
Related Content
More academic words
a fin de
B1In order to; with the aim of.
a mi parecer
B1In my opinion; to my mind.
a partir de
B1Starting from; based on; as of.
abordar
B2To address or tackle a topic, problem, or situation. In a literal sense, it can also mean to board a ship or approach someone to speak.
abstracción
B1The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
abstractamente
B1In an abstract manner; in theory rather than in practice.
abstracto
B1Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
abstracto/a
B2Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
abstraer
B1To extract or remove (something); to form a general idea or quality.
académicamente
B2In an academic manner; in terms of academic performance or study.
