Describtion vs. Description: Which is the Correct Spelling?

"Describtion" is an incorrect spelling of the word "description."
"Description" is a noun referring to a spoken or written representation or account of a person, object, or event, typically providing details or characteristics.

For example...

❌ The tour guide provided a vivid describtion of the historical landmarks in the city.

✅ The tour guide provided a vivid description of the historical landmarks in the city.

In this sentence, "description" refers to the spoken or written representation of the historical landmarks, offering details and characteristics to help visualize them.

What does "description" mean?

"Description" can be understood in various contexts, each emphasizing its role in providing information or conveying imagery:

A spoken or written representation of a person, object, or event: Descriptions serve to convey information about the appearance, attributes, or features of something or someone. They can be objective and factual or subjective and interpretive, depending on the context and intention behind the description. Whether describing a painting, a landscape, or a person's personality, effective descriptions paint a vivid picture for the audience, enabling them to visualize and understand the subject matter.
A detailed explanation or portrayal: Descriptions can also involve providing a thorough account or analysis of a subject, offering insights, observations, or interpretations. They may delve into the historical background, cultural significance, or symbolic meaning of the subject matter, enriching the audience's understanding and appreciation. Descriptions of this nature often aim to capture the essence or significance of the subject, shedding light on its context, significance, or relevance.

Describtion vs. Description: Which is the Correct Spelling?

The use of "describtion" and "description" over time

The Ngram graph below shows how often "describtion" and "description" have been used from the 1800s to the 2000s. "Description" has seen steady use throughout time, peaking in the 1800s before declining, while its misspelling "describtion" has always seen nearly zero use.

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How to pronounce "description"

In both British and American English, "description" is pronounced like "duh·skrip·shn".

Additional notes:
This is just the standard pronunciation, and there may be slight variations depending on regional accents and individual speech patterns.

Why would we misspell "description" as "describtion"?

Typographical error: The letter "t" and "p" are adjacent on a standard keyboard, making it easy to mistype "description" as "describtion" when typing quickly or carelessly.
False analogy: The verb form of "description", "describe", uses a "b". This could lead someone to assume the noun "description" also uses a "b", leading to the misspelling "describtion".

Other common misspellings of "description"

discription
descroption
descripshun
descriptin
descripition

Example sentences of the misspelling of "description" as "describtion"

"Describtion" is an incorrect spelling; it should be "description".
Please note the spelling error; it's "description," not "describtion".
Be cautious with your spelling; the accurate term is "description," not "describtion".
Double-check your writing; the proper form is "description," not "describtion".
Your document contains a typo; it should say "description," not "describtion".

Example sentences of "description"

The artist provided a detailed description of the landscape, capturing its beauty and serenity.
In the job application, she included a brief description of her previous work experience.
The detective gave a precise description of the suspect's appearance to aid in the investigation.
The product packaging includes a thorough description of its features and benefits.
During the guided tour, the museum curator provided insightful descriptions of the exhibited artworks.
The novel opens with a vivid description of the protagonist's surroundings, setting the tone for the narrative.
In the scientific paper, the researcher offers a detailed description of the experimental methodology used in the study.
The real estate listing provides a comprehensive description of the property, including its size, amenities, and location.
The travel brochure offers enticing descriptions of exotic destinations, enticing readers to plan their next vacation.
As a writer, she excels in crafting evocative descriptions that transport readers to distant lands and bygone eras.

Check out our other related blog posts:
🖊️ Discription or Description: Which Is Correct?
🖊️ Discribe or Describe: Which Is Correct?

Synonyms for "description"

Account
Depiction
Narrative
Explanation
Portrayal

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References:

Definition of DESCRIPTION

an act of describing; specifically : discourse intended to give a mental image of something experienced; a statement or account giving the characteristics of someone or something : a descriptive statement or account… See the full definition

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