de|scrip|tive «dih SKRIHP tihv», adjective.
1. describing; using description: »
A descriptive booklet tells about the places to be seen on the trip. Write a descriptive paragraph about a flower garden.
2. Grammar. a) serving to describe. “Big” in “big house” is a descriptive adjective. b)
= nonrestrictive. (Cf. ↑nonrestrictive)
3. (of a branch of science) having to do with objective description; based upon observed or empirical facts exclusive of historical, theoretical, or other considerations: »
descriptive linguistics, descriptive botany.
–de|scrip´tive|ly, adverb.
–de|scrip´tive|ness, noun.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.