defy description — to be impossible to describe adequately in words
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to be impossible to describe adequately in words
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈfaɪ dɪˈskrɪpʃən/
Example Sentences
- My mom's cooking skills defy description - she can burn water!
- The chaos in my room after finals week defied description.
- The magnificent view from the mountaintop defied description.
defy description
VERB[/dɪˈfaɪ dɪˈskrɪpʃən/]
to be impossible to describe adequately in words
two astronomers stand with their telescopes pointed upward at an incredible aurora that fills the entire sky with swirling colors. The aurora displays patterns and colors that seem to shift and dance in ways that appear almost magical. One astronomer drops his notebook while staring upward with his mouth agape. The other astronomer removes her glasses and rubs her eyes as if she cannot believe what she is seeing. Both scientists struggle to find words as they point and gesture at the overwhelming celestial display above them. Their equipment sits forgotten as they become completely absorbed by the indescribable beauty. something so magnificent that it is impossible to describe adequately in words
The mystical inscription defies description, impossible to capture on any prescription!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Defy derives from Old French defier, from Latin dis- (apart) + fidare (to trust), originally meaning 'to renounce faith or allegiance.' Description comes from Latin describere (to write down or depict), from de- (down) + scribere (to write). Together, the phrase 'defy description' means to resist or refuse being adequately described or expressed in words.
Breakdown
defy: de- (away) + -fy (from Latin fidare, to trust), meaning 'to refuse or resist.' description: de- (down) + -scribe (from Latin scribere, to write) + -tion (noun suffix), meaning 'a written account or depiction.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom's cooking skills defy description - she can burn water!”
“The chaos in my room after finals week defied description.”
“The magnificent view from the mountaintop defied description.”
“His talent for making excuses defies description.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.