descriptive name

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "descriptive name" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a name that provides information about the characteristics or qualities of the object or concept it represents. Example: "The term 'rose' is a descriptive name that indicates the type of flower being referred to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To aid in sharing, you should give your public track a good descriptive name and description, which you can do by clicking on the upload's name and description fields.

Briefings in Bioinformatics

For each study form, we gave each variable a short descriptive name, and developed a data dictionary containing several elements, including the name, description, type, allowable outcomes (range), and maximum field width for each variable [ 4- 6, 15, 18].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Luke named his Django, and Olivia gave hers the descriptive name of Bluie.

The New Yorker

Also known by the perfectly descriptive name buttercrunch, it's rich and it's irresistible.

The New York Times - Food

I had deliberately not chosen a descriptive name like Tumbling Towers.

The Guardian - Arts

(The Soviets gave it a more descriptive name: Sloika, after a layered pastry).

The New Yorker

For want of a common descriptive name, they will be referred to as "no-pledge devices".

Encyclopedia Britannica

'Zipper-back' is just the kind of fun, descriptive name that should get adults and children alike looking more closely at these garden visitors.

The Guardian

Glacier Bay was the descriptive name given to the striking locality by Captain Lester A. Beardslee of the U.S. Navy in 1880.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For now, it goes by the name of Project X, but Fermilab would like to come up with a zippier, more descriptive name before this one gets cemented into place by the press.

The New York Times - Science

Goldman, modest as ever, does not want to shout the number from the rooftops.Until recently, Constellation had the more prosaic but descriptive name of Baltimore Gas & Electric, descendant of America's first gas utility.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When choosing a "descriptive name", ensure it accurately reflects the subject matter to aid understanding and recall. For instance, "Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell" is preferable to a vague brand moniker because it clearly indicates the product's function.

Common error

Avoid using a "descriptive name" that is too broad or open to interpretation. A name like "Project Alpha" lacks specificity and provides no insight into the project's nature, making it difficult to remember or categorize.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "descriptive name" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "descriptive" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "name". It refers to a name that accurately and clearly describes the characteristics or function of the thing it names. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "descriptive name" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a name that clearly and accurately conveys information about its referent. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse fields like news, science, and general reference. When aiming for clarity and ease of understanding, using a "descriptive name" can be highly effective. However, remember that context matters, and in some cases, a more creative or abstract name may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

informative title

Focuses on the name's ability to inform.

characteristic name

Highlights that the name summarizes key feature.

explanatory label

Highlights the name's role in explaining something.

self-explanatory term

Emphasizes that the name can be understand easily.

illustrative designation

Emphasizes the name's power to illustrate the characteristics of something.

representative term

Indicates that the name is typical or characteristic.

elucidating moniker

Highlights the name's ability to make something clear.

expressive appellation

Focuses on the name's ability to convey meaning.

revealing denomination

Emphasizes the name's ability to uncover or disclose information.

indicative title

Highlights the name's capacity to point out or suggest something.

FAQs

How can I create a good "descriptive name"?

Focus on the key characteristics or functions of the subject. A good "descriptive name" should be clear, concise, and immediately convey the essence of what it represents. For example, instead of "CodeX", use "Data Analysis Tool".

What are the benefits of using a "descriptive name"?

A "descriptive name" enhances clarity, improves memorability, and aids in categorization. It reduces ambiguity and ensures that the subject is easily understood and recognized. Think of "Glacier Bay", it immediately brings to mind a bay filled with glaciers.

Is it always better to use a "descriptive name"?

While "descriptive names" are often beneficial, there are cases where a more creative or abstract name might be preferable, especially for branding purposes. However, clarity should still be a priority, consider alternatives such as "informative title" or "explanatory label".

What are some alternatives to "descriptive name"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "informative title", "explanatory label", or "characteristic name". These alternatives convey the same idea of a name that provides meaningful information about the subject.