descriptors

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "descriptors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to words or phrases used to describe or characterize someone or something. For example, you could say: "The recruiter used descriptors such as 'detail-oriented' and 'innovative thinker' to describe the ideal candidate for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet we've long run out of descriptors for the light-socket hairdo made famous by wretched, slimy, reptilian boxing promoter Don King.

The Guardian - Sport

The computer broke the images into a number of so-called numerical descriptors.

The Economist

When used in this relatively narrow sense, band and tribe are neutral descriptors, as are those for other forms of organization such as monarchy or county.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The subject analysis of electronic text is accomplished by means of machine indexing, using one of two approaches: the assignment of subject descriptors from an unlimited vocabulary (free indexing) or their assignment from a list of authorized descriptors (controlled indexing).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Google promises not to tie your consumer profile to "sensitive" demographic descriptors such as your "race, religion, sexual orientation, or health" without your consent, but gender is one typically protected class Google doesn't mind exploiting.

Independent

These are three "content descriptors" shared by four video games cited by the head of the National Rifle Association as evidence that the American media as a whole — not individual ownership of assault weapons — encourages a culture of violence that occasionally manifests as mass shootings like the one in Newtown, Connecticut, on Dec. 14.

Independent

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of Ash, said: "Now advertising is banned, the industry uses pack design and product descriptors, such as "slims", to promote the message that smoking makes you thin.

Independent

We fat women have heard it all, and we refuse to live by your descriptors any longer.

Independent

Computers and the Internet have vastly enhanced the speed with which printed sources can be searched titles of all the books in all the major Western libraries are online but the historian must know a great many descriptors to do a reasonable subject search.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It consists of extracting from the item or assigning to it subject and other "descriptors"—words or phrases denoting significant concepts (topics, names) that occur in or characterize the content of the record.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A collection of authorized descriptors is called an authority list or, if it also displays various relationships among descriptors such as hierarchy or synonymy, a thesaurus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, prefer "descriptors" that are quantifiable and measurable to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying on overly general "descriptors" such as 'good' or 'interesting'. Instead, opt for more precise and informative words that convey specific qualities or attributes.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "descriptors" is as a noun, specifically the plural form of 'descriptor'. It refers to the words or phrases used to characterize or describe something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "descriptors" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun, serving to denote descriptive terms or characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, its application is correct and versatile across diverse fields. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific contexts, the term facilitates clear and specific communication. When employing "descriptors", it's crucial to prioritize precision and relevance to avert ambiguity. Remember to replace vague options such as "good" with more concrete alternatives. While synonyms like "descriptive terms" or "defining attributes" exist, the core intent remains consistent: to provide detailed and informative characterizations. In essence, "descriptors" is a reliable and valuable tool for effective written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descriptive terms

Focuses specifically on the terms used for describing something.

descriptive labels

Highlights the use of labels for descriptive purposes.

characteristic features

Highlights the identifying features that describe something.

defining attributes

Emphasizes the attributes that are key to the definition of something.

identifying markers

Suggests terms that point out or identify something.

specifying characteristics

Highlights the characteristics used to specify something.

qualifying traits

Stresses the traits that specify or qualify something.

distinctive properties

Focuses on properties that make something distinct and describable.

classifying elements

Refers to elements used for categorization and description.

illustrative details

Emphasizes the details that serve to illustrate or describe.

FAQs

How can I use "descriptors" effectively in my writing?

Use "descriptors" that are specific, relevant, and informative to provide a clear and accurate portrayal of the subject. Avoid vague or overly general terms.

What are some alternatives to using the word "descriptors"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "descriptive terms", "defining attributes", or "identifying markers".

Are "descriptors" the same as adjectives?

"Descriptors" is a broader term that can include adjectives, nouns, or phrases that describe something, while adjectives are a specific type of word that modifies a noun.

In information retrieval, what role do "descriptors" play?

In information retrieval, "descriptors" are keywords or terms used to index and retrieve documents or information, allowing for efficient searching and categorization.