Description vs. Specification: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 25, 2023
A description explains characteristics and features, whereas a specification details precise requirements and standards to be met.
Key Differences
A description is a comprehensive account or detailed illustration of an object, highlighting its features, characteristics, and structure. It aims to convey an understanding of the item by providing a vivid representation through words, offering insights into its appearance, functionality, and composition. On the contrary, a specification is a precise and detailed set of instructions or requirements that a particular item must adhere to. It stipulates the standards, measurements, materials, and quality that the object should conform to, ensuring clarity and uniformity.
The narrative of a description is often elaborate, allowing for a subjective representation and the expression of individual perspectives. It serves to paint a picture in the mind of the reader, focusing on attributes, the environment, and sensory details, making it relatable and understandable. Conversely, the articulation in a specification is inherently objective, concise, and unambiguous. It focuses on exact values, parameters, and conditions that are quantifiable, presenting a clear guideline for production, assessment, or implementation.
In essence, a description is more about elucidation and expression, striving to offer a well-rounded view of the subject. It could be elaborate or concise, depending on the context, and tends to involve a level of interpretative understanding. Specification, in contrast, is fundamentally about precision and stipulation. It delineates the explicit criteria that are non-negotiable and are to be strictly adhered to, providing a structured framework and reference point for compliance and evaluation.
While a description is interpretative and can incorporate a range of elements to convey the essence of the subject, a specification is exact and defines the boundaries within which the object must operate. A description may use metaphors, similes, and adjectives to elucidate, while a specification employs exact terms, units, and numbers to dictate. In summary, a description offers a qualitative insight into an object’s features and characteristics, while a specification provides quantitative and definitive parameters that the object must meet.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To illustrate characteristics and features
To detail precise requirements and standards
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Nature
Interpretative and subjective
Objective and exact
Elements
Attributes, environment, sensory details
Values, parameters, conditions
Usage
To convey an understanding or image
To provide clear guidelines for compliance
Flexibility
Can be elaborate or concise, depending on context
Strict and non-negotiable
Description and Specification Definitions
Description
A detailed account of the characteristics of something.
The book provides a vivid description of the ancient city.
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Specification
A detailed instruction that defines exact requirements.
The builder worked according to the specification provided by the architect.
Description
A statement presenting the main features of an object.
The listing included a description of the property’s amenities.
Specification
A clear definition of the standards and measurements an object should conform to.
The machine was manufactured to the highest specification.
Description
A written representation detailing the features of an item.
The professor's description of the theory was enlightening.
Specification
A document detailing the precise requirements and conditions of a project.
The specification outlined the materials to be used in construction.
Description
The act, process, or technique of describing.
Specification
An explicit set of conditions to be followed for a task.
The software was developed based on the technical specification.
Description
A statement or an account describing something
Published a description of the journey.
Gave a vivid description of the game.
Specification
The act of specifying.
Description
A pictorial representation
Monet's ethereal descriptions of haystacks and water lilies.
Specification
Specifications A detailed, exact statement of particulars, especially a statement prescribing materials, dimensions, and quality of work for something to be built, installed, or manufactured.
Description
A kind or sort
Cars of every size and description.
Specification
A single item or article that has been specified.
Description
A sketch or account of anything in words; a portraiture or representation in language; an enumeration of the essential qualities of a thing or species.
Give a verbal description of the events
A realistic description
Specification
An exact written description of an invention by an applicant for a patent.
Description
The act of describing; a delineation by marks or signs.
Specification
An explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, or service.
Description
A set of characteristics by which someone or something can be recognized.
The zoo had no lions, tigers, or cats of any description.
Specification
An act of specifying.
Description
(taxonomy) A scientific documentation of a taxon for the purpose of introducing it to science.
The type description of the fungus was written by a botanist.
Specification
The act of specifying or determining by a mark or limit; notation of limits.
This specification or limitation of the question hinders the disputers from wandering away from the precise point of inquiry.
Description
(linguistics) The act or practice of recording and describing actual language usage in a given speech community, as opposed to prescription, i.e. laying down norms of language usage.
Specification
The designation of particulars; particular mention; as, the specification of a charge against an officer.
Description
(linguistics) A descriptive linguistic survey.
Specification
A written statement containing a minute description or enumeration of particulars, as of charges against a public officer, the terms of a contract, the description of an invention, as in a patent; also, a single article, item, or particular, an allegation of a specific act, as in a charge of official misconduct.
Description
The act of describing; a delineation by marks or signs.
Specification
A detailed listing or description of the required properties of some object proposed to be built or bought; - usually used in the plural; as, the building specifications require that it withstand an earthquake of magnitude 8; the program specifications require an option to change the menus.
Description
A sketch or account of anything in words; a portraiture or representation in language; an enumeration of the essential qualities of a thing or species.
Milton has descriptions of morning.
Specification
A detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work
Description
A class to which a certain representation is applicable; kind; sort.
A difference . . . between them and another description of public creditors.
The plates were all of the meanest description.
Specification
Naming explicitly
Description
A statement that represents something in words
Specification
(patent law) a document drawn up by the applicant for a patent of invention that provides an explicit and detailed description of the nature and usse of an invention
Description
The act of describing something
Specification
A restriction that is insisted upon as a condition for an agreement
Description
Sort or variety;
Every description of book was there
Specification
A precise statement of how something is to be made or done.
The product was designed to meet every specification of the client.
Description
A representation in words of how something looks, acts, or functions.
The witness gave a thorough description of the suspect.
Description
A portrayal in words that provides insights into the features of the subject.
Her description of the event was filled with emotion.
FAQs
Are descriptions only used for objects?
No, descriptions can be used for a variety of subjects including events, people, and places.
Can descriptions be quantifiable?
Descriptions can include quantifiable details but are not limited to them.
Can a specification include a description?
Yes, specifications can include descriptive elements to clarify requirements.
Are specifications always precise?
Yes, specifications are intended to be precise to avoid ambiguity.
Is a description necessary for understanding a concept?
Descriptions aid in understanding, but some concepts may also be understood through other means like diagrams.
Can a description be short and concise?
Yes, descriptions can be concise, focusing on the most important features.
Is a description always subjective?
While descriptions often contain subjective elements, they can also include objective details.
Can descriptions be visual?
Yes, descriptions can use visual elements like diagrams to convey information.
Are specifications related to quality control?
Yes, specifications serve as a basis for quality control and assurance.
Are specifications only used in construction?
No, specifications are used in various fields like manufacturing, software development, and more.
Do specifications describe functionality?
Yes, specifications often detail how a product or component should function.
Can a description be made for abstract concepts?
Absolutely, abstract concepts can be described using appropriate language.
Is a specification a legal requirement?
In some cases, like contracts, specifications can be legally binding.
Is a specification rigid?
Typically, yes. Specifications are meant to be strict and clear.
Can a description include specifications?
Yes, a description can integrate specifications to provide detailed insights.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
