Home / Dictionary / Detail

Detail Very Common

Detail has 9 different meanings across 2 categories:

Noun · Verb

Definitions
Noun
1

an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

"several of the details are similar"

"a point of information"

2

a small part that can be considered separately from the whole

"it was perfect in all details"

3

extended treatment of particulars

"the essay contained too much detail"

4

a crew of workers selected for a particular task

"a detail was sent to remove the fallen trees"

5

a temporary military unit

"the peacekeeping force includes one British contingent"

6

Something small enough to escape casual notice.

"The thief escaped without a scratch, leaving not even a single detail of his getaway unnoticed by anyone who paid close attention."

In plain English: A detail is a small, specific part of something larger that helps explain exactly what it is.

"Please fill in every detail on this form before you submit it."

Usage: Use "detail" as a noun to refer to a specific minor element or feature within a larger whole that might be overlooked. It often describes intricate parts of an object, story, or plan rather than the main subject itself.

Verb
1

provide details for

"The manager asked me to detail the expenses from last month's trip so she could approve the reimbursement."

2

assign to a specific task

"The ambulances were detailed to the fire station"

3

To explain in detail.

"She spent an hour detailing exactly how to assemble the new bookshelf step by step."

In plain English: To detail means to give specific facts or information about something.

"The architect will detail the plans before construction begins."

Usage: Use the verb detail to list specific facts or describe something thoroughly with precise information. Do not use it simply to mean "explain," as that usage is often incorrect; instead, focus on providing an exhaustive account of the subject's features or events.

Example Sentences
"Please fill in every detail on this form before you submit it." noun
"She added every detail to her sketch so it would look realistic." noun
"Please include your address and phone number in the details section of the form." noun
"The photographer captured fine details like raindrops on the leaves during the storm." noun
"The architect will detail the plans before construction begins." verb
Related Terms
detailer circumstance exposition keyplate thorough in gross overspell anatomize ins and outs anal retentive minutiose bovrilize body nodelist genned in detailed pernickety call out top hat transform nuanced
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
fact part discussion gang military unit elaborate assign
Narrower Terms (hyponyms)
minutia nook and cranny respect sticking point trifle technicality highlight

Origin

The word "detail" comes from the Middle French détail, which originally meant a small piece cut out of something larger. It entered English through Old French, combining the prefix de- with the verb taillier ("to cut").

Rhyming Words
ail jail mail hail gail sail tail fail dail zail rail vail kail pail nail wail brail shail skail flail
Compare
Detail vs