detail
DEE-tayl
Detail (noun) means a small, specific fact or feature, especially one easy to overlook. Example: “She remembered every detail of the conversation.”
noun
1
A small, specific fact or feature, especially one easy to overlook.
"She remembered every detail of the conversation."
"Don't worry about the small details for now."
"The painting looked ordinary until I noticed one tiny detail in the corner."
verb
1
To describe something fully, covering all its specific points.
"The report detailed the company's financial losses."
"In her email, she detailed the steps needed to set up the new printer."
"Could you detail what happened before the fire alarm went off?"
2
To clean a vehicle thoroughly, inside and out.
"He had his car detailed before selling it."
"I spent Saturday detailing the family car until the paintwork shone."
"Do you offer a service where you detail cars inside and out?"
How to use detail
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small specific piece of information, or (as a verb) to spell something out fully or to clean a vehicle thoroughly.
Common pairings
in detail
go into detail
attention to detail
a minor detail
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Word forms
- Plural
- details
- Third person singular
- details
- Past tense
- detailed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She remembered every _____ of the conversation.
Etymology
From French detail, from detailler, "to cut into pieces" — from de- and tailler ("to cut"), the same root as "tailor".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for detail
See all rhymes for detail →Frequently asked questions
What does “detail” mean?
The word “detail” means a small, specific fact or feature, especially one easy to overlook. In plain terms, a small specific piece of information, or (as a verb) to spell something out fully or to clean a vehicle thoroughly.
How do you pronounce “detail”?
“Detail” is pronounced DEE-tayl (/ˈdi.teɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “detail” in a sentence?
Here is “detail” used in a sentence: “She remembered every detail of the conversation.”
What part of speech is “detail”?
Depending on how it is used, “detail” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “detail” come from?
The word “detail” comes from French. From French detail, from detailler, "to cut into pieces" — from de- and tailler ("to cut"), the same root as "tailor".
Is “detail” a common word?
“Detail” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “detail” have?
“Detail” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, specific fact or feature, especially one easy to overlook.
What is the difference between a detail and a fact?
A fact is any piece of true information. A detail is a small, specific fact or feature — usually a minor one that fills in a larger picture and is easy to overlook. Every detail is a fact, but big, central facts are rarely called details.
Why are details important?
Details carry precision and credibility. Small, specific features often make the difference between something done well and something done carelessly — in writing, design, contracts, or craftsmanship. Overlooking a minor detail can change a meaning, cause an error, or undermine an otherwise strong piece of work.
What does "in detail" mean?
To describe something "in detail" is to cover it thoroughly, including the small, specific points rather than just the broad outline. A detailed account leaves little out. The phrase signals depth and precision, the opposite of a quick summary or general overview.
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