detail
detail
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "detail" is /ˈdiːteɪl/ or /dɪˈteɪl/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
ˈdiː-
/d/ - voiced alveolar plosive
/iː/ - long front unrounded vowel
-teɪl
/t/ - voiceless alveolar plosive
/eɪ/ - diphthong (as in "day")
/l/ - voiced alveolar lateral approximant
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: detail
Plural Noun: details
Verb (Base Form): detail
Verb (Third-Person Singular Present): details
Verb (Present Participle): detailing
Verb (Past Simple/Past Participle): detailed
Adjective: detailed (often used as an adjective derived from the past participle)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A small, specific, and often intricate aspect or element of a larger whole. These are the individual components that collectively make up a complete picture, story, or object.
Synonyms: element, particular, aspect, feature, component, facet, nuance
Antonyms: generality, overview, whole, sum, essence
Information or an account that focuses on the specific facts, figures, or occurrences of an event or situation. This refers to the comprehensive breakdown of information rather than just the main points.
Synonyms: specifics, particulars, facts, data, information, rundown, elaboration
Antonyms: summary, abstract, synopsis, gist, outline
A small military detachment assigned to a specific task or duty.
Synonyms: squad, unit, contingent, patrol, party
Antonyms: corps, army, regiment, division
Verb
To describe, explain, or list thoroughly and with great attention to specifics. This involves providing all the particulars and intricacies of something.
Synonyms: specify, enumerate, itemize, elaborate, describe, particularize, delineate
Antonyms: summarize, generalize, abridge, condense, omit
To assign a person or a group to a specific task or duty, often a temporary one.
Synonyms: assign, appoint, delegate, second, task
Antonyms: recall, dismiss, release, disband
Adjective (derived from past participle "detailed")
Having many specific elements or features; thoroughly described or presented with comprehensive information.
Synonyms: comprehensive, exhaustive, elaborate, intricate, meticulous, precise, explicit
Antonyms: general, vague, superficial, brief, cursory, sketchy
Examples of Use
Books:
"Every detail of the old house, from the peeling wallpaper to the creaking floorboards, whispered stories of forgotten lives." (From a novel, general use of "detail" as a noun for a specific element)
"The author provides a detailed account of the historical events leading up to the revolution, meticulously citing sources for every claim." (Book review or non-fiction description, using "detailed" as an adjective)
Newspapers:
"The police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any details regarding the recent bank robbery." (Headline or article text in a news report, using "details" as a plural noun for information) (e.g., The Guardian)
"The city council plans to detail its new budget proposals at next week's public meeting, outlining spending cuts and investment areas." (News report, using "detail" as a verb meaning to explain thoroughly) (e.g., The New York Times)
Online Publications:
"A comprehensive article on climate change prevention efforts goes into great detail about renewable energy technologies." (Online science publication, using "detail" as a noun phrase "great detail" meaning thoroughness) (e.g., Scientific American Online)
"For a detailed comparison of the latest smartphone models, visit our tech reviews section." (Tech blog or review site, using "detailed" as an adjective) (e.g., TechCrunch)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film/TV: "The costume designer paid incredible attention to every historical detail, making the period drama truly immersive." (Film review or behind-the-scenes commentary, "detail" as a noun)
Video Games: "Players can customize their characters with an impressive level of detail, from facial features to clothing patterns." (Video game review or marketing material, "detail" as a noun referring to intricacy)
Music (Lyrics/Discussion): "The lyrics paint a vivid picture, full of small details that bring the story to life." (Music review or fan discussion, "details" as a noun)
Podcasts: "In today's episode, we detail the surprising origins of some common superstitions." (Podcast description or host's introduction, using "detail" as a verb)
General Public Discourse:
"Can you give me the details of the party? What time should I arrive, and what should I bring?" (Casual conversation, "details" as a plural noun for specific information)
"He's a very meticulous worker; he pays attention to every little detail." (Everyday conversation, "detail" as a noun referring to small aspects)
"I need to detail my car before I sell it, make sure it looks its best." (Casual conversation, using "detail" as a verb in the context of cleaning/preparing a vehicle meticulously)
10 Quotes Using Detail
"The details are not the details. They make the design." (Charles Eames)
"God is in the details." (Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, also attributed to Gustave Flaubert and Aby Warburg)
"The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail." (Charles R. Swindoll)
"Our life is frittered away by detail... simplify, simplify." (Henry David Thoreau, Walden, 1854)
"Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another." (Ernest Hemingway)
"It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen." (John Wooden)
"To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail." (Giorgio Armani)
"The devil is in the detail." (Attributed to various sources, common idiom)
"Literature differs from life in that life is amorphously full of detail, and rarely directs us toward it, whereas literature teaches us to notice." (James Wood, How Fiction Works)
"Success is the sum of details." (Harvey S. Firestone)
Etymology
The word "detail" comes from the Old French word "detail," which literally meant "a slice" or "a piece." This, in turn, came from the verb "detaillier," meaning "to cut in pieces." Think of it like taking something whole and cutting it up into smaller, individual parts.
The "de-" part of "detaillier" means "entirely" or "down from," and "taillier" is where we get our word "tailor," which originally meant "to cut." So, at its core, "detail" is about cutting something down into its individual components.
The first known use of "detail" in English as a noun was around the early 1600s (specifically, 1603 according to the OED). At that time, it meant "attention to particulars" or "a small, separate part or particular."
The verb "to detail," meaning "to relate or narrate in particulars," appeared a bit later, in the mid-1600s (around 1650). This usage still carries the idea of breaking down information into its individual pieces, like explaining something thoroughly by listing all the specifics.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Detail
In detail: To explain something thoroughly, including all the specific points.
Go into detail: To elaborate on a topic, providing extensive information.
Attention to detail: A characteristic of being very careful and precise, noticing small elements.
The devil is in the details: A saying meaning that small, seemingly insignificant elements can cause major problems or complications.
To detail a car: To thoroughly clean and prepare a vehicle, often for sale or show.
Every last detail: Emphasizing that absolutely nothing has been overlooked or missed.
Minute details: Referring to very small or insignificant elements, often requiring close inspection.
To be detailed (about something): To be precise and comprehensive when describing or performing a task.
A mere detail: Suggesting something is insignificant or of little importance.
To descend to details: To begin discussing the specific, finer points of a topic after a general overview.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of detail from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
