Quick Definition
Detail (noun) — a small individual fact, item, or feature that forms part of a larger whole; specific information about something. Please read the details in the contract carefully.
Detail (verb) — to describe or report something fully, covering every relevant point. The survey details all the structural problems found in the building.
Etymology
Detail entered English in the early 17th century from French détail, a noun derived from the verb détailler meaning "to cut into pieces" or "to relate minutely". The French verb combines dé- (indicating separation) with tailler (to cut), which itself descends from Latin taliare. This root also gives English the word tailor — someone who cuts fabric — and the suffix -tail visible in retail (selling cut into small portions). The original sense of something "cut from a larger whole" perfectly captures why a detail is always a small part of a bigger picture.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Level | Usage note |
|---|---|---|
| Please read the details in the contract carefully. | A2 | details as countable noun |
| She explained the plan in detail so that everyone understood. | B1 | in detail — adverbial phrase |
| The architect paid close attention to every detail of the design. | B1 | pay attention to detail — fixed collocation |
| The investigation report details the sequence of events leading to the accident. | B2 | detail as transitive verb |
| His meticulous attention to the finer details of the manuscript set his work apart from that of his contemporaries. | C1 | finer details — formal register |
Common Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| pay attention to detail | Employers value candidates who pay attention to detail. |
| in detail | Can you explain the procedure in detail? |
| go into detail | She didn't go into detail about her reasons for leaving. |
| in great detail | The manual describes each step in great detail. |
| personal details | Please fill in your personal details on the form. |
| contact details | Leave your contact details and we will call you back. |
| further details | For further details, visit our website. |
| minor detail | That is just a minor detail — nothing to worry about. |
| precise detail | The witness recalled the event in precise detail. |
| technical details | I will spare you the technical details. |
Usage Notes
- Noun vs verb stress: In British English the noun is usually stressed on the first syllable — DEE-tail — while the verb is often stressed on the second — de-TAIL. American English stresses the noun on the first syllable too but the distinction is less consistent.
- Countable and uncountable: When referring to a specific item of information, detail is countable: an important detail, the details of the plan. When referring to the quality of thoroughness it is uncountable: described in detail, great detail, a lack of detail.
- Fixed phrase — in detail: The phrase in detail is the most common adverbial use. Do not say with detail or in a detail — these are non-standard in British English.
- Verb register: Using detail as a verb (the report details …) is standard in formal, professional, and journalistic writing. In informal speech it is more natural to say describe, explain, or set out.
- Plural for specifics: Use the plural details when listing or asking for specific information: Send me the details. What are the details of the offer? Use the singular (uncountable) for the concept of thoroughness: I didn't go into much detail.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
She explained the plan with great detail.
She explained the plan in great detail. (the fixed phrase is "in detail", not "with detail")
He told me every details of the meeting.
He told me every detail of the meeting. (singular after "every") — or: He told me all the details of the meeting.
The report is detailing the problems since last year.
The report details the problems that have occurred since last year. (stative/habitual action — simple present, not continuous)
Related Words
Related Vocabulary Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions about “detail”
What does detail mean?
As a noun, a detail is a small individual fact, feature, or item that forms part of a larger whole. As a verb, to detail means to describe something thoroughly and precisely, mentioning every relevant point. The noun is far more common in everyday English.
Is detail a noun or a verb?
Detail is both a noun and a verb. As a noun: 'Please check the details.' As a verb: 'The report details all the findings.' The verb form is common in formal and professional writing, while the noun is used across all registers.
What is the difference between detail and details?
'Detail' (uncountable) refers to the quality of being thorough: 'She noticed it in great detail.' 'Details' (countable plural) refers to specific pieces of information: 'Please send me your contact details.' Both uses are correct depending on context.
How do you use detail in a sentence?
Common patterns include: 'in detail' (She explained it in detail.), 'the details of something' (Read the details of the agreement.), and 'to detail something' (The manual details each step.). Avoid the error 'explain with detail' — the correct phrase is 'explain in detail'.
What does 'in detail' mean?
'In detail' is a very common adverbial phrase meaning thoroughly, covering all aspects without leaving anything out. For example: 'The doctor explained the procedure in detail.' It is the opposite of 'briefly' or 'in general'.
What are some common collocations with detail?
The most frequent collocations are: pay attention to detail, go into detail, in great detail, in fine detail, minor detail, personal details, contact details, further details, precise detail, and describe in detail. These phrases appear frequently in professional and academic English.
What is the adjective form of detail?
The adjective form is 'detailed': a detailed report, a detailed description. The adverb is 'in detail' rather than 'detailedly'. A person who pays close attention to small things can be described as 'detail-oriented' (British English often uses 'detail-conscious').
What is the origin of the word detail?
Detail entered English in the early 17th century from French 'détail', from 'détailler' meaning 'to cut in pieces'. This came from Old French 'taillier' (to cut), which is related to 'tailor'. The original sense was 'a separate item cut from a larger whole', which still underlies the modern meaning.
What is the difference between detail and feature?
A feature is a prominent or notable characteristic of something: 'The main feature of the design is its simplicity.' A detail is a small or specific item that forms part of a larger picture: 'The contract has several important details.' Features tend to be significant; details may be minor or major.
How can I practise the word detail in English?
Try LexFizz's Flash Cards exercise to memorise detail and its collocations, or use Complete the Sentence to practise using it in context. Reading business emails, contracts, or news reports is an excellent way to see detail and details used naturally at B1–C1 level.