detail

/ˈdiːteɪl/ (US also /dɪˈteɪl/)

noun

  1. a small piece of information about something

    A2

    countable

    • "Can you give me more details about the meeting?"A2
    • "The report contains important details about the accident."B1

  2. a small feature or part of something that contributes to its overall appearance or meaning

    B1

    countable or uncountable

    • "I love the small details in this painting."B1
    • "The designer paid close attention to every detail of the building."B2

  3. all the specific information about something, considered carefully and completely

    B1

    uncountable; usually in detail

    • "She explained the plan in detail."B1
    • "The contract sets out the terms in considerable detail."C1

verb

  1. to describe or give information about something fully

    B1

    transitive

    • "The email details the changes to the schedule."B1
    • "The article details how the two companies developed the technology."B2

  2. to give someone a particular task or duty, especially temporarily

    B2

    usually passive; detail someone to do somethingformal

    • "Two officers were detailed to guard the entrance."B2
    • "She was detailed to investigate the financial irregularities."C1

Common mistakes

  • in details→in detail

    Use the uncountable expression in detail when you mean thoroughly.

  • detail about the problem→details about the problem

    Use the plural form when referring to several pieces of information.

Collocations

attention to detailpay attention to detailin detailmore detailssmall detailfine detailpersonal detailsdetail-oriented

Word family

detaileddetailingdetailer