detailed - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
detailed Word Meanings
- full of detail; meticulous
- precisely described
- thorough and comprehensive
detailed Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
detailed Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈteɪld/
US
/dɪˈteɪld/
detailed Word Etymology
de- = down, tail = cut; from Middle English 'detaile' related to Latin 'detaliare', meaning 'to cut in pieces'. Picture a person detailing a car, meticulously cleaning every small part to make it shine.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Detailed describes something that includes many specific parts, features, or steps. It emphasizes precision, exactness, and thoroughness rather than a broad overview. When a document or description is detailed, you can expect concrete data, careful explanations, and often itemized lists or measurements. In everyday English, people use detailed to contrast with vague or general language: a detailed plan, a detailed report, a detailed set of instructions. The word shares roots with 'detail' and historically meant to cut information into pieces for clarity. Learners should note common collocations like detailed description, detailed analysis, and a detailed account, where the emphasis is on completeness and accuracy.
Usage Reminders
- Use detailed for documents with specifics
- Pair with descriptive nouns like description, analysis, or plan
- Remember it contrasts with vague or general language
- Look for data, steps, or evidence that justify each point
- Avoid using it to mean simply long or wordy
- Practice by expanding a brief paragraph into a detailed version
Common Misconceptions
- It means long in length, not just precision
- It is the same as elaborate or fancy writing
- It is only used for formal documents
- It necessarily implies complexity or difficulty
- You can replace thorough with detailed in every context
Thinking Differences
Detailed in English is often used across many domains to highlight concrete elements. Learners may mistake it for indicating long or complex text; the focus is on precision of parts, not overall length.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: detailed plan, detailed description, detailed analysis
- Compare detailed with thorough and elaborate to feel the nuance
- Practice by expanding summaries into detailed versions
- Use bullet lists to convey multiple details clearly
- Identify when data or steps are essential to the detail
- Read formal documents to see how detail is expressed
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'detailed'?
A.Random
B.Confusing
C.Simple
D.Precise
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'detailed' used correctly?
A.The instructions were detailed but unclear.
B.He was detailed about his homework.
C.She gave a detailed explanation of the process.
D.The report was detailed but incomplete.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is the opposite of 'detailed'?
A.Vague
B.Logical
C.Orderly
D.Thorough
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which of the following is a similar word to 'detailed'?
A.Specific
B.Generic
C.General
D.Abstract
Step 5: Mastery
When would you need to provide a detailed report?
A.When giving a quick summary
B.When being vague on purpose
C.When providing in-depth information
D.When giving a generic overview
Related Listening
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