details - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
details Word Meanings
- a small part of something
- an individual feature, fact, or item
- to explain or describe something fully
details Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
details Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈdiːteɪl/
US
/ˈdiːteɪl/
details Word Etymology
de- = down, tail = cut off. Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Picture a detailed tree with branches that need to be cut down to see the small features that make it unique.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I hold a notebook and move my finger along the edge, letting my attention shift to each detail. I turn the page and spot a tiny detail—a line, a shade, a corner—that quietly changes how I see the scene. I push and pull my focus, adjust my grip, and feel the effort to keep track of what matters. In real use, you pick which part to highlight or explain, letting the whole picture grow from the small pieces you notice.
Real Context
Detail is a noun that means a small part of something, and a verb that means to explain or describe something fully and precisely. In everyday use, people speak of the details of a plan or project, or they ask for more detail to understand how something works. The noun emphasizes specifics, while the verb emphasizes thorough description. A clear detail can turn a vague statement into a concrete image. The word has a long history from Latin and Old French that eventually entered English, shifting from a sense of cutting away to a sense of laying out each part. Using detail well supports clarity, credibility, and careful thinking in writing and speaking.
Usage Reminders
- Use detail to describe a part or step clearly
- Choose detail or details based on count: one detail vs. many details
- As a verb, detail means to describe thoroughly
- Use phrases like in detail, with great detail, or pay attention to detail
- Avoid vague language when you can specify a detail
- Practice by outlining a process with concrete details
Common Misconceptions
- Detail = the opposite of summary
- Details are always long or complex
- To detail something is the same as describing it briefly
- Detail means a single fact, not a part
- We only use detail in negative contexts like 'not in detail'
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: detail has both a concrete unit sense and a thorough descriptive sense; learners often confuse it with mere facts or features rather than a full description.
Learning Tips
- Learn the noun vs verb forms and their typical collocations
- Practice with 'detail' vs 'details' based on count
- Use 'in detail' to show thorough explanation
- Read technical writing to notice how details support arguments
- Create a checklist of steps with detailed descriptions
- Spot common phrases: detail of, pay attention to detail, go into detail
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'details'?
A.A way to dance
B.A type of cooking
C.Small parts or features that make something complete
D.A mathematical concept
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'details' correctly?
A.She likes to detail the car every week.
B.The artist focused on the small details in his painting.
C.He made a detail plan for the project.
D.They decided to detail the meeting agenda.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'details'?
A.Aspects
B.Movement
C.Overview
D.Sound
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'details'?
A.Big picture
B.Emphasis
C.Clarification
D.Data
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where one needs to be attentive to specifics?
A.Cooking does not need precision or measurements.
B.Drafting a report requires careful consideration of every aspect.
C.When shopping, I only look for the brand name.
D.Prompting a friend lacks any thoughtful structure.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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