What does detail mean?
Detail is one of those everyday words whose simplicity conceals a long history. At its core, a detail is a single element taken out of a larger whole: a fact, a feature, or a piece of information considered on its own. We speak of examining something 'in detail', of noticing 'the finest details', or of someone with great 'attention to detail', always implying careful engagement with particulars rather than broad strokes. The word carries a positive connotation when linked with thoroughness and craftsmanship — a detailed account or a detailed design suggests rigor — though it can also hint at triviality, as in 'lost in the details'. Beyond this main use, detail has specialized senses: it can name a small group of people assigned to a specific task, especially in military or police settings, and as a verb it means either to describe something comprehensively or to assign such a group. Its versatility makes it indispensable in journalism, law, engineering, and ordinary conversation alike.
An individual fact, feature, or item of information, especially one considered as part of a larger whole.
"The contract spells out every detail of the arrangement."
Frequently used in the phrases 'in detail' and 'in great detail' to signal thoroughness.
A small or minor part of something, often one easily overlooked.
"He repainted the trim because he cared about even the tiniest detail."
A group of people assigned to perform a specific task, especially in military or police service.
"An honor detail stood at attention during the ceremony."
Chiefly American military and police usage.
To describe something fully, item by item; or to assign a person or group to a particular task.
"The memo details each step of the new filing procedure."
The plural 'details' is very common and often refers collectively to specific items of information, as in 'the details of the case'. It can also carry a slightly informal tone meaning fine print or particulars, e.g. 'we'll handle the details later'.
"Please send me the full details before Friday."
When 'detail' first appeared in English in the early 1600s, it meant a cutting of something into pieces — so every detail you notice is literally a slice of the whole.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of detail
Detail entered English in the early 17th century from French détailler, meaning 'to cut in pieces', formed from the prefix dé- plus tailler, 'to cut', which ultimately traces back to the Latin talea, a cutting or twig. This cutting metaphor survives in the word's sense of isolating individual parts from a whole. The same French verb gave English retail, originally 'to sell in small quantities', and connects distantly to tailor and entail, making detail part of a family of words all rooted in the idea of dividing or trimming.
Related word forms
How detail is actually used
As a noun, stress falls on the first syllable (DEE-tail) in both British and American English. As a verb meaning 'to describe fully' or 'to assign to a task', both DEE-tail and di-TAIL are heard, with second-syllable stress more common in American usage. The phrase 'in detail' is extremely common in formal and journalistic writing. In military and police contexts, 'detail' for an assigned group of workers is standard but largely restricted to that register.
Easily confused with detail
'Retail' refers to the sale of goods directly to consumers, while 'detail' means a small part or item of information — they share a root but differ entirely in meaning.