detail meaning, definition, synonyms

Detail is a word with several related meanings. It can refer to a small part, a specific fact, a group of workers on a task, or the act of assigning someone or something to a task.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Pronunciation

AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).

Accent: General American English

IPA: /ˈdiːteɪl/

Easy pronunciation: DEE-tayl (approximate spelling).

Stress: Stress the first syllable.

Noun: a small part or feature considered separately from the whole.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Detail Meaning

a small piece or feature of something larger

Part of speech: noun

Definition: a small part that can be considered separately from the whole

Example: The painting is impressive, even down to the smallest details.

Synonyms for this meaning:

item — Works in some contexts, but is less natural than 'detail' for this sense.
particular — Can overlap with this sense in plural form, but is more abstract and less direct.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Other Meanings of Detail

Meaning 2

a specific fact or point

Part of speech: noun

Definition: an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

Example: She remembered only a few details from the meeting.

Synonyms for this meaning:

item — Can refer to a specific fact, especially in a list or report.
point — A natural substitute when referring to a specific fact or idea.

Meaning 3

a small military group formed for a short time

Part of speech: noun

Definition: a temporary military unit

Example: The soldiers were sent out as a detail.

Synonyms for this meaning:

contingent — Related, but more general; it is not always a direct substitute.

Meaning 4

a group of workers assigned to do one job

Part of speech: noun

Definition: a crew of workers selected for a particular task

Example: A detail was sent to clear the road.

Meaning 5

to send someone or something to do a job

Part of speech: verb

Definition: assign to a specific task

Example: The ambulances were detailed to the fire station.

Meaning 6

a full explanation with many small points

Part of speech: noun

Definition: extended treatment of particulars

Example: The essay went into too much detail.

Meaning 7

to explain something with facts or specific information

Part of speech: verb

Definition: provide details for

Example: Please detail your reasons in the report.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Detail Synonyms

Similar Meaning

point

small part or feature of something

item
particular

specific fact or point

item
point

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Common Mistakes

Using 'detail' to mean 'specific information' in every context, when it can also mean a task force or a verb meaning 'assign'.
Treating 'contingent' as a synonym for the everyday noun senses.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does detail mean in everyday English?

Most often, it means a small part or feature of something larger, or a specific fact about something.

Is detail a noun or a verb?

It can be both. As a noun, it often means a small part or fact. As a verb, it can mean to assign someone to a task or to describe something in detail.

What are the best synonyms for detail?

For the main noun sense, good near-synonyms include 'point' and, in some contexts, 'item' or 'particular'.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.