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Detail vs. Detailed — What's the Difference?

By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 18, 2024
"Detail" refers to a specific feature or piece of information, while "detailed" describes something as being thoroughly explained or elaborated.
Detail vs. Detailed — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Detail and Detailed

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Key Differences

Detail as a noun represents individual elements or aspects of a larger entity, focusing on specific characteristics or data points. In contrast, detailed as an adjective characterizes the extent or manner in which something is described, emphasizing depth and comprehensiveness.
In various contexts, a detail can be a minute part of a painting, a particular in a plan, or a fact in a narrative, pinpointing the focus on smaller, significant elements. On the other hand, a detailed report, description, or analysis implies that the subject is explored with precision and depth, covering various aspects thoroughly.
The appreciation of detail involves noticing and understanding the finer points, which can enhance appreciation or analysis, whether in art, literature, or scientific research. Whereas, producing detailed work requires an investment of time and effort to ensure clarity, accuracy, and completeness.
Detail, in its singularity or plurality, contributes to the richness and complexity of an observation or project, highlighting the importance of individual components. Conversely, being detailed is a quality that reflects the creator's or narrator's commitment to providing a clear, in-depth understanding of the subject matter.
The effective use of detail can significantly impact communication, making information more engaging and easier to understand. Meanwhile, a detailed approach ensures that the audience or reader gains a comprehensive insight, leaving little room for ambiguity or confusion.
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Comparison Chart

Nature

Noun; specific elements or aspects.
Adjective; described with depth and clarity.

Focus

On individual components or features.
On the thoroughness of the description or elaboration.

Importance

Enhances understanding and appreciation.
Ensures clarity and completeness.

Application

In observing, analyzing, or presenting parts.
In creating, narrating, or reporting comprehensively.

Outcome

Highlights significance of smaller elements.
Provides an in-depth perspective.

Compare with Definitions

Detail

An item of information.
Every detail of the plan was carefully considered.

Detailed

Thoroughly described or explained.
He gave a detailed account of the event.

Detail

Essential for analysis.
She focused on every small detail in the experiment.

Detailed

Reflects effort and clarity.
Her instructions were very detailed, leaving no room for confusion.

Detail

A specific feature or part.
The painting's detail in the background is remarkable.

Detailed

Applies to various forms.
The map was detailed, showing even the smallest roads.

Detail

Can be pluralized.
The story was rich in historical details.

Detailed

Ensures comprehensive understanding.
The teacher's detailed explanation helped students grasp the concept.

Detail

Enhances richness.
The architectural details of the building added to its charm.

Detailed

Characterized by depth.
The research paper was detailed and informative.

Detail

An individual part or item; a particular
Discussed the details of the proposal.

Detailed

Simple past tense and past participle of detail

Detail

Particulars considered individually and in relation to a whole
Careful attention to detail.

Detailed

Having many details or facts; showing attention to detail
More detailed information was needed

Detail

A minor or an inconsequential item or aspect; a minutia
Skipped the details to get to the main point.

Detailed

Characterized by abundant use of detail or thoroughness of treatment
A detailed report on tax laws.

Detail

A minute or thorough treatment or account
Went into detail about his travels.

Detailed

Characterized by attention to detail and thoroughness of treatment.

Detail

A discrete part or portion of a work, such as a painting, building, or decorative object, especially when considered in isolation.

Detailed

Developed or executed with care and in minute detail; as, a detailed plan.

Detail

A representation of such a part or portion
A detail of a Rembrandt portrait illustrating the technique of chiaroscuro.

Detailed

Containing details; containing subordinate parts as well as more general discussion; - of a discourse; as, a specific and detailed account of the accident. Opposite of sketchy, general, vague.

Detail

A small elaborated element of a work of art, craft, or design.

Detailed

Having fine or intricate added decoration.

Detail

Such elements considered together
The intricate detail of a rococo altarpiece.

Detailed

Developed or executed with care and in minute detail;
A detailed plan
The elaborate register of the inhabitants prevented tax evasion
The carefully elaborated theme

Detail

The rendering of artistic detail
The fine detail of the painter's brushwork.

Detail

A group of military personnel assigned to a particular duty, usually a fatigue duty.

Detail

The duty assigned
Garbage detail.

Detail

To report or relate explicitly or in particulars
Detailed the charges against the defendant.

Detail

To provide with artistic or decorative detail
Detailed the quilt with colorful appliqué.

Detail

To assign to a particular duty
"The musicians and other non-combatants were detailed to carry the stretchers" (Peter Cozzens).

Detail

To clean (a car interior, for example) meticulously.

Detail

To market to (a physician) the drugs sold by one's company,

Detail

(countable) A part small enough to escape casual notice.
Note this fine detail in the lower left corner.
We missed several important details in the contract.

Detail

(uncountable) A profusion of details.
This etching is full of fine detail.

Detail

(uncountable) The small parts that can escape casual notice.

Detail

A part considered trivial enough to ignore.
I don't concern myself with the details of accounting.

Detail

(countable) A person's name, address and other personal information.
The arresting officer asked the suspect for his details.

Detail

A temporary unit or assignment.

Detail

An individual feature, fact, or other item, considered separately from the whole of which it is a part.

Detail

A narrative which relates minute points; an account which dwells on particulars.

Detail

(paintings) A selected portion of a painting.

Detail

(transitive) To explain in detail.
I'll detail the exact procedure to you later.

Detail

(transitive) To clean carefully (particularly of road vehicles) lang=en}}
We need to have the minivan detailed.

Detail

To assign to a particular task.

Detail

A minute portion; one of the small parts; a particular; an item; - used chiefly in the plural; as, the details of a scheme or transaction.
The details of the campaign in Italy.

Detail

A narrative which relates minute points; an account which dwells on particulars.

Detail

The selection for a particular service of a person or a body of men; hence, the person or the body of men so selected.

Detail

A minor part, as, in a building, the cornice, caps of the buttresses, capitals of the columns, etc., or (called larger details) a porch, a gable with its windows, a pavilion, or an attached tower.

Detail

To relate in particulars; to particularize; to report minutely and distinctly; to enumerate; to specify; as, he detailed all the facts in due order.

Detail

To tell off or appoint for a particular service, as an officer, a troop, or a squadron.

Detail

To provide with fine or intricate added decoration.

Detail

An isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole;
Several of the details are similar
A point of information

Detail

A small part that can be considered separately from the whole;
It was perfect in all details

Detail

Extended treatment of particulars;
The essay contained too much detail

Detail

A crew of workers selected for a particular task;
A detail was sent to remove the fallen trees

Detail

A temporary military unit;
The peace-keeping force includes one British contingent

Detail

Provide details for

Detail

Assign to a specific task;
The ambulances were detailed to the fire station

Common Curiosities

How can I add detail to my work?

Adding detail involves including specific features, examples, or aspects that enhance the richness and clarity of the work.

Can too much detail be overwhelming?

Yes, excessive detail can overwhelm the audience, making it difficult to grasp the main points or maintain interest.

Can something have detail without being detailed?

Yes, something can have detail (specific features or aspects) without being detailed (thoroughly described or explained).

Why is attention to detail important?

Attention to detail is crucial for accuracy, quality, and depth of understanding in various tasks and disciplines.

How does one balance detail and being detailed?

Balancing involves providing enough specifics to enrich understanding without overloading with unnecessary information, maintaining clarity and engagement.

What does "detail" refer to?

Detail refers to an individual element or specific feature within a larger context, highlighting the importance of particular aspects.

Is "detailed" always positive?

While often positive, indicating thoroughness, "detailed" can be negative if excessive information makes communication cumbersome.

How is "detailed" used?

Detailed is used as an adjective to describe something that is explained or elaborated on with thoroughness and clarity.

What makes a description detailed?

A description becomes detailed when it includes comprehensive information, covering various aspects and ensuring clarity.

What's the difference between detailed planning and planning details?

Detailed planning refers to the thorough process of planning, while planning details focus on the specific elements of the plan.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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