Detail vs. Thorough — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
"Detail" refers to a specific, individual element of a larger whole, emphasizing nuances and particularities, while "thorough" describes a comprehensive and complete approach, covering all possible aspects.
Difference Between Detail and Thorough
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Detail focuses on the finer aspects or smaller components of something, highlighting intricate features or specific points. Thorough, on the other hand, describes an exhaustive and careful examination or completion of a task, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Detail is often used to describe the depth of granularity or the precision of information, such as in descriptions, plans, or analyses. Thorough implies a meticulous method that covers all areas, often used in contexts where precision and exhaustive care are required.
Detail can enhance understanding by providing discrete pieces of information that collectively contribute to a fuller picture or comprehension of a subject. Thorough ensures comprehensive coverage, making sure that every component of a subject is considered and addressed.
Detail often requires focusing on a specific part of a larger entity, which can mean that while the specifics are well understood, other aspects might be minimized or overlooked. Thorough, whereas, aims at comprehensive coverage, balancing depth with breadth to avoid missing any elements.
Detail is crucial for tasks that require high fidelity to facts or nuanced information, such as in art, design, or technical specifications. Thorough is more about the process or approach, ensuring completeness and often involving multiple steps or checks to confirm that everything has been considered.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Specific elements
Complete coverage
Usage
Descriptions, nuances
Examination, completeness
Objective
Precision, granularity
Exhaustiveness, accuracy
Outcome
Enhanced understanding
Comprehensive assurance
Requirement
Attention to particulars
Systematic methodology
Compare with Definitions
Detail
Attention to or treatment of a subject in individual or minute parts.
She handles the decoration of each room with a lot of detail.
Thorough
Covering or involving all aspects or details.
The training program is thorough and covers all necessary topics.
Detail
Enhanced specificity or focus in presentation or consideration.
The novel’s attention to historical detail makes it very engaging.
Thorough
Ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
The inspector conducted a thorough check of the vehicle.
Detail
A small part or feature of a larger entity.
The painting’s detail in the brushwork is remarkable.
Thorough
Exhaustive and complete in terms of degree, scope, or extent.
The review of the document was thorough and revealed several errors.
Detail
A particularized account of something, focusing on specific facts or information.
His explanation of the process was full of useful detail.
Thorough
Carried out to the full extent; not superficial or partial.
His thorough understanding of the subject impressed the committee.
Detail
To describe something minutely or precisely.
The architect detailed the plans for the new building meticulously.
Thorough
Meticulously careful and precise.
She is known for her thorough research before starting any project.
Detail
An individual part or item; a particular
Discussed the details of the proposal.
Thorough
In 17th century England, Thorough was a name given by Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford to a scheme of his to establish absolute monarchy in England. Although "Thorough" is largely attributed to Strafford, its implementation can also be accredited to the Archbishop of Canterbury William Laud.
Detail
Particulars considered individually and in relation to a whole
Careful attention to detail.
Thorough
Complete with regard to every detail; not superficial or partial
Planners need a thorough understanding of the subject
Detail
A minor or an inconsequential item or aspect; a minutia
Skipped the details to get to the main point.
Thorough
Exhaustively complete
A thorough search.
Detail
A minute or thorough treatment or account
Went into detail about his travels.
Thorough
Painstakingly accurate or careful
Thorough research.
Detail
A discrete part or portion of a work, such as a painting, building, or decorative object, especially when considered in isolation.
Thorough
Absolute; utter
A thorough pleasure.
Detail
A representation of such a part or portion
A detail of a Rembrandt portrait illustrating the technique of chiaroscuro.
Thorough
Variant of through.
Detail
A small elaborated element of a work of art, craft, or design.
Thorough
Painstaking and careful not to miss or omit any detail.
The Prime Minister announced a thorough investigation into the death of a father of two in police custody.
He is the most thorough worker I have ever seen.
The infested house needs a thorough cleansing before it will be inhabitable.
Detail
Such elements considered together
The intricate detail of a rococo altarpiece.
Thorough
Utter; complete; absolute.
Detail
The rendering of artistic detail
The fine detail of the painter's brushwork.
Thorough
(obsolete) Through.
Detail
A group of military personnel assigned to a particular duty, usually a fatigue duty.
Thorough
A furrow between two ridges, to drain off the surface water.
Detail
The duty assigned
Garbage detail.
Thorough
Through.
Detail
To report or relate explicitly or in particulars
Detailed the charges against the defendant.
Thorough
Passing through; as, thorough lights in a house.
Detail
To provide with artistic or decorative detail
Detailed the quilt with colorful appliqué.
Thorough
Passing through or to the end; hence, complete; perfect; as, a thorough reformation; thorough work; a thorough translator; a thorough poet.
Detail
To assign to a particular duty
"The musicians and other non-combatants were detailed to carry the stretchers" (Peter Cozzens).
Thorough
Thoroughly.
Detail
To clean (a car interior, for example) meticulously.
Thorough
Through.
Detail
To market to (a physician) the drugs sold by one's company,
Thorough
A furrow between two ridges, to drain off the surface water.
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.
Thorough
Painstakingly careful and accurate;
Our accountant is thorough
Thorough research
Detail
(uncountable) A profusion of details.
This etching is full of fine detail.
Thorough
Very thorough; exhaustively complete;
An exhaustive study
Made a thorough search
Thoroughgoing research
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
What is the difference between being detailed and being thorough?
Being detailed means focusing on specific, often small, parts of something, whereas being thorough means being exhaustive and covering all aspects comprehensively.
Is being thorough always better than being detailed?
Not necessarily; the preference depends on the context. Thoroughness is crucial for ensuring completeness, while detail is key for precision and depth in specific areas.
What are examples of tasks that require thoroughness?
Tasks like auditing, safety inspections, and comprehensive research demand thoroughness to ensure all elements are considered and standards met.
How can one improve their ability to be both detailed and thorough?
Improving attention to both detail and thoroughness requires practice in observing and processing information meticulously, along with organizing and checking work systematically.
What are examples of professions where being detailed is more important than being thorough?
Professions like graphic design, watchmaking, and editing often emphasize being detailed over being thorough, focusing on precision and specific aspects.
How do the concepts of detail and thorough differ in scientific research?
In scientific research, detail refers to precision in data and methodology, while thoroughness refers to the extent and rigor of experiments and analyses.
How does one balance the need for detail with the need for thoroughness in project management?
Balancing detail and thoroughness in project management involves structuring tasks so that specific elements are meticulously handled while also ensuring all project aspects are covered.
What tools can help someone be more thorough?
Comprehensive planning tools, project management software, and systematic review processes can aid in ensuring thoroughness.
Why is attention to detail important in quality control?
In quality control, attention to detail is critical because it helps identify defects and ensure that products meet the required standards precisely.
What are the risks of not being thorough in legal documentation?
In legal documentation, not being thorough can lead to misunderstandings, loopholes, or non-compliance issues, potentially resulting in legal challenges or penalties.
Can a work be detailed but not thorough?
Yes, a work can be detailed, focusing on specific aspects with great precision, but not thorough if it does not cover all necessary or relevant aspects.
What tools can help someone be more detailed?
Tools like checklists, detailed guides, and software that allows for intricate planning and tracking can help enhance detail orientation.
Can focusing too much on details compromise thoroughness?
Yes, overly focusing on details can lead to missing the broader perspective, thus compromising the thoroughness of a task or study.
Is being thorough more time-consuming than being detailed?
Being thorough can be more time-consuming as it involves a comprehensive review and consideration of all aspects, not just specific details.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza 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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
