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.
Difference Between Detail and Detailed
Table of Contents
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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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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-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.
