DETAIL

Definition of DETAIL

DETAIL Noun and Verb

Detail is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a small, individual part of a larger whole, often significant in understanding, description, or function. As a verb, to detail means to describe, explain, or present something thoroughly and with attention to individual elements. In both uses, detail emphasizes specificity, precision, and careful consideration.

DETAIL as a noun

As a noun, detail refers to individual elements, features, or minor aspects that together contribute to the understanding, structure, or appearance of a larger whole. These components can be physical, conceptual, or abstract, and their observation is crucial to appreciating complexity, functionality, or aesthetic value.

Aesthetic and Functional Significance (Noun): Details carry importance both aesthetically and functionally. In art, design, architecture, and craftsmanship, small details can define the beauty, style, and identity of a creation. Functionally, details ensure that systems, objects, or processes operate effectively, highlighting precision, reliability, and intentionality.

Cognitive and Analytical Value (Noun): In cognitive, academic, or professional contexts, details are critical for analysis, evaluation, and decision-making. Attention to detail allows individuals to notice subtle differences, detect errors, and make informed choices, emphasizing thoroughness, comprehension, and accuracy.

DETAIL as a verb

As a verb, to detail means to describe, explain, or present something carefully and methodically. It involves organizing information in a clear, structured way, ensuring that all relevant aspects are communicated with precision and completeness. Detailing conveys diligence, observation, and mastery of the subject.

Communication and Documentation (Verb): Detailing information is essential in communication, reporting, and documentation. It promotes clarity, prevents misunderstandings, and supports accuracy. By providing detailed explanations, individuals facilitate understanding, transparency, and trust, whether in professional, educational, or personal contexts.

Analytical and Conceptual Use (Verb): In analytical or conceptual contexts, to detail something means to break down complex ideas, systems, or processes into their constituent parts. This methodical approach allows for critical evaluation, problem-solving, and informed decision-making, highlighting the importance of structure and completeness.

Cultural and Historical Perspectives: Across cultures and history, attention to detail has been valued as a hallmark of skill, expertise, and craftsmanship. Whether in artistic creation, technological development, or scholarly work, mastering details reflects diligence, precision, and the pursuit of excellence, demonstrating the human capacity for meticulousness and refinement.

In conclusion, detail as both a noun and a verb encompasses individual components and the act of thorough, precise description. As a noun, it emphasizes elements, features, or particulars that contribute to a larger whole. As a verb, it highlights the careful presentation or explanation of information, processes, or ideas. Attention to detail enables clarity, accuracy, and excellence, enriching understanding, communication, and the functionality of objects, systems, and concepts.

Examples of DETAIL in a sentence

DETAIL as a noun in a sentence

• She explained every detail of the event to her friends.
• The report includes all the important details of the project.
• He missed a small detail that changed the outcome.
• The artist focused on every detail of the painting.
• Please provide the details of your travel itinerary.
• The contract outlined the details of the agreement clearly.
• They discussed the finer details of the design.
• Attention to detail is crucial in this type of work.

DETAIL as a verb in a sentence

• The report details the steps required to complete the project.
• She detailed her experience during the interview.
• The article details the history of the ancient city.
• He detailed the procedure for assembling the equipment.
• The guidebook details all the attractions in the city.
• She detailed her plan for the upcoming event.
• The contract details the responsibilities of each party.
• He carefully detailed every aspect of the experiment in his notes.

Origin of DETAIL

The term detail has a rich etymological history and a semantic development that reflects its focus on particulars, precision, and thoroughness.

Semantic Context: Detail can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a small or specific part of a larger whole, an individual feature, or particular information. As a verb, it means to describe or present something with attention to particulars. The term emphasizes specificity, careful observation, and comprehensive description.

• Etymological Roots: The word detail comes from the Old French detaillier, meaning “to cut into pieces” or “to divide.” This verb derives from de- (“off, from”) and taille (“cut, piece”), from Latin talea (“a cutting, stick, or piece”). The Latin root conveys the sense of breaking down a whole into smaller, manageable parts, which is central to the modern meaning of the term.
• Historical Development: Detail entered English in the 14th century, initially referring to small parts of a whole, particularly in military and administrative contexts, such as assigned tasks or units. By the 16th and 17th centuries, its meaning broadened to encompass fine points, features, or elements in art, literature, and everyday life. The verb form, meaning “to describe in detail,” developed later as emphasis on thoroughness and precision increased in scientific, literary, and technical writing.
• Cultural and Scientific Applications: In art and design, detail refers to the fine elements that contribute to the overall composition. In literature and rhetoric, it denotes particular facts or descriptions that enrich understanding. In military and administrative contexts, it can indicate assigned duties or specialized tasks. In everyday use, detail signifies attention to specifics, accuracy, and completeness.
• Current Usage: Today, detail is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, as a noun for particulars or elements, and as a verb for the act of describing or specifying thoroughly. It highlights precision, careful observation, and comprehensive consideration, whether in practical, creative, or analytical domains.

The word detail has retained its Latin-root meaning of “cutting into parts” while evolving into a versatile term emphasizing specifics, thoroughness, and precise description across multiple fields.