What is detail? Pronunciation and usage in English

detail means . Learn how to pronounce and use detail through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of detail

detailnoun/verb

/ˈdiːteɪl/
Definition & pronunciation of detail

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "detail" in English. There are a couple of common ways, and both are generally accepted. Here's a breakdown:

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈdetɛl (This is the pronunciation you’ll hear most often in the United States.)
    • ˈdet - Sounds like "det" as in "debt"
    • -ɛl - Sounds like "el" as in "tell" (with a short "e" sound)

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • dɪˈteɪl (This is the more traditional pronunciation in the UK.)
    • dɪ - Sounds like "di" as in "did"
    • ˈteɪl - Sounds like "tail" (with a long "a" sound, as in "say")

Here's a helpful way to break it down using sounds:

  • American: "det-el"
  • British: "di-tail"

Resources to hear the pronunciation:

To help me tailor the pronunciation advice even further, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, etc.) - Knowing this helps me give you the most common pronunciation in your region.

Usage and examples with the word detail in English

Let's break down how to use the word "detail" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (The Most Common Use)

  • A small, specific fact or piece of information: This is the most frequent way "detail" is used. It refers to something that contributes to the whole picture.

    • Example: "The detective examined the details of the crime scene." (He looked closely at the specific clues.)
    • Example: "I need more details about the project before I can commit." (I want specific information.)
    • Example: "She provided a wealth of details about her travels." (Lots of specific facts about her trips.)

  • A particular part or aspect of something: Like specifying a component

    • Example: “The engine’s details include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.”

  • Fine points or specifications: (Often used formally)

    • Example: "The contract includes several important details regarding payment terms."

2. As a Verb (Meaning to provide information)

  • To give specific information about something: This means to explain something in a detailed way.
    • Example: "Please detail the steps involved in the process." (Explain each step carefully.)
    • Example: "He detailed his account of the accident to the police." (He gave a thorough account.)
    • Example: “The architect will detail the blueprints to the construction team.”

3. As an Adjective (Describing something comprehensive)

  • Including many details; comprehensive: Used to describe something that is very thorough and has many parts.
    • Example: "It was a detailed report." (It had a lot of information and specific points.)
    • Example: "He provided a detailed explanation." (He explained things in a very thorough way.)
    • Example: “The museum displayed a detailed model of the Titanic.”

Here's a table summarizing the different forms and meanings:

Form Meaning Example
Noun A small piece of information “Let’s discuss the details later.”
Noun A component or part “The car’s engine has many details.”
Verb To provide specific information “Detail the process step-by-step.”
Adjective Comprehensive, full of details “A detailed map.”

Tips for Using "Detail" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "detail" depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Combine with "specific" or "particular": These words can help clarify that you're referring to a small, important piece of information. (e.g., “I need specific details about the budget.”)
  • Consider synonyms: Depending on the situation, you might be able to use words like "aspect," "aspects," "point," "factor," "information,” or "specification" instead.

Could you give me a sentence where you want to use the word “detail”? I can then give you a more tailored example and help you refine your usage.

Synonyms for the word detail

Idioms of the word detail

go into detail(s)
to explain something fully
  • I can't go into details now; it would take too long.

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