Explanation at your level:
A detail is a small part of something. If you tell a story, you can talk about the big things or the small things. The small things are the details. For example, the color of a shirt is a detail. You use this word to ask for more information.
When you want to know more about a plan or a story, you ask for details. It means you want the specific facts. For example, if we have a meeting, the time and the place are the important details. It helps you understand things better.
Using the word details shows that you are looking for precision. Instead of just saying 'the event was good,' you can provide details like 'the music was loud and the food was delicious.' It is a common word in work and school when you need to explain how something works or what happened.
In professional or academic contexts, being detail-oriented is a positive trait. It means you are careful and thorough. You might hear people say, 'The details are still being finalized,' which suggests that the main plan is ready, but the small, necessary adjustments are still in progress.
The nuance of details often lies in the distinction between 'the big picture' and 'the minutiae.' While 'details' refers to necessary information, 'minutiae' refers to trivial, often boring details. Mastering this word allows you to articulate exactly where a project stands, whether you are discussing the 'fine details' of a legal contract or the 'vivid details' of a narrative.
Historically and linguistically, details represents the granular nature of human communication. In literary analysis, we might discuss how an author uses 'sensory details' to build an atmosphere. In high-level discourse, the word functions as a cornerstone for analytical thinking. It implies a level of scrutiny that separates a casual observer from an expert. Whether you are 'parsing the details' or 'omitting details' for brevity, the word is essential for conveying intellectual rigor.
30초 단어
- Details are small, specific pieces of information.
- They are usually used in the plural form.
- Being 'detail-oriented' is a common positive trait.
- They are essential for clarity and understanding.
Think of details as the puzzle pieces that make up the big picture. When someone asks you for the details, they don't want a general summary; they want the specifics. Whether it is the color of a car, the time of an appointment, or the fine print in a contract, these small bits of information provide the clarity we need to understand the world around us.
Using details effectively is a superpower in communication. It turns a boring story into a vivid memory and helps professionals make accurate decisions. Without them, we are left with vague ideas that are hard to act upon. So, next time you are explaining something, remember: the magic is truly in the details!
The word details has a fancy French lineage. It comes from the Old French word detaillier, which literally means 'to cut into pieces.' This makes perfect sense when you think about it—when you look at details, you are essentially 'cutting' a large topic into smaller, manageable pieces to examine them closely.
It entered the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, it shifted from meaning a 'cutting up' or 'retail' (selling in small quantities) to the modern sense of 'specific information.' It is fascinating how a word about cutting fabric or goods evolved into a word about how we process information and knowledge today.
You will hear details used everywhere from casual chats to high-stakes board meetings. In casual settings, you might say, 'Give me the details!' when you want the latest gossip. In business, you might say, 'Let's iron out the details,' which means to finalize the specific arrangements of a plan.
Common collocations include 'fine details', 'important details', and 'give details'. Notice how we often pair it with adjectives that emphasize importance or precision. It is a very versatile word that fits well in almost any register, provided you are being specific about what you need or what you are describing.
Idioms involving details often highlight the struggle between the big picture and the small stuff. For example, 'The devil is in the detail' means that something might seem simple, but the small parts are where the problems hide. Another is 'to get bogged down in details', which means focusing so much on the small stuff that you lose sight of the main goal.
You might also hear 'in fine detail', meaning to describe something very carefully. Or, if someone is 'detail-oriented', they are a person who pays close attention to small things. Finally, 'the nitty-gritty' is a great slang term for the most essential or practical details of a matter.
Grammatically, details is almost always used as a plural noun. While you can use 'detail' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a small detail'), we usually talk about 'the details' when referring to a collection of information. It acts as a countable noun, so you can have 'many details' or 'few details'.
Pronunciation-wise, English speakers generally stress the second syllable: dih-TEYLZ. However, in some British English dialects, you might hear the stress on the first syllable: DEE-teylz. It rhymes with words like tales, scales, and fails. Practice saying it clearly to ensure the 'z' sound at the end is crisp!
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'retail'.
Pronunciation Guide
Stress on the first syllable.
Stress on the second syllable.
Common Errors
- Missing the /z/ sound
- Wrong syllable stress
- Pronouncing 'ai' as 'ee'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to use
Easy to pronounce
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
고급
Grammar to Know
Plural Nouns
details
Countable vs Uncountable
details vs data
Adjective formation
detailed
Examples by Level
Tell me the details.
Tell/give me the small parts.
Imperative form.
I like the details.
I like the small parts.
Noun plural.
What are the details?
What is the info?
Question form.
Read the details.
Read the info.
Verb + noun.
He has the details.
He knows the info.
Subject-verb agreement.
Check the details.
Look at the info.
Imperative.
No more details.
No more info.
Quantifier.
Write the details.
Write the info down.
Instruction.
The details of the trip are ready.
She gave me all the details.
We need more details about the plan.
Can you send the details by email?
I forgot the details of the story.
The details are not important now.
Please check the details carefully.
He explained the details to us.
The police are investigating the details of the crime.
She is very good at remembering small details.
We discussed the details of the contract for an hour.
The report lacks important details.
He went into great detail about his vacation.
Let's focus on the details of the project.
The details of the agreement are confidential.
I have all the necessary details for the booking.
The devil is in the details, so read the fine print.
She is a detail-oriented person who never misses a thing.
We need to iron out the details before we sign.
The details of the proposal were quite complex.
He provided a wealth of detail in his presentation.
Don't get bogged down in the details; look at the goal.
The details of the incident remain unclear.
I appreciate your attention to detail.
The author uses intricate details to bring the setting to life.
We must scrutinize the details of the data before drawing conclusions.
The minutiae of the administrative details were exhausting.
He provided a granular breakdown of the project details.
The details of the settlement were kept under wraps.
She has an uncanny eye for the details that others overlook.
The nuances and details of the argument were compelling.
We need to reconcile the conflicting details in the report.
The architect's design was celebrated for its exquisite attention to detail.
The historical account is rich with details that humanize the figures.
The legal team meticulously parsed the details of the evidence.
He was obsessed with the details of the restoration process.
The sheer volume of details in the manuscript was overwhelming.
The details of the treaty were debated for several months.
She captured the details of the landscape with remarkable clarity.
The complexity of the details suggests a very sophisticated system.
자주 쓰는 조합
Idioms & Expressions
"The devil is in the detail"
Small things can cause big problems.
The plan looks good, but the devil is in the detail.
neutral"Get bogged down in details"
Focus too much on small things.
Don't get bogged down in details; keep moving.
casual"In fine detail"
Very carefully and thoroughly.
She explained the process in fine detail.
formal"Go into detail"
To explain something thoroughly.
I don't want to go into detail right now.
neutral"Nitty-gritty"
The most important practical facts.
Let's talk about the nitty-gritty of the budget.
casual"Detail-oriented"
Paying close attention to small things.
He is a very detail-oriented accountant.
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean information.
Data is usually uncountable/scientific; details are countable.
The data is ready; the details are ready.
Both are bits of info.
Facts are truths; details are specific parts.
The facts are clear; the details are complex.
Both are parts of a whole.
Features are characteristics; details are pieces of info.
The phone features are great; the details are small.
Opposite concept.
Summary is the whole; details are the parts.
Give me the summary, not the details.
Sentence Patterns
Give me the details of...
Give me the details of the event.
Focus on the details.
We need to focus on the details.
Go into detail about...
She went into detail about the trip.
Iron out the details.
Let's iron out the details.
Scrutinize the details of...
The lawyer will scrutinize the details of the contract.
어휘 가족
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
관련
How to Use It
9
Formality Scale
자주 하는 실수
We usually refer to a collection of info as plural.
It sounds very formal.
Details are countable; data is a mass noun.
It is plural, so the sound is important.
Detail is a noun; detailed is the adjective.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a tail that has many small, numbered tags on it.
When Native Speakers Use It
When they want to show they are listening carefully.
Cultural Insight
In Western business, 'attention to detail' is a top skill.
Grammar Shortcut
Always keep it plural when referring to information.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'z' sound at the end.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'a detail' when you mean the whole information.
Did You Know?
It comes from the same root as 'retail'!
Study Smart
Write a story and underline every detail you include.
Better Writing
Use 'detailed' instead of 'big' to sound smarter.
Clear Speech
Pause slightly before saying 'details' to add emphasis.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
DE-TAIL: Think of a tail that has many small hairs.
Visual Association
A magnifying glass looking at a tiny piece of a puzzle.
Word Web
챌린지
Describe your room in 5 small details.
어원
French
Original meaning: To cut into pieces
문화적 맥락
None
Highly valued in business for precision.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- Can you provide the details?
- Let's review the details.
- The details are finalized.
In a story
- He described it in vivid details.
- The story had many interesting details.
- I missed the small details.
Travel
- What are the flight details?
- Check the booking details.
- The trip details are on the site.
Education
- Read the details carefully.
- The project requires more details.
- Check the assignment details.
Conversation Starters
"What is the most important detail of your day?"
"Do you prefer to know the big picture or the details?"
"Are you a detail-oriented person?"
"What is a detail that most people miss?"
"How do you handle too many details at once?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your favorite room in great detail.
Write about a time you missed an important detail.
Why do you think details are important in life?
Describe your perfect day in detail.
자주 묻는 질문
8 질문Use 'details' for the information itself.
dih-TEYLZ.
It can be both formal and casual.
Someone who pays attention to small things.
Yes, to describe something in detail.
Particulars, specifics, elements.
Yes, you can have many details.
It provides clarity and accuracy.
셀프 테스트
Please give me the ___ of the party.
We need the plural noun.
What does 'details' mean?
Details are small pieces of information.
A 'detail-oriented' person is messy.
They are careful and organized.
Word
뜻
Matching phrases to meanings.
Check the details carefully.
The ___ is in the details.
It is a famous idiom.
Which is a synonym for details?
Particulars are specific facts.
The word 'minutiae' is similar to 'details'.
Both refer to small pieces of information.
Word
뜻
Advanced vocabulary matching.
The details of the minutiae.
점수: /10
Summary
Details are the tiny pieces that help you see the whole picture more clearly.
- Details are small, specific pieces of information.
- They are usually used in the plural form.
- Being 'detail-oriented' is a common positive trait.
- They are essential for clarity and understanding.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a tail that has many small, numbered tags on it.
When Native Speakers Use It
When they want to show they are listening carefully.
Cultural Insight
In Western business, 'attention to detail' is a top skill.
Grammar Shortcut
Always keep it plural when referring to information.
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about
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above
A2어떤 것보다 더 높은 위치, 바로 위를 나타내요.
accident
A2예기치 않게 발생하는 나쁜 사건으로, 피해나 부상을 입힐 수 있어요.
action
A2어떤 목표를 이루기 위해 실제로 행동하는 것을 말해.
after
A2'after'는 시간상이나 공간상으로 어떤 것의 뒤에 오는 것을 의미해요.
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2'again'은 어떤 일이 다시 일어나거나 반복될 때 사용하는 말이에요.
aged
B1어떤 사람이나 물건이 특정한 나이를 먹었음을 나타낼 때 써.
alive
A2죽지 않고 생명이 있는 상태를 의미해.
all
A2'all'은 어떤 것의 전부 또는 모든 개별적인 것을 가리킬 때 사용해요.
