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detail

n. · v.
US //ˈditeɪɫ// de·tail
  1. 1 a small part (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a small part or feature of something that you might not notice at first.

    an individual feature, fact, or item, considered separately from the whole.

    Example

    The artist spent hours painting every tiny detail of the flower.

    Example

    The architect's attention to detail was evident in the intricate carvings found even in the most obscure corners of the building.
  2. 2 personal information (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    facts about a person, like their name, address, or phone number.

    specific items of personal information used for identification or contact.

    Example

    Please leave your contact details at the front desk.

    Example

    The registration form requires you to provide your personal details, including a valid passport number and a permanent residential address.
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  1. 3 military/work task (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Military

    a small group of people chosen for a special job, often in the army.

    a small detachment of troops or a specific task assigned to such a group.

    Example

    He was assigned to the cleaning detail for the rest of the week.

    Example

    The sergeant organized a security detail to monitor the perimeter of the camp throughout the night.
  2. 4 to describe fully (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to give a lot of information about something or describe it fully.

    to provide a thorough and exhaustive account of something.

    Example

    The report details all the changes we made to the project.

    Example

    The witness was asked to detail the events leading up to the accident in chronological order.
  3. 5 to assign a task (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to give someone a specific job to do.

    to appoint or assign someone to a specific duty or task.

    Example

    Two officers were detailed to watch the back door of the building.

    Example

    The manager detailed several staff members to assist with the emergency evacuation procedures during the drill.
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French détail, from Old French detail, from detaillier, from de- + taillier (“to cut”). Compare typologically Bulgarian подробност (podrobnost), Czech podrobnost, Russian подро́бность (podróbnostʹ) (akin to дроби́ть (drobítʹ)).

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