detail
Small specific fact
Detail is a small individual part or feature of something larger: The painting's details reward close inspection.
In the plural, details are the specifics: I'll spare you the details.
To detail something is to describe it thoroughly, or to assign someone to a particular duty—a detail being a group assigned to such work: a security detail.
To detail a car is to clean it meticulously, attending to every small part.
Specific or fussy
- specificClearly defined, not vague
- particularSpecific or fussy
- elementBasic substance or factor
- aspectFeature or dimension
feature · component · facet · point · item · factor · attribute · specification
Complex and detailed
- ornateElaborately decorated
- intricateElaborately detailed, many parts
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- embellishedDecorated or exaggerated
complex · sophisticated · embroidery · lacework · scrollwork · fretwork · inlay · engraving
Degree of correctness
- exactnessCorrectness in every detail
- meticulousnessExtreme carefulness in details
- rigorStrict, thorough precision
- thoroughnessAttention to every detail
carefulness · scrupulousness · punctiliousness · methodical · perfectionism · attention · diligence · fastidiousness
Fine distinction, easily missed
- shadeDarkness from blocked light
- overtoneSubsidiary meaning or harmonic
- undertoneSubdued background quality
- hintIndirect suggestion
suggestion · trace · tinge · gradation · finesse · refinement · delicacy · distinction
Record of dealings
- descriptionAccount of characteristics
- itemizationCataloging into distinct entries
- enumerationSequential listing of items
- inventoryCatalog of held assets
listing · rundown · breakdown · summary · outline · catalog · specification · documentation
Give as responsibility
unit · task force · patrol · reconnaissance · sentry · guard · posting · attachment
particular
Specific or fussy
- specificClearly defined, not vague
- particularSpecific or fussy
- elementBasic substance or factor
aspect · feature · component · facet · point · item · factor · attribute · specification · minutia
elaborate
Complex and detailed
- ornateElaborately decorated
- intricateElaborately detailed, many parts
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
embellished · complex · sophisticated · embroidery · lacework · scrollwork · fretwork · inlay · engraving · etching
accuracy
Degree of correctness
- exactnessCorrectness in every detail
- meticulousnessExtreme carefulness in details
- rigorStrict, thorough precision
thoroughness · carefulness · scrupulousness · punctiliousness · methodical · perfectionism · attention · diligence · fastidiousness · painstaking
subtlety
Fine distinction, easily missed
- shadeDarkness from blocked light
- overtoneSubsidiary meaning or harmonic
- undertoneSubdued background quality
hint · suggestion · trace · tinge · gradation · finesse · refinement · delicacy · distinction · nicety
account
Record of dealings
- descriptionAccount of characteristics
- itemizationCataloging into distinct entries
- enumerationSequential listing of items
inventory · listing · rundown · breakdown · summary · outline · catalog · specification · documentation · dossier
assign
Give as responsibility
squad · unit · task force · patrol · reconnaissance · sentry · guard · posting · attachment · secondment
- groupsteam, teams, group, club, clubs
- factsfacts, fact, datum, data, truth
- descriptiondescription, descriptive prose, vivid imagery, particulars, specifics
- elaborationclarification, expansion, explanation, amplification, explication
- explanationswhy, how come, explication, what happened, definition
- Insignificant thingstrivial, minor, small, tiny, negligible
detailgenerality
Nonspecific broad assertion
overview · broad strokes · summary · big picture · generalization
- in detailComprehensively and specifically
- minor detailInsignificant specific element
- attention to detailFocus on specifics
- devil is in the detailsOverlooked specifics cause trouble
- descriptive detailSpecific observable element
- juicy detailsSensational insider information
details, detailed, detain, detailing, detainment, detailer, detailers, detailings, detail-oriented