Detail Meaning
Detail Definition & Usage
A small, individual element of a larger whole, often with an emphasis on precision or intricacy.
Examples
- "The artist captured every detail of the landscape, from the leaves on the trees to the clouds in the sky."
- "She noticed the smallest details, like the way the light reflected off the water."
- "The detective observed every detail of the crime scene to gather clues."
- "Can you explain the details of the project? I'm not clear on what exactly is involved."
- "The book was rich in detail, making it come alive with vivid descriptions."
To describe something with a focus on the individual elements or specifics.
Examples
- "He detailed the steps of the plan in his presentation."
- "The architect detailed the design of the new building to the client."
- "Can you detail what happened during the meeting?"
- "She detailed every moment of the trip in her journal."
- "The witness detailed the events leading up to the accident."
A specific, often minor, piece of information in a work or report, sometimes used to emphasize clarity or accountability.
Examples
- "The team was asked to provide more details in the report to clarify the findings."
- "Please include all the details of your expenses in the spreadsheet."
- "The client required a detailed breakdown of costs before approving the budget."
- "The contract outlined the details of the payment schedule."
- "Make sure to highlight the most important details in your presentation."
Cultural Context
The concept of 'detail' has historically been tied to craftsmanship, art, and meticulous work, often associated with high levels of precision. In modern usage, it extends beyond physical objects to include conceptual or intellectual precision.
The Artist’s Focus
Story
The Artist’s Focus
Maria stood before her easel, the soft light of the morning pouring through the window. She had been working on the same painting for days, adding layer after layer of color, carefully rendering each detail with a precision that only true artists possess. It wasn’t just the large elements that mattered to her, like the sweeping sky or the grand trees in the distance. It was the small details — the texture of each leaf, the subtle gradient in the sky, the tiny flecks of dirt scattered along the path. Every brushstroke was a decision, every detail an expression of her vision. Her friend Jake, who had visited the studio many times, could always tell when she was close to finishing a piece. Today, he was once again fascinated by how she focused on the tiniest elements. ‘You’re still working on the details?’ he asked, peering over her shoulder. ‘Isn’t it done yet?’ Maria smiled, not looking up. ‘It’s never done until the details are right,’ she replied, adding just a touch more color to the flower in the foreground. Later that afternoon, Jake sat down to work on a presentation for his new client. As he meticulously detailed the data and projections for the business plan, he reflected on Maria’s words. He realized that, in his own work, attention to detail was just as crucial as it was in painting. The success of his presentation depended on the precision with which he detailed every statistic, every forecast, every assumption. That evening, they both met at a local café to discuss their respective work. ‘I’ve finished the details,’ Maria said, wiping a paintbrush across the side of her hand. ‘It’s complete now. I can see the full picture.’ Jake nodded, opening his laptop to show Maria his work. ‘I think I’ve finished too,’ he said, pointing to the detailed breakdown of the numbers on the screen. ‘Now the client will see exactly what we’re offering.’ Both of them knew that the details were what made their work meaningful. Without them, the bigger picture could not fully come into focus. Whether in art or business, it was the details that made all the difference.
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