Details vs. Detail: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 27, 2023
"Details" is the plural form of "Detail," with "Detail" referring to a single, specific element and "Details" referring to multiple such elements.
Key Differences
"Details" and "Detail" both revolve around the concept of specific, individual elements of a larger whole. While "Detail" emphasizes a singular element, often representing minute or intricate features, "Details" refers to several such elements collectively.
When one delves into the "Detail" of a subject, they're examining a specific facet or characteristic, often with the intent to understand it thoroughly. On the other hand, when someone asks for the "Details" of an event, they're seeking multiple pieces of information or specifics.
In art, "Detail" might refer to a particular element within a painting or sculpture that stands out due to its intricacy or significance. "Details," in the same context, could mean various intricate elements that together contribute to the overall perception of the artwork.
Consider a crime scene investigation. An investigator might focus on a single "Detail" – perhaps a fingerprint or a specific mark. However, when briefing their team, they might provide all the "Details" gathered, referring to multiple pieces of evidence or specifics.
From a linguistic standpoint, "Detail" and "Details" mainly differ in their singularity and plurality. "Detail" as a singular term can also be a verb, meaning to describe something minutely, while "Details" as a plural noun always refers to multiple specific elements or pieces of information.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Plural form of "Detail"
A singular, specific element or part
Grammatical Number
Plural
Singular
Contextual Usage
Refers to multiple specific elements
Refers to one specific element
Function
Noun
Noun, can also be a verb
Scope
Broad, referring to multiple elements
Narrow, referring to a single element
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Details and Detail Definitions
Details
Comprehensive information about something.
We need the details of the transaction.
Detail
A singular, specific element or fact.
One detail caught my attention.
Details
The smaller elements of a larger structure.
The details of the design were impressive.
Detail
A minor or small part of something.
He focused on every detail of the plan.
Details
Specifics about something.
Give me the details of the meeting.
Detail
An individual feature or trait.
The carvings had an intricate detail.
Details
An individual part or item; a particular
Discussed the details of the proposal.
Detail
An individual part or item; a particular
Discussed the details of the proposal.
Details
Particulars considered individually and in relation to a whole
Careful attention to detail.
Detail
Particulars considered individually and in relation to a whole
Careful attention to detail.
Details
A minor or an inconsequential item or aspect; a minutia
Skipped the details to get to the main point.
Detail
A minor or an inconsequential item or aspect; a minutia
Skipped the details to get to the main point.
Details
A minute or thorough treatment or account
Went into detail about his travels.
Detail
A minute or thorough treatment or account
Went into detail about his travels.
Details
A discrete part or portion of a work, such as a painting, building, or decorative object, especially when considered in isolation.
Detail
A discrete part or portion of a work, such as a painting, building, or decorative object, especially when considered in isolation.
Details
A representation of such a part or portion
A detail of a Rembrandt portrait illustrating the technique of chiaroscuro.
Detail
A representation of such a part or portion
A detail of a Rembrandt portrait illustrating the technique of chiaroscuro.
Details
A small elaborated element of a work of art, craft, or design.
Detail
A small elaborated element of a work of art, craft, or design.
Details
Such elements considered together
The intricate detail of a rococo altarpiece.
Detail
Such elements considered together
The intricate detail of a rococo altarpiece.
Details
The rendering of artistic detail
The fine detail of the painter's brushwork.
Detail
The rendering of artistic detail
The fine detail of the painter's brushwork.
Details
A group of military personnel assigned to a particular duty, usually a fatigue duty.
Detail
A group of military personnel assigned to a particular duty, usually a fatigue duty.
Details
The duty assigned
Garbage detail.
Detail
The duty assigned
Garbage detail.
Details
To report or relate explicitly or in particulars
Detailed the charges against the defendant.
Detail
To report or relate explicitly or in particulars
Detailed the charges against the defendant.
Details
To provide with artistic or decorative detail
Detailed the quilt with colorful appliqué.
Detail
To provide with artistic or decorative detail
Detailed the quilt with colorful appliqué.
Details
To assign to a particular duty
"The musicians and other non-combatants were detailed to carry the stretchers" (Peter Cozzens).
Detail
To assign to a particular duty
"The musicians and other non-combatants were detailed to carry the stretchers" (Peter Cozzens).
Details
To clean (a car interior, for example) meticulously.
Detail
To clean (a car interior, for example) meticulously.
Details
To market to (a physician) the drugs sold by one's company,
Detail
To market to (a physician) the drugs sold by one's company,
Details
Plural of detail
Detail
(countable) A part small enough to escape casual notice.
Note this fine detail in the lower left corner.
We missed several important details in the contract.
Details
Confidential information.
Detail
(uncountable) A profusion of details.
This etching is full of fine detail.
Details
True confidential information;
After the trial he gave us the real details
Detail
(uncountable) The small parts that can escape casual notice.
Details
Multiple specific elements or facts.
She provided all the details of the incident.
Detail
A part considered trivial enough to ignore.
I don't concern myself with the details of accounting.
Details
Multiple minute particulars.
He missed the details in his rush.
Detail
(countable) A person's name, address and other personal information.
The arresting officer asked the suspect for his details.
Detail
A temporary unit or assignment.
Detail
An individual feature, fact, or other item, considered separately from the whole of which it is a part.
Detail
A narrative which relates minute points; an account which dwells on particulars.
Detail
(paintings) A selected portion of a painting.
Detail
(transitive) To explain in detail.
I'll detail the exact procedure to you later.
Detail
(transitive) To clean carefully (particularly of road vehicles) lang=en}}
We need to have the minivan detailed.
Detail
To assign to a particular task.
Detail
A minute portion; one of the small parts; a particular; an item; - used chiefly in the plural; as, the details of a scheme or transaction.
The details of the campaign in Italy.
Detail
A narrative which relates minute points; an account which dwells on particulars.
Detail
The selection for a particular service of a person or a body of men; hence, the person or the body of men so selected.
Detail
A minor part, as, in a building, the cornice, caps of the buttresses, capitals of the columns, etc., or (called larger details) a porch, a gable with its windows, a pavilion, or an attached tower.
Detail
To relate in particulars; to particularize; to report minutely and distinctly; to enumerate; to specify; as, he detailed all the facts in due order.
Detail
To tell off or appoint for a particular service, as an officer, a troop, or a squadron.
Detail
To provide with fine or intricate added decoration.
Detail
An isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole;
Several of the details are similar
A point of information
Detail
A small part that can be considered separately from the whole;
It was perfect in all details
Detail
Extended treatment of particulars;
The essay contained too much detail
Detail
A crew of workers selected for a particular task;
A detail was sent to remove the fallen trees
Detail
A temporary military unit;
The peace-keeping force includes one British contingent
Detail
Provide details for
Detail
Assign to a specific task;
The ambulances were detailed to the fire station
Detail
A brief note or explanation.
She added a detail at the end of her essay.
Detail
To describe something minutely.
He detailed the process in his report.
FAQs
Is "Details" ever singular?
No, "Details" is always plural, referring to multiple specifics.
How are "Detail" and "Details" related in meaning?
Both refer to specific elements of a larger whole, with "Detail" being singular and "Details" plural.
Can "Detail" be used as a verb?
Yes, "Detail" can mean to describe something minutely.
Is "Details" always about minutiae?
Not necessarily, but "Details" often refers to specific elements or facts.
What does "Details" usually refer to?
"Details" often refers to multiple specific elements, facts, or pieces of information about something.
In what context might "Detail" be most relevant?
When discussing a singular, specific element or when describing something thoroughly.
Which word is broader in scope?
"Details" is broader, often referring to multiple elements, while "Detail" is more specific.
How does "Details" function in grammar?
"Details" functions as a plural noun.
Are "Details" and "Detail" interchangeable?
Not always. "Details" is plural and refers to multiple specifics, while "Detail" is singular, referring to one specific element.
Can "Detail" refer to a brief explanation?
Yes, a "Detail" can be a brief note or explanation about something.
When might one use "Details" in a sentence?
When referring to multiple specific elements or facts, like in "Provide the details of the event."
When should one use "Details" over "Detail"?
Use "Details" when referring to multiple specifics and "Detail" for a single specific element or when describing minutely.
Can "Detail" refer to a part of an artwork?
Yes, "Detail" can refer to a specific, intricate element of an artwork.
Can "Detail" mean precision?
Indirectly, focusing on "Detail" implies precision and thoroughness.
Can "Detail" be a trait?
Yes, a "Detail" can be an individual feature or trait of something.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
