detail
Definitions
A small, individual fact or feature that is part of a larger whole
细节，细部，详情
A small group assigned a particular task, especially in the military
（尤指军队中）派遣的小分队，特遣队
To describe or list something fully and precisely
详述，详细说明
To clean a vehicle very thoroughly inside and out
（对车辆）做精细清洁护理
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde- (down, completely) + tail (cut) = 'to cut all the way down.' A detail is a small piece cut off a larger whole, so to 'go into detail' is to keep cutting something into finer and finer particulars. The military sense follows the same image — a 'detail' is a small group cut off from the main body for a specific task.
Root tail still carries 12 more wordsWhy It Means This
Detail keeps its 'cut down into pieces' DNA right in everyday English. When you ask for 'the details,' you're asking for the whole cut up into its smallest parts. That's also why 'detailed' means thorough — every piece has been cut out and shown.
Usage Guide
Stress can shift in American English: DE-tail as a noun, de-TAIL as a verb (and the car-cleaning sense is almost always de-TAIL). British English usually keeps the stress on the first syllable for both. Common patterns: 'in detail,' 'go into detail,' 'attention to detail.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
She explained the plan in great detail so no one would be confused.
- 2.
One small detail in the contract changed the whole meaning.
- 3.
The report details every step of the investigation.
- 4.
A detail of soldiers was sent to guard the bridge.