Detailed

/dɪˈteɪld/ verb adjective

To explain in detail.

Meaning

  1. (verb) To explain in detail. “I'll detail the exact procedure to you later.”
  2. (verb) To clean carefully (particularly of road vehicles) (always pronounced. /ˈdiːteɪl/) “We need to have the minivan detailed.”
  3. (verb) To assign to a particular task
  4. (adjective) Characterized by attention to detail and thoroughness of treatment.

About this word

The morphology of 'detailed' reveals its roots in the word 'detail,' which carries the idea of specifying or explaining something thoroughly. As an adjective, it describes something that is rich in specifics or intricacies, while as a verb, it means to explain something in depth. The term is often used in contexts where clarity and precision are paramount, such as technical writing or academic discussions.

In professional settings, 'detailed' frequently appears in phrases like 'detailed report' or 'detailed analysis.' These collocations underscore the importance of comprehensiveness in documentation and presentations. For instance, a project manager might request a detailed overview of the team's progress to ensure all aspects are covered.

For word game enthusiasts, 'detailed' scores 10 points in Scrabble, making it a valuable addition to any player's vocabulary. It fits within the Wordle eligibility range, having eight letters, and contains the common bigram 'de.' Players can also form several useful sub-words, such as 'dilated,' 'edited,' and 'elated,' enhancing their gameplay options.

The term 'detailed' likely stems from the Middle French 'détailler,' meaning 'to cut in pieces,' which reflects the act of breaking down information into manageable parts for clarity. Its usage gained traction in English during the 14th century and has evolved to encompass both verbal and adjectival forms today. Common misspellings include 'detaled' and 'detialed,' where the confusion often arises from the placement of the 'a' and the 'e.' Understanding these nuances can help avoid pitfalls in writing and communication.

Using Detailed in a sentence

  • She provided a detailed explanation of the project requirements.
  • The professor asked for a detailed analysis of the historical data.
  • In the meeting, the team submitted a detailed report on their findings.
  • As the author vividly detailed the landscape, readers could almost hear the rustling leaves.

Origin of Detailed

The term 'detailed' likely stems from the Middle French 'détailler,' meaning 'to cut in pieces,' which reflects the act of breaking down information into manageable parts for clarity. Its usage gained traction in English during the 14th century and has evolved to encompass both verbal and adjectival forms today. The precise origin is debated.

Letter breakdown

  • Detailed contains 8 letters: 4 vowel(s) and 4 consonant(s).
  • It uses 6 unique letters.
  • Estimated syllable count: 3.
  • Scrabble-style letter score: 10.

Synonyms

Words from these letters

Connected words

Other 8-letter words

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Words starting with DET

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Words ending with LED

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Reader questions

What does Detailed mean?

To explain in detail.

How many letters are in Detailed?

Detailed has 8 letters.

What word is often confused with detailed?

The word 'absolute' is sometimes confused with 'detailed.' While 'detailed' refers to specificity, 'absolute' implies completeness without conditions. Understanding the context helps in distinguishing their meanings.

What are some common misspellings of detailed?

Common misspellings include 'detaled' and 'detialed.' These errors often occur due to confusion between the letters 'a' and 'e' in the spelling.

When did the word detailed become popular?

The term 'detailed' gained popularity in English during the 14th century, deriving from the Middle French 'détailler.' Its usage has evolved over centuries to describe thorough explanations.

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