detailed
Americanadjective
-
having many details.
a detailed problem.
- Synonyms:
- complicated, complex, involved
-
thorough in the treatment of details; minute.
a detailed report.
- Synonyms:
- comprehensive, thorough, exhaustive
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of detailed
Explanation
Use the adjective detailed when you're talking about something that's full of specific points or facts. A detailed weather report includes temperature, cloud cover, and the possibility of rain. Something that's detailed is focused on the fine points or small aspects — a detailed portrait of your grandmother includes every wisp of hair and subtle shade of skin. Detailed explanations take some time, because the person doing the explaining isn't leaving any detail out. The literal Old French meaning of the noun detail is "a cutting in pieces," and it's used to mean "small piece or quantity."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The size of the Lovell Telescope allows it to detect signals that are extremely weak, while the other telescopes at the site help scientists paint a more detailed picture.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
In 2018, one detailed study of the Los Angeles Unified School District found that 55% of its costs were fixed.
From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026
As Psyche moved closer, the cameras recorded detailed features on the surface, including wind-shaped craters, the south polar ice cap, and the large double-ringed Huygens crater.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 28, 2026
In text chains detailed in the motion, agents discussed “soft counts” of “possibles” based on location drive-bys and “roaming.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
Ovid gives an account of Hercules’ life, but very briefly, quite unlike his usual extremely detailed method.
From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
