Cool MateDetail vs Elaborate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Detail
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Elaborate
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
Most common: Detail
| Detail | Elaborate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdiːteɪl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdiːteɪl//dɪˈteɪl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈlæbərət/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈlæbərət/"]/ |
| Meaning | A small part of something that adds to the whole. | To explain something in detail. |
| Example | Please remember to include every detail in your report. | elaborate designs |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | adjective |
| Collocations | little, minor, minute, point, wealth, level, give, go into, offer, emerge, suggest something, reveal something, for details, in detail, over a/the detail, attention to detail, down to the last detail, every last detail, little, minor, minute, point, wealth, level, give, go into, offer, emerge, suggest something, reveal something, for details, in detail, over a/the detail, attention to detail, down to the last detail, every last detail, little, minor, minute, point, wealth, level, give, go into, offer, emerge, suggest something, reveal something, for details, in detail, over a/the detail, attention to detail, down to the last detail, every last detail, little, minor, minute, point, wealth, level, give, go into, offer, emerge, suggest something, reveal something, for details, in detail, over a/the detail, attention to detail, down to the last detail, every last detail | be, look, seem, extremely, fairly, very |
| Antonyms | generality, broadness | simplify, condense, abridge |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'detailed', which is an adjective., Using 'detail' as a verb and forgetting the object., Mispronouncing it by stressing the wrong syllable. | Confused with 'elaborate' as a noun instead of a verb., Using it incorrectly by saying 'elaborate on it is' instead of 'elaborate on'., Overusing in informal contexts where simpler language would be better. |
| Usage notes | Use 'detail' when discussing parts of an explanation or description. Avoid using it in very casual conversations unless discussing specifics. | Use 'elaborate' when asking for more information or details about a topic. It's appropriate for formal discussions but can also be used informally. Avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler words suffice. |
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Frequently asked questions: Detail vs Elaborate
What's the difference between Detail and Elaborate?
Detail: A small part of something that adds to the whole. Elaborate: To explain something in detail.
Which is more common: Detail and Elaborate?
Detail is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Detail and Elaborate?
Elaborate is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Detail and Elaborate the same CEFR level?
Detail: A1, Elaborate: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Detail and Elaborate?
Detail: noun, Elaborate: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Detail: Please remember to include every detail in your report. Elaborate: elaborate designs
Can I use Detail and Elaborate interchangeably?
Not always. Detail and Elaborate are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.