detailed description
Complete explanation
Use it when you need to move beyond basics and provide a complete, vivid picture of something.
In 15 Sekunden
- A thorough explanation that includes every small fact and feature.
- Used when you need someone to visualize something perfectly.
- Common in professional, legal, and storytelling contexts.
Bedeutung
When you give a 'detailed description', you aren't just giving a summary. You are sharing every tiny piece of information so the other person can see a clear picture in their mind.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Reporting a lost item
I gave the police a detailed description of my stolen bike.
I gave the police a complete explanation of my stolen bike.
Planning a dream house
She wrote a detailed description of her perfect kitchen.
She wrote a complete explanation of her perfect kitchen.
Professional project update
Please provide a detailed description of the software bug.
Please provide a complete explanation of the software bug.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase reflects a Western cultural emphasis on precision and empirical detail, especially in legal and scientific history. In modern times, it has become a staple of 'police procedurals' and detective novels, where a 'detailed description' of a suspect is a classic plot device.
The 'Five Senses' Trick
To give a truly detailed description, try to mention what you saw, heard, and felt. It makes your English sound much more natural and vivid.
Don't Overdo It
In English, if you give a detailed description of something very boring, people might think you are being sarcastic or 'nerdy'.
In 15 Sekunden
- A thorough explanation that includes every small fact and feature.
- Used when you need someone to visualize something perfectly.
- Common in professional, legal, and storytelling contexts.
What It Means
Think of a detailed description as the opposite of a quick 'hello.' It is a deep dive into the facts. You aren't just saying a car is red. You are saying it is 'cherry red with silver rims and a small scratch on the door.' It covers the who, what, where, and especially the 'how.' It leaves no room for guessing.
How To Use It
You usually pair this with verbs like give, provide, or write. You can say, 'Can you give me a detailed description of the party?' It works for physical objects, people, or even abstract ideas. Use it when you want someone to stop being vague. It is the verbal equivalent of zooming in on a high-resolution photo.
When To Use It
Use it when accuracy matters most. If you are reporting a lost dog, you need a detailed description. In a job interview, you might give a detailed description of your past projects. Even when gossiping with friends, they might want a detailed description of your bad date. It shows you are paying attention to the small things.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it when you are in a rush. If a building is on fire, nobody wants a detailed description of the flames. They just want to know where the exit is! Also, avoid it if the topic is boring. Giving a detailed description of how you brushed your teeth will make people fall asleep. Keep it for the important stuff.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, especially in business, being 'detailed' is seen as being professional. It shows you are reliable and honest. However, in casual talk, some people might say 'too much information' (TMI) if your description gets too personal. There is a fine line between being helpful and being a chatterbox!
Common Variations
You might hear people say full account or in-depth report. Sometimes people just say 'give me the lowdown' in casual slang. However, detailed description remains the gold standard for being clear and thorough. It is the phrase that bridges the gap between a casual chat and a formal report.
Nutzungshinweise
This is a very safe 'workhorse' phrase. It fits almost any situation where you need more info. Just be careful not to confuse 'detailed' (full of facts) with 'long-winded' (boring and too long).
The 'Five Senses' Trick
To give a truly detailed description, try to mention what you saw, heard, and felt. It makes your English sound much more natural and vivid.
Don't Overdo It
In English, if you give a detailed description of something very boring, people might think you are being sarcastic or 'nerdy'.
The 'TMI' Factor
Americans often use 'detailed description' in a funny way when someone tells a gross story. They might say, 'I didn't need a detailed description of your surgery!'
Beispiele
6I gave the police a detailed description of my stolen bike.
I gave the police a complete explanation of my stolen bike.
Focuses on identifying features like color and serial number.
She wrote a detailed description of her perfect kitchen.
She wrote a complete explanation of her perfect kitchen.
Used for creative visualization and planning.
Please provide a detailed description of the software bug.
Please provide a complete explanation of the software bug.
Essential for technical troubleshooting.
Okay, stop teasing and give me a detailed description of him!
Okay, stop teasing and give me a complete explanation of him!
Informal use where 'detailed' implies gossip or physical looks.
I asked for a detailed description of the meal, not a history of the cow!
I asked for a complete explanation of the meal, not a history of the cow!
Used to joke about someone giving too much information.
The author's detailed description of the forest made me feel like I was there.
The author's complete explanation of the forest made me feel like I was there.
Refers to sensory details in literature.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the professional request.
To fix the engine, the mechanic needs a ___ description of the noise.
A 'detailed' description helps the mechanic identify the specific problem through small clues.
Which verb usually comes before 'detailed description'?
Could you please ___ a detailed description of the event?
'Provide' or 'give' are the most common collocations used with this phrase.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'Detailed Description'
Used with friends for gossip or stories.
Give me a detailed description of your date!
Standard use for everyday tasks.
I need a detailed description of the lost keys.
Used in legal or technical documents.
The witness provided a detailed description of the suspect.
Where to use 'Detailed Description'
At the Doctor
Describing symptoms precisely.
Online Shopping
Reading about a product's size and material.
Police Station
Reporting a crime or lost item.
Real Estate
Listing a house for sale.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is neutral. You can use it in a legal court or while texting your best friend about a new outfit.
Not really. 'Big' refers to size, while detailed refers to the amount of information. Stick with detailed.
A summary is short and hits the main points. A detailed description includes the small, specific things that a summary leaves out.
Yes! You can give a detailed description of someone's appearance or even their personality.
Absolutely. It is a very common phrase in academic writing to introduce a thorough analysis.
The most common are give, provide, write, and offer.
No, it can be spoken or written. If you are talking to a friend, you 'give' it verbally.
Yes, detailed describes the noun description. It tells us what kind of description it is.
Yes, that is also correct and means the same thing, though detailed description is a more common collocation.
You might call it 'overly detailed' or 'excessively detailed' if it provides more info than needed.
Verwandte Redewendungen
In-depth analysis
A very thorough look at a complex subject.
Blow-by-blow account
A description of an event exactly as it happened, step by step.
Comprehensive overview
A complete look at all parts of something.
Vivid imagery
Using words to create a strong, detailed picture in the mind.
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