détaille

Détaille is a French verb form derived from détailler, meaning to give specifics or to break down into particulars. In everyday usage, détaille appears as the third-person singular present indicative: il détaille (he details). It can also appear as the imperative in the tu form, used as a command to tell someone to provide details, though the typical imperative forms are Détaille! (tu), Détaillez! (vous), and Détaillons! (nous). The form is inseparable from the verb and should not be confused with a standalone noun.

Etymology and meaning: The verb détailler comes from the prefix dé- plus tailler, “to cut.” The sense evolved from cutting into pieces to examining something piece by piece, or listing its parts. The related noun détaiL, détaiLs, is detailed in the sense of a particular item or element; the noun détour has a different root and meaning.

Usage and scope: Détail is commonly used to describe presenting information with precision and thoroughness. It appears in journalism, business reporting, technical writing, and everyday speech. Examples include “Le rapport détaille les coûts” (the report details the costs) and “Pouvez-vous détailler les étapes du processus ?” (could you detail the steps of the process?). The expression “en détail” signals a thorough, itemized treatment of a subject.

Relation to other terms: Détail is the related noun meaning a specific item, a particular, or a small part of a larger whole. Détaillez, détaillons, and détaillez are its principal conjugations used according to subject and mood. The concept contrasts with vague or summary descriptions, emphasizing specificity and clarity.