French Conversation · Level 11
89 words
French word
détailler
Pronunciation
IPA/detaje/
Meaning
- verbexplain in detail
Example
Il détaillait chaque étape.
He explained each step in detail.
More examples
Peux-tu détailler les coûts du projet ?
Can you detail the project's costs?
Core concept
An object opened into separate parts, with each part named and explained in turn.
Common phrases
détailler les coûts
detail the costs
détailler un projet
explain a project in detail
Similar words
expliquer: To make reasons or workings understandable through a logical explanation.
préciser: To make an unclear point, scope, or detail precise.
décrire: To give a detailed verbal account of an appearance or condition.
énumérer: To list items or components individually and in sequence.
Definition in French
Expliquer quelque chose en donnant des précisions sur chaque élément, ou énumérer ses parties.
Word origin
French détailler is related to détail, from Old French detail and ultimately de- plus taillier, "to cut"; its modern sense extends division into parts to describing each part.
Usage tips
- Détailler usually takes a direct object, as in détailler chaque étape, although the object can be omitted when the context is clear.