What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confocal
Example
The confocal microscope allowed us to observe the cellular structure of the tissue. [confocal: adjective]
Example
The scientist used confocal microscopy to study the protein localization in the cell. [confocal: noun]
detailed
Example
The detective provided a detailed account of the crime scene. [detailed: adjective]
Example
The instructions were very detailed, making it easy to follow. [detailed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Detailed is more commonly used than confocal in everyday language. Detailed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while confocal is less common and refers to a specific technique in microscopy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between confocal and detailed?
Both confocal and detailed can be used in technical and scientific contexts, but confocal is more specialized and may be considered more formal due to its association with scientific language.