What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
detailed
Example
The article provided a detailed analysis of the situation. [detailed: adjective]
Example
She gave a detailed account of her trip to Europe. [detailed: adjective]
meticulous
Example
The artist was meticulous in her brushstrokes, ensuring every detail was perfect. [meticulous: adjective]
Example
He was a meticulous accountant, always double-checking his calculations. [meticulous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Detailed is more commonly used than meticulous in everyday language. Detailed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while meticulous is less common and tends to be used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between detailed and meticulous?
Meticulous is generally considered more formal than detailed. It is often used in professional or academic contexts to describe a high level of care and precision.