detail and point share a recorded sense, so the question is not what they mean but which one fits. detail means “an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole”. point means “a geometric element that has position but no extension”. point is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/dɪˈteɪl/
1.n.an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole
“several of the details are similar”
2.n.a small part that can be considered separately from the whole
“it was perfect in all details”
3.n.extended treatment of particulars
“the essay contained too much detail”
/ˈpɔɪnt/
1.n.a geometric element that has position but no extension
“a point is defined by its coordinates”
2.n.the precise location of something; a spatially limited location
“she walked to a point where she could survey the whole street”
3.n.a brief version of the essential meaning of something
“get to the point”
| detail | point | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /dɪˈteɪl/ | /ˈpɔɪnt/ |
| Said | di-TAYL | poynt |
| Syllables | 2 | 1 |
| Letters | 6 | 5 |
| Parts of speech | noun, verb | noun, verb |
| Senses | 7 | 40 |
| How common | Common | Core |
| Synonyms | item, point | none recorded |
Full entry for detail · Full entry for point · More comparisons