Are you a detail orientated person? Do you need to understand processes and details in your job or at home? Detail orientated people are in high demand in the workplace due to their meticulous review of their work.
This post unpacks everything you need to know about the origin, meaning, and use of the idiom "detail orientated" in conversation.
Detail Oriented Meaning
"Detail orientated" is a term describing people or processes. A detail orientated person requires structure and organization in their life, and they transfer that into everything they do. Typically, these individuals have a controlling personality, and they like to understand every step of a process or project, noting all the fine details involved with the situation.
Detail-orientated people are in high demand in the specialized workplace. They have a calculating personalities, and they are often thinkers that are slow to jump to conclusions without evidence. They believe in organization and structure, and most of them cannot work with people that have a carefree attitude.
Detail orientated people are through with everything they do in life, from work to how they carry out duties around their household. As a result, many detail orientated people are accused of being dry and lacking a compelling personality. You could think of a detail orientated person as an accountant.
An accountant's job involves precision and perfection. If they make mistakes, it could have severe repercussions for them or their company. A detail orientated person could also be a personal trainer. They run through a specialized training program and diet to achieve their expected results.
Detail-orientated is also a good way of describing advanced and complex processes. For instance, you could have a procedure involving accounting or training, requiring a detail orientated approach to handling the situation.
You can use the phrase detail orientated when talking directly to the person, describing their approach to handling a situation or process. You can also use the phrase when talking about the person with other people in the office or at home.
Detail Oriented Example Usage
"We're looking for a candidate that's smart, experienced, and detail orientated."
"Carol is a detail-orientated person; she'll figure out what's going on."
"Richard believes in a detail orientated approach to problem-solving."
"Ross decided to take a detail-orientated look at the task."
"Sally built her reputation in the accounting department due to her detail orientated approach to her work."
Detail Oriented Origin
There is no official explanation of when "detail orientated" first appeared in the English language. Some experts believe that the phrase appeared with the rise of the industrial revolution and the division of labor.
Others believe that "detail orientated" only appeared in language in the mid-1900s, in reference to a person's ability to take every last detail of their project or work into account before making a decision.
Phrases Similar to Detail Oriented
- Hyper-focused.
- To the tee.
- Playing by the book.
Phrases Opposite to Detail Oriented
- All over the place.
- Throw it to the wind.
- Careless and carefree.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Detail orientated.
- Detail-orientated.
- Details orientated.
Ways People May Say Detail Oriented Incorrectly
Some people may use the phrase "detail orientated" in the wrong way. The term doesn't refer to orientations; it relates to a person's personality or a complex process.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Detail Oriented
You can use the phrase "detail orientated" in social and professional settings. The term can refer to someone's actions or processes. You'll use the saying to describe a focused and complex approach or method. Typically, detail-orientated people are in high demand in the workplace, and they appreciate it when you note their productive habits.