What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
detailist
Example
As a detailist, she always catches mistakes that others overlook. [detailist: noun]
Example
He spent hours poring over the report, making sure every detail was correct. [detailist: adjective]
perfectionist
Example
She's a perfectionist when it comes to her artwork, spending hours on each piece until it's just right. [perfectionist: noun]
Example
He has a perfectionist attitude towards his work, always striving to do better. [perfectionist: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Perfectionist is more commonly used than detailist in everyday language. Perfectionist is a more well-known term and is often used to describe someone who has high standards and is never satisfied with anything less than perfect. Detailist is a less common term but is still useful for describing someone who is meticulous and detail-oriented.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between detailist and perfectionist?
Both detailist and perfectionist are formal words that are appropriate for use in professional or academic contexts. However, perfectionist may have a slightly negative connotation in some contexts, while detailist is more neutral.
