ATD

What Does ATD Mean? (Using ATD Online)

ATD means "Attention To Detail." The phrase "Attention To Detail" is typically used when describing the personal attributes required of an applicant for a job. It indicates that the candidate should be capable of demonstrating thoroughness and accuracy when completing a task.

In text-based messaging, the abbreviation ATD is typically used in a friendly, sarcastic manner, as a form of mild rebuke for someone who has made an error through forgetfulness or through not paying attention.

Of note, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot both exemplify extreme ATD. Both these detectives are renowned for their ability to solve cases through their exceptional "Attention to Detail."

Image for ATD

When I write ATD, I mean this:

meaning of ATD

Sherlock always sweats the small stuff!

Summary of Key Points

"Attention to Detail" is the most common definition for ATD on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
ATD
Definition:Attention to Detail
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 3
3: Guessable
Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Examples of ATD in Sentences

Here are examples of ATD being used in conversations:
  • Watson: Well, what have we learned? Who dunnit?
  • Sherlock: Well, through paying ATD, I have deduced that it was clearly Colonel Mustard, in the Library, with the candle stick!
  • Headmaster: By golly! That man Hawkins shows incredible ATD!
  • Teacher: Indeed. I think he may go far.

An Academic Look at ATD

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Ay Tee Dee"), ATD is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

ATD is typically used as a noun (i.e., a naming word). For example:
  • I am noted for meticulous ATD.
  • (Here, ATD is being used as a noun.)

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "Attention To Detail" instead of using the abbreviation ATD.

Example of ATD Used in a Text

ATD
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