precisely
gb/pɹɪsˈaɪsli/ us/pɹɪsˈaɪsli/
B1
English
~ 2500
pontosan
B1
1
pontosan
A2
Usage pattern:
to do [something] precisely
The machine is calibrated to cut the metal precisely to size.
A gépet úgy kalibrálták, hogy pontosan méretre vágja a fémet.
She followed the recipe precisely, down to the last pinch of salt.
Pontosan követte a receptet, az utolsó csipet sóig.
The GPS coordinates pinpointed the location precisely.
Learner examples
He measured the table precisely.
Pontosan megmérte az asztalt.
She spoke precisely about the problem.
Pontosan fogalmazott a problémával kapcsolatban.
The clock shows the time precisely.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'precisely' with 'carefully'. While both can involve attention, 'precisely' means exactness, not just caution.
Meaning
exactly and accurately
Collocations
precisely because
|precisely timed
|measured precisely
|precisely defined
|precisely what
Synonyms
exactly (The most common synonym; interchangeable in most contexts but slightly less formal.)
|
accurately (Focuses more on correctness than on detail or exactness.)
Antonyms
approximately (Means 'close to but not exact', the opposite of being precise.)
|
vaguely (Means 'without clear or exact details', the opposite of precision.)
Themes
communication
|measurement
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
In a way that is completely correct and exact.
In a way that is completely exact, accurate, and without any error or deviation.
B2
2
pontosan
A2
"So you think he's lying?" "Precisely."
„Szóval azt gondolod, hogy hazudik?” „Pontosan.”
"That's the reason we can't go." "Precisely so."
„Ez az oka, hogy nem tudunk menni.” „Pontosan így van.”
"You mean the meeting is at noon?" "Precisely."
Learner examples
"It is cold today." "Precisely."
„Ma hideg van.” „Pontosan.”
"You are right." "Precisely."
„Igazad van.” „Pontosan.”
"That is my point." "Precisely."
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'precisely' for agreement in casual speech, where 'exactly' is more common and natural.
Meaning
exactly, that's right
Collocations
yes, precisely
|precisely so
Synonyms
exactly (Most common equivalent in casual conversation for agreement.)
|
absolutely (Expresses strong agreement but without the nuance of exactness.)
Antonyms
not exactly (Used to indicate partial disagreement or correction.)
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to say that something is exactly right.
Used to emphasize strong agreement with what has just been said.
Grammar
Dictionary form
precisely
IPA
GB/pɹɪsˈaɪsli/
US/pɹɪsˈaɪsli/
Syllables & stress
pre - cisely (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cisely)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: precisely
- Plural: preciselies
Word family
Expressions
more precisely
1/mˈɔɹ pɹɪsˈaɪsli/
fixed phrase
to give a more exact detail
Used to correct or make a statement more exact.
Examples
- The meeting is on Monday—or, more precisely, Monday afternoon.
- She was born in France, or more precisely, in Paris.
quite precisely
1/kwˈaɪt pɹɪsˈaɪsli/
fixed phrase
with great accuracy
In a very exact and correct way.
Examples
- The instructions explain quite precisely how to assemble the chair.
- He calculated the cost quite precisely before buying.
state precisely
1/stˈeɪt pɹɪsˈaɪsli/
fixed phrase
formal
say something exactly and clearly
To say something in an exact and clear way.
Examples
- Please state precisely what happened that night.
- The report must state precisely how much was spent.