accurate
gb/ˈækjɚɪt/ us/ˈækjɚɪt/
B1
English
~ 2800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Correct and without mistakes
Correct and without any mistakes.
Usage pattern:
[something] is accurate
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'accurate' with 'precise'. 'Accurate' means correct overall, while 'precise' means exact in detail. Something can be precise but not accurate if it is exactly wrong.
Synonyms
precise (Often emphasizes exactness in detail rather than general correctness.)
|
correct (General term for being right or true, not necessarily with fine detail.)
Antonyms
inaccurate (Means not correct or containing mistakes.)
|
wrong (More general term for being incorrect or false.)
Collocations
accurate information
|accurate data
|accurate description
|accurate measurement
|accurate prediction
Themes
communication
|education
|science
|measurement
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The report was accurate in every detail.
- Your answer is accurate and matches the facts.
- She gave an accurate description of the suspect.
- The thermometer provides accurate temperature readings.
- This map is highly accurate and up-to-date.
Learner examples
- The test results are accurate.
- His answer is accurate.
- This map is accurate.
- Her report is accurate.
- The machine gives accurate numbers.
adjective
technical
B2
property
2
Exact in measurement or performance
Able to measure or work exactly as it should.
Usage pattern:
[instrument/method] is accurate
Synonyms
exact (Matches the true value exactly, often used in scientific or technical contexts.)
Antonyms
imprecise (Not exact in measurement or execution.)
Collocations
accurate reading
|accurate instrument
|accurate timing
|accurate calibration
Themes
science
|technology
|engineering
Examples
- This scale is accurate to within one gram.
- The GPS system provides highly accurate positioning data.
- An accurate clock is essential for the experiment.
Learner examples
- The ruler is very accurate.
- This watch is accurate to the second.
- The machine makes accurate cuts.
Grammar
Dictionary form
accurate
IPA
GB/ˈækjɚɪt/
US/ˈækjɚɪt/
Syllables & stress
ac - cur - ate (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ac)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: accurate
Word family
Core family
accuracy
noun B1
accurately
adverb B1
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
fair and accurate
1/fˈɛɹ ˈænd ˈækjɚɪt/
fixed phrase
Both just and correct
Both fair (not biased) and correct without mistakes.
Examples
- We need a fair and accurate report of the events.
- The judge's decision was fair and accurate.
to be accurate
1/tə bˈi ˈækjɚɪt/
fixed phrase
Clarify or correct a statement precisely
Used to make a statement more exact or correct something you just said.
Examples
- He was born in 1980—or, to be accurate, late 1979.
- The meeting is tomorrow, or to be accurate, at 9 a.m. tomorrow.