exact
gb/ɪɡzˈækt/ us/ɪɡzˈækt/
A2
English
~ 3500
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Completely correct or accurate
Fully correct, with no mistakes.
Usage pattern:
[something] is exact
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'exact' with 'approximate', which has the opposite meaning.
Synonyms
precise (Very close in meaning, but 'precise' can emphasize carefulness or attention to detail.)
Antonyms
inexact (Means not completely correct or accurate.)
Collocations
exact number
|exact location
|exact amount
|exact time
|exact match
Themes
accuracy
|measurement
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The exact address is written on the envelope.
- She gave me the exact amount I needed.
- This is the exact replica of the original painting.
- I can’t remember the exact date of the meeting.
- We need the exact measurements before cutting the wood.
Learner examples
- This is the exact answer.
- I know the exact time.
- He told me the exact place.
- We need the exact number.
- She gave the exact money.
Verb
B2
action
2
Demand and get by authority or force
To demand something and get it, often using power or threats.
Usage pattern:
to exact [something] from [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'exact' as a verb with 'expect', which means to look forward to something happening.
Synonyms
demand (A more general term; 'exact' suggests successfully obtaining it, often with force.)
Antonyms
give (In this context, to voluntarily offer instead of demanding.)
Collocations
exact a promise
|exact revenge
|exact payment
Themes
authority
|conflict
|law
|finance
Examples
- The king exacted heavy taxes from his subjects.
- They exacted revenge on their rivals.
- The law exacts strict penalties for fraud.
- He exacted a promise from her before agreeing.
- The rebels exacted payment from all merchants.
Learner examples
- The boss exacted money from them.
- The army exacted control over the city.
- He exacted revenge on his enemy.
- They exacted a promise from him.
- The law exacts a fine for speeding.
Grammar
Dictionary form
exact
IPA
GB/ɪɡzˈækt/
US/ɪɡzˈækt/
Syllables & stress
ex - act (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (act)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: exact
- Comparative: exacter
- Superlative: exactest
Verb
- Base: exact
- 3rd Person Singular: exacts
- Present Participle: exacting
- Past: exacted
Word family
Expressions
exact a toll
1/ɪɡzˈækt ə tˈoʊl/
fixed phrase
Cause harm through demands or pressure
To cause damage or suffering because of demands or pressure.
Examples
- The long hours of work began to exact a toll on his health.
- War can exact a heavy toll on civilians.
exact revenge
1/ɪɡzˈækt ɹivˈɛnd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Get revenge on someone
To punish someone because they hurt you first.
Examples
- After years of planning, she finally exacted revenge on her former business partner.
- The hero vowed to exact revenge for his family.
to be exact
1/tə bˈi ɪɡzˈækt/
fixed phrase
Clarify with complete accuracy
Used when giving more accurate information about what you just said.
Examples
- We met three years ago—three years and two months ago, to be exact.
- The trip will take five hours, or five and a half to be exact.