exactly
gb/ɪɡzˈæktli/ us/ɪɡzˈæktli/
A2
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
In a completely accurate way
Used to say that something is 100% correct or the same in every detail.
Usage pattern:
exactly [number/amount/time/description]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'exactly' with 'about' or 'around', which mean the opposite in terms of precision.
Synonyms
precisely (Slightly more formal and often used in technical or careful contexts.)
Antonyms
approximately (Means about or nearly, not completely accurate.)
Collocations
exactly right
|exactly the same
|exactly what
|exactly where
|exactly how
Themes
communication
|measurement
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The train arrived at exactly 8:00 a.m.
- You look exactly like your sister.
- That's exactly what I was thinking.
- This is exactly the place I told you about.
Learner examples
- It is exactly ten o’clock.
- She is exactly the same age as me.
- He did exactly what I said.
- We met at exactly this spot.
adverb
A2
property
2
Used to show strong agreement
Used to say you agree 100% with someone’s idea or opinion.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'exactly' where a simple 'yes' would be more natural, especially in formal settings.
Synonyms
absolutely (Similar in agreement, but can also mean completely in other contexts.)
Antonyms
not really (Indicates disagreement or only partial agreement.)
Collocations
Exactly!
|Yes, exactly.
|That’s exactly it.
Themes
communication
|conversation
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- "So you think we should wait?" "Exactly!"
- "It’s better to be safe than sorry." "Exactly."
- "You mean we should try again tomorrow?" "Exactly."
Learner examples
- "It is too cold today." "Exactly!"
- "We need more time." "Exactly."
- "You mean we can go now?" "Exactly."
Grammar
Dictionary form
exactly
IPA
GB/ɪɡzˈæktli/
US/ɪɡzˈæktli/
Syllables & stress
ex - actly (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (actly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: exactly
- Plural: exactlies
Word family
Expressions
exactly right
1/ɪɡzˈæktli ɹˈaɪt/
fixed phrase
Fully correct without error
Completely correct; no mistakes.
Examples
- Your answer is exactly right.
- That’s exactly right, well done.
exactly the same
1/ɪɡzˈæktli ðə sˈeɪm/
fixed phrase
Completely identical in all ways
100% the same, no difference at all.
Examples
- These two photos are exactly the same.
- Her dress is exactly the same as mine.
exactly what I mean
1/ɪɡzˈæktli wˈʌt ˈaɪ mˈin/
fixed phrase
Matches my intended meaning perfectly
You said the same thing I was thinking.
Examples
- That’s exactly what I mean about being careful.
- You explained it perfectly — exactly what I mean.