English

exactness

gb/ɪɡzˈæktnəs/ us/ɪɡzˈæktnəs/
C1 English
Senses
0 senses
Noun C1 property
1

accuracy and precision

being completely correct and very precise

Usage pattern: the exactness of [measurement/data/figure/detail]
Common mistake:
Exactness is about being precise/correct; it does not mean "fast" or "perfect" in every way.
Synonyms
accuracy (emphasizes being correct rather than detailed.) | precision (emphasizes fine detail and small margins of error.)
Antonyms
inaccuracy (the presence of errors or incorrect information.) | imprecision (lack of fine detail or exact measurement.)
Collocations
a high degree of exactness |mathematical exactness |scientific exactness |exactness of measurement |exactness of the figures |verify the exactness |check the exactness |demand exactness |ensure exactness |absolute exactness
Themes
education |science |numbers |communication
Examples
  • The experiment depends on the exactness of the temperature readings.
  • We double-checked the report for exactness before sending it to the client.
  • Her calculations are known for their exactness.
Learner examples
  • This scale measures weight with exactness.
  • Please check the exactness of these numbers.
Noun C1 property
2

careful attention to details

being very careful and not missing details

Usage pattern: do [something] with exactness
Common mistake:
Do not confuse exactness (careful detail) with exact (meaning identical).
Synonyms
meticulousness (stronger emphasis on careful detail and thorough checking.) | thoroughness (emphasizes completeness more than precision.)
Antonyms
carelessness (lack of attention that leads to mistakes.) | sloppiness (messy or poorly done work due to low standards.)
Collocations
work with exactness |carry out with exactness |attention to exactness |painstaking exactness |a demand for exactness |insist on exactness |professional exactness |exactness in preparation |exactness in record-keeping |exactness in copying
Themes
work |education |daily_life
Examples
  • She edited the manuscript with exactness and patience.
  • The job requires exactness, because a small mistake can cause big problems.
  • He copied the text with such exactness that even the punctuation matched.
Learner examples
  • This work needs exactness.
  • He does his tasks with exactness.
Noun formal C1 property
3

strict correctness to standards

following rules or standards exactly

Usage pattern: require exactness in [procedure/format/specification]
Common mistake:
Exactness here is about not deviating from a standard, not about being "exactly on time" (punctuality).
Synonyms
strictness (focuses on enforcing rules rather than accuracy itself.) | rigor (often used for careful, disciplined adherence to methods or standards.)
Antonyms
laxity (not strict; allowing relaxed standards or deviations.) | flexibility (willingness to adapt rather than follow a fixed standard exactly.)
Collocations
exactness in procedure |exactness in format |exactness in compliance |specification exactness |legal exactness |technical exactness |insist on exactness |require exactness |exactness of adherence |exactness in execution
Themes
business |law |education |engineering
Examples
  • The application must be completed with exactness, or it will be rejected.
  • Their style guide demands exactness in capitalization and punctuation.
  • In aviation, exactness in procedure is a safety issue.
Learner examples
  • The teacher wants exactness in the format.
  • This process requires exactness.
Noun formal C2 property
4

literal, exact wording

using exactly the same words or meaning

Usage pattern: the exactness of [wording/quotation/translation]
Common mistake:
Exactness is not the same as "clarity"; a very exact statement can still be hard to understand.
Synonyms
literalness (emphasizes word-for-word matching, especially in interpretation or translation.) | verbatim accuracy (highlights exact reproduction of the same words.)
Antonyms
paraphrase (restating the idea in different words rather than the exact wording.) | approximation (giving something close to the original, not exact.)
Collocations
the exactness of the quotation |exactness of wording |exactness in translation |verbatim exactness |demand exactness in phrasing |quote with exactness |repeat with exactness |exactness of meaning |exactness of expression |insist on exactness of terms
Themes
language |communication |education
Examples
  • The lawyer questioned the exactness of the witness's quotation.
  • The translation aims for exactness of meaning rather than a word-for-word match.
  • He repeated her instructions with exactness, as if memorized.
Learner examples
  • Please copy this sentence with exactness.
Grammar
Dictionary form
exactness
IPA
GB/ɪɡzˈæktnəs/
US/ɪɡzˈæktnəs/
Syllables & stress
ex - act - ness (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (act)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: exactness
  • Plural: exactness
Word family
Core family
exact adjective A2 exactly adverb A2
Negative and opposite forms
inexact adjective inexactly adverb inexactness noun
Advanced or less common
exacting adjective
Expressions

No expressions linked to this entry yet.

Welcome back!

Please sign in to continue

Forgot password?
Don't have an account? Sign up