precisely
gb/pɹɪsˈaɪsli/ us/pɹɪsˈaɪsli/
B1
English
~ 2500
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
exactly and accurately
In a way that is completely correct and exact.
Usage pattern:
to do [something] precisely
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'precisely' with 'carefully'. While both can involve attention, 'precisely' means exactness, not just caution.
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.)
Collocations
precisely because
|precisely timed
|measured precisely
|precisely defined
|precisely what
Themes
communication
|measurement
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The machine is calibrated to cut the metal precisely to size.
- She followed the recipe precisely, down to the last pinch of salt.
- The GPS coordinates pinpointed the location precisely.
Learner examples
- He measured the table precisely.
- She spoke precisely about the problem.
- The clock shows the time precisely.
adverb
B2
relation
2
exactly, that's right
Used to say that something is exactly right.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'precisely' for agreement in casual speech, where 'exactly' is more common and natural.
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.)
Collocations
yes, precisely
|precisely so
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- "So you think he's lying?" "Precisely."
- "That's the reason we can't go." "Precisely so."
- "You mean the meeting is at noon?" "Precisely."
Learner examples
- "It is cold today." "Precisely."
- "You are right." "Precisely."
- "That is my point." "Precisely."
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.