precision
gb/pɹisˈɪʒən/ us/pɹisˈɪʒən/
B2
English
~ 5000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
property
1
Exactness and accuracy
The state of being exact and correct, without mistakes.
Usage pattern:
[something] has precision
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'precision' with 'decision' due to similar sounds, or use it when 'accuracy' would be more natural.
Synonyms
accuracy (Often interchangeable, but 'accuracy' is about correctness, while 'precision' can also mean consistency in repeated results.)
Antonyms
inaccuracy (Refers to a lack of correctness or exactness, directly opposing precision.)
Collocations
high precision
|with precision
|precision measurement
|precision engineering
|lack of precision
Themes
science
|technology
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The surgeon performed the operation with great precision.
- High precision is required when assembling these parts.
- The report was written with remarkable precision and clarity.
- Scientists rely on instruments that offer high precision.
- She arranged the flowers with artistic precision.
Learner examples
- The machine cuts metal with precision.
- He spoke with precision so everyone understood.
- The watchmaker works with great precision.
- We need precision to build this model.
- The drawing shows every line with precision.
Noun
technical
C1
property
2
Measurement repeatability
In science, how close repeated measurements are to each other.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'precision' with 'accuracy', thinking they are identical in scientific contexts.
Synonyms
repeatability (Technical term focusing strictly on the ability to get the same result multiple times.)
Antonyms
variability (Refers to differences between repeated measurements, opposite of precision in this sense.)
Collocations
measurement precision
|precision level
|statistical precision
Themes
science
|engineering
|technology
Examples
- The instrument's precision was tested by running multiple trials.
- High precision in measurement ensures reliable scientific results.
- Precision and accuracy are both important but not the same.
Learner examples
- The scale has high precision.
- In science, we need good precision.
- Precision means you get the same result many times.
Grammar
Dictionary form
precision
IPA
GB/pɹisˈɪʒən/
US/pɹisˈɪʒən/
Syllables & stress
pre - ci - sion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ci)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: precision
- Plural: precision, precisions
Word family
Expressions
precision engineering
1/pɹisˈɪʒən ˈɛnd͡ʒənˈɪɹɪŋ/
fixed phrase
technical
Engineering requiring high accuracy
Engineering work where very small errors are not acceptable.
Examples
- Precision engineering is needed to make aircraft parts.
- This company specializes in precision engineering for medical devices.
precision strike
1/pɹisˈɪʒən stɹˈaɪk/
fixed phrase
technical
Accurate military attack on target
A military attack that is aimed exactly at a certain place to avoid hitting other things.
Examples
- The air force carried out a precision strike on the weapons depot.
- Precision strikes are designed to limit civilian casualties.
with precision
1/wˈɪθ pɹisˈɪʒən/
fixed phrase
In an exact and accurate way
To do something in a very exact and correct way.
Examples
- The dancer executed the routine with precision.
- He measured the chemicals with precision to ensure safety.